history of our fair

After many years without a county fair or fairground, it was the dream of the Celina Lions Club and others in the county to bring a first rate multipurpose recreational facility and fairgrounds to Clay County. Following a lengthy process of negotiations, in 1990 a long term lease for 55.8 acres of land was secured from the Corps of Engineers for public park and recreational purposes. The Lions Club did most of the groundwork in securing the lease, paid for the site preparation and built the first structure on the site (a concession stand and press box). Many volunteers donated time and equipment from the beginning. The building was donated to Clay County Government, and the Clay County Parks and Recreation Board now oversees the operation of the complex. Through the efforts of all of these people, Clay County now has a public events complex and the Clay County Fair.