Scb County Fair

Scotts Bluff County Fair

Annual celebration in August, held at the Scotts Bluff County Fairgrounds in Mitchell. Events include a rodeo, queen and scholarship competition, 4-H exhibits and shows, concerts, a carnival, and a parade in downtown Mitchell.

Fairgrounds History

The Scotts Bluff County Fair Association was organized in 1889. Frank Beers was the President. Farmers were invited to bring their grain and other products to town for exhibit, which were displayed in a vacant livery barn owned by Ed Brown.

The first county fair in Scotts Bluff County was held in Gering in 1890. Horse racing was very popular, and the main street of Gering was used for this event. No buildings of any value were erected in Gering for the Fair, but a tract of land in the southeast part of town was secured for a race track for horse racing. Agricultural and other exhibits were displayed in different buildings in Gering.

When Burlington Northern built its railroad on the north side of the river in 1900, some Gering businessmen moved to Scottsbluff. Mr. Beers, the President of the Fair Association, moved his hardware store to Mitchell. Gering continued to hold the County Fair; however, Mr. Beers began to make plans with other Mitchell men to hold the County Fair in Mitchell. In 1910, there was a significant land transfer in Mitchell, and the Mitchell Fair Association was formed. The members were Mitchell business men.

A race track was built, and Mitchell hosted two fairs. There were no buildings, so a tent was brought in from Denver to house the exhibits. Some livestock was entered, but there were no stables. The animals were simply tied to trees. The first building erected was a stable for the race horses. Originally located on the south side of the entrance gate, it was later moved further south. Twelve additional acres were purchased as well.

On January 12, 1912, the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of the Scotts Bluff County Fair Association was held. Frank Beers had been quietly purchasing fair stock, and now the Mitchell men had the controlling amount. Mr. Beers was then elected President to succeed himself! When the Vice President was elected, the Gering stockholders became aware that Mitchell men held the majority of the shares. Since they knew the fair was getting away from them, a vote to move the fair to Mitchell followed.

Since that time, numerous people in the Valley have been instrumental in improving and volunteering at the fair. They have gladly donated their time and influence, and the Scotts Bluff County Fair has grown to be one of the best county fairs in the Nebraska Panhandle region. It is no longer owned by stockholders, but by the Scotts Bluff County Agricultural Society.

On January 18, 1934, a building used for a dance hall burned to the ground. Credit was extended to the Fair Board by Mr. J. L. Sanford to replace the hall. The grand opening was held on March 28, 1934. Since that time, the building has been known as "Sanford Hall" and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The American Legion hosted dances featuring orchestra greats such as Lawrence Welk, Jan Garber, and Joe Kayser.

In 1986, the new Livestock Barn was erected to hold cattle, hogs, and sheep. There was also enough room for a show arena and crow's nest.

Between 1990 and 1991, most of the smaller buildings on the grounds were torn down. They were replaced by a 225' x 120' building, known as the Scotts Bluff County Event Center.

Scotts Bluff County Fair During the 1950's

Some of the Original Buildings Removed to Construct the Event Center

Entrance to Fairgrounds Race Track Area

Entrance Today

Fair Events:

Demolition Derby

Rodeo

The Scotts Bluff County Fair has two nights of NSRA Sanctioned Rodeo

Concert

Lawn Mower Races

Lawnmower Races

Carnival

Cowboy Mounted Shooting - New for 2004

Rubber Check Race

Want some excitement?

How does horses, 4-wheelers, and wheelbarrows in a race sound?

Come join us for the Annual Rubber Check Race!

This event originated with the idea of the baton representing a rubber check passed on to a banker.

This race consists of teams having 2 horseback riders, an ATV Rider, and a wheelbarrow pusher.

The first horse rider makes one lap and hands the baton off to the second rider.

Draft Horse Pull - New for 2004

Motorcross Races

Scotts Bluff County Fair Facilities:

Buildings at the Scotts Bluff County Fairgrounds are available for rent year-round.

The Event Center is 118 ft. wide by 209 ft. long. It has been used for dances, circuses, weddings, indoor bull riding, auctions, conventions, anniversaries, graduations, Quincieneras, concerts, and funerals. The building has a separate 28'x53' meeting room and a kitchen.

There are also 75 camping spots with electrical hookups. These are also available for rent year-round. Showers and a dump station are located at the entrance to the Fairgrounds. Stalls are also available for those who travel with their horses.

The cost for camping with electrical hookup is $15 per night; without electricity $10 per night. Weekly and monthly rates are also available. Stall rental charges are $10 per horse per night.

There is a drop slot in the door of the Office for your convenience.

Construction on the Event Center began in 1990

Building Completed in 1991

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