History of the Titus County Fair
In the early 1900s, fairs were a major source of entertainment and education. As today, fair rides offered excitement and entertainment, various displays provided artisans and craftsmen a place to exhibit their skills. Before television and radio, fairs were about the only way that a commercial concern could exhibit their current and future products to a large audience in a short period of time. An active fair brought many visitors to a town, who spent money with merchants as well as at the fair.
In June, 1926 the Mt. Pleasant Chamber of Commerce decided that Titus County should have its own county fair in the coming fall. While planning for the Titus County Fair began in 1926, we find no records that the fair planned for the fall of 1926 was actually held.
The Titus County Fair was more than local entertainment -- it was a high profile marketing tool for local merchants and the town. The Chamber sponsored several "Good Will Tours" to surrounding counties to create interest in the new fair. A group of merchants and others traveled to surrounding towns in vehicle caravans where they handed out souvenirs and advertising novelties to promote their businesses and Titus County. The Mt. Pleasant Municipal Band traveled with the caravan and provided free concerts to attract attention at each stop.
Because the Titus County Fair is one of Titus County's longest-running events, and therefore one of this website's longest stories, we have split the fair's history into several web pages.
Click a link below or a blue number on the menu above to read about the long and colorful history of the Titus County Fair.
Please contact us if you have photos of Titus County Fairs or of the buildings and baseball parks that were once located on the Fair Grounds, including the old American Legion Hall.
