The Henderson County Fair Park
was first started in 1969 on 24 acres of land donated by Harvey and
Ruby Duncan. The original arena was located in the area where the
Senior Citizens Center is located today. That arena served the
County for the Livestock show and other events held at that time. In
the early 1970’s the first metal build was built for the Livestock
show from funds donated by two anonymous donors.
In the late 1970’s two more
covered buildings were built for the livestock show. In the early
eighties plans were started for the current coliseum building to be
built. Construction started in 1984 and the building was completed
in 1985. In 1997 the J. D. Lewis arena and a covered building were
built behind the main coliseum. In 1985 the Fair Board consisted of
Jeff Fulgham Pres. John Morton Vice Pres. Helen Broome Sec-Tres.
J.D. Lewis, Kenneth McGee, Ben Johnson, Tom Dismukes, Alton
Tompkins, Larry Surls, Gerald Carter, Evelyn McKinney. These
individuals worked long and hard to help accomplish the building of
the Fair Park. Alfred Williams helped to build the first arena and
was very instrumental in the building of the present complex. A
Plaque placed on the south side of the building also gives special
recognition to Joe B. Fulgham, Howard Watson, Hank Longcrier and
Gayle Finch former County agent.
In 2000, the Fair Board
purchased 40 acres of land, which joined the Fairpark on the south
side and added an outdoor arena and 48 R V Hookups. The Fairpark has
a total of 64 acres, 2 covered arenas and 1 outdoor arena, 84 R V
hookups and 300 stalls. There are approximately 90,000 visitors a
year come through the facility. The facility is booked 51 weekends
of the year and several weekday events including a weekly barrel
race on Monday nights. The Fairpark was host to the worlds largest
2-day team roping ever held in October of 1999 with over 5200 teams
entered. The Fairpark is also host to 2 PRCA rodeos which no other
county or city has at this time. The first being the Athens Chamber
Rodeo in April; and the second in August the MDA benefit rodeo and
concert.
