In the late 1800‘s, the Fair moved to a 25-acre plot on the northeastern part of the City of West Bend, known as Fair Park. Records show that at the 1868 County Fair, an admission fee was charged: 25¢ for adults 10¢ for children 25¢ for a 1-horse carriage 50¢ for a 2-horse carriage

In 1858, the first Fair was held at the Courthouse Square in West Bend. Farmers came to the Fair in ox carts. The wooden framed Courthouse housed the exhibits which needed protection from the elements. Some of the events held included: a plowing match where farmers plowed ¼ acre of stubble ground with horses....

Finally, in 1978 an attempt was made to establish a new Fair site at the Gundrum Property in Slinger but after many months of study this location was not feasible for the fair.

In 1993, an ad-hoc committee was formed consisting of County Board members and community people to once again find a solution to a new fair site. At this point, discussion centered around not just developing a new fairgrounds, but a 365-day, multipurpose facility “to enrich education, culture, economic and social opportunities” in all of...

In 1995, County personnel visited 12 potential sites located throughout Washington County.

In July of 1996, a suitable site was secured, a master plan was developed and adopted by the County Board of Supervisors in April of 1997.