Forgottonia’s Fairground Legacy
By: Forgottonia Times™ Report
When you think of a county fair, what comes to mind? Maybe the races or live music? Certainly, the Ferris wheel and lots of deliciously gluttonous food! But have you ever stopped to consider how these celebrations began? County fairs weren't just about fun—they were born from the hard work, ingenuity, and pride of farmers. For generations, Forgottonia's farmers displayed their finest livestock, competed for top honors, and shared innovations that would shape farming techniques for years to come, all at their county fair.
The tradition of agricultural exhibitions began as a way to foster pride and progress. Farmers sought to demonstrate their superior produce, livestock, and farming techniques—hoping to earn recognition and attract business.
These competitions culminated in what we now know as county fairs, the longest-running being Forgottonia's own Knox County Fair. In 1839, a small group of agricultural competitions took place in Knoxville, held on the public square and in a grove on the town's east side. In 1851, the fair was officially chartered by the Illinois State Department of Agriculture.
The fair flourished over the years, with the attendance steadily growing. In 1904, the event drew more than 10,000 visitors, and by 1937, it set a new record—an attendance of more than 20,000 people, with over 2,000 competitors.
Horse expositions, such as harness races, draft horse pulls, chariot races, and wagon races, were a staple of many early fairs, and these events became a key attraction at the Knox County Fair. The region's connection to horses ran even deeper with the emergence of the Bushnell Horse Show in 1908, which quickly grew into one of the largest and most prestigious horse shows in the Midwest. Central to the show was the Truman Pioneer Stud Farm, known for its importation of high-quality Belgians and Percherons. From 1900 to 1918, Truman's farm earned the title of America's largest horse importer, and Bushnell gained the distinction of being the "Horse Capital of the United States." The farm's remarkable reputation drew horse enthusiasts from across the nation, even attracting visitors from Canada.
Horses set the stage for farmers and breeders to show off the strength of their animals. As farming evolved, so did the fairs, and the draft horse pulls gradually gave way to the powerful tractor and truck pulls we see today. These competitions continue to highlight the connection between farm machinery and the enduring spirit of the rural community, drawing crowds eager to witness the raw power and skill that make these events so exciting.
These fairs are a living testament to the heart of rural Illinois, where agriculture still drives progress and fosters community. As we celebrate this summer, let our county fairs serve as a reminder of the enduring spirit that defines Forgottonia.