About the Stafford Fair

The first annual Stafford County Club and School Fair was held at Stafford High School on October 21, 1922 for two days conducted by the School Board, and officers of the Fair; W.D Peyton, president; James Ashby, secretary & treasurer; V.B Perry, manager. The first fair also involved a school parade, marching from Stafford High School to the Courthouse. On October 18, 1929, it was reported that the Agricultural Department, directed by R.L. Reid, Hayden Silver and Grafton Greenlaw, was one of the best exhibits in years. They also held educational and domestic art exhibits inside the school building. The fair was cancelled in 1930 due to drought conditions and revived in the fall of 1931 by combining “Achievement Day” with the County Fair. At that time, it was reported that this fair would be the most notable of all county-wide gatherings. “It is designed for all the people and it is estimated that more people meet at it and intermingle in social pleasure than at any other event in the county’s annual history.” The Fair did not operate during WWII. It was revived in 1948 to be held for many years at the new Falmouth High School. In 1959, Mrs. Deichman former manager of the Stafford County fair and other officers of the Stafford County Fair were sought after to renew and organize the “area-wide” Fredericksburg Fair where Mrs. Deichman served as Treasurer.

Over fifty years of history had passed since Stafford held its own fair. Gordon Shelton stepped up to revive the Stafford Fair in the fall of 2010. In keeping with tradition, he held the fair in the fall on school grounds. The Fair, held at Mountain View High School for the first few year had quickly outgrown the field in front of the school and moved behind the Margaret Brent Elementary School in 2014.

At the new location, we were able to add a demolition derby and a tractor pull arena and make room for a temporary homemaking building, tents for the 4H and animals, pony shows, music concerts and more exhibits. In 2015, we held our first Miss Stafford County Pageant bringing our queen to the VAF competition.

The Fair continues to grow as a non-profit, volunteer organization. We are not supported by any government entity. We are in need of permanent grounds.

Each year we are able to promote agriculture, community spirit, family fun events, motor sports, home making contests, 4H competition, vendor’s, petting zoo, pumpkin patch, pony rides, and carnival rides, food and overall fun for everyone!

We are proud to have been able to provide the opportunity for Fire & Rescue teams to demonstrate and receive special training in the Jaws of Life recovery from automobiles.

We happily dedicate our time to the Stafford County Christmas Parade, which began in 2015 dedicated to Sheriff Charlie Jett and Clerk of the Court Barbara Decatur. In 2020, due to COVID, the parade location was moved to the fairgrounds. The parade is now held on the 3rd Saturday in December every year at the Fairgrounds.

Gordon Shelton, Fair Manager is honored to be on the Board of Directors for the Virginia Association of Fairs.