Behind the Scenes at the Washington County Fair: A Year of Work for Eight Days of Fun
The Washington County Agricultural Fair may be known for its rides, animals, food and family traditions, but the real work happens long before opening day. What many visitors never see is the year-round effort that keeps the fair running. According to former fair board president Jay Bayer, planning for the next fair begins “the second the fair is over.” While the eight-day event draws thousands every August, it takes thousands of volunteer hours to make it possible. Much of this preparation reflects the fair’s long and rich history, which continues to guide how the grounds are maintained and improved each year.
A Lifelong Tradition Turned Responsibility
Board member Joe McCloskey grew up attending the fair and later watched his children show animals in 4-H. When he joined the board, he quickly discovered how much happens behind the scenes. “For 40 years, I never knew any of this stuff went on,” he said. “When everybody else goes home, the fair board goes out, picks garbage, sets things up for the next day. People sit in the office until one, two, three in the morning counting money.”These long hours stretch far beyond fair week. McCloskey said many board members treat the summer like a full-time job, spending 60 to 70 hours a week preparing barns, coordinating shows and helping with major events like the rodeo and demolition derby. Throughout fair week many families follow the results of the market livestock shows, which highlight standout projects from youth in beef, swine, lamb, goat and small animal divisions. These events are just a fraction of what appears in the official fair schedule, which continues to expand with new activities, youth programs and entertainment.
A Fairgrounds That Operates Year-Round
Bayer said many people don’t realize that the fairgrounds function as a business. The eight days of the fair rarely generate enough income to cover expenses. “It is the oversight and the management of the fairgrounds the other 51 weeks of the year that generates the needed extra income,” he said.
Revenue from Expo Center Rentals, grounds rentals, national shows and storage helps keep admission affordable and allows the fair to offer full days of entertainment for families. These rentals and events also support hundreds of additional exhibitors and visitors each year.
Volunteers Keeping the Mission Alive
Both men emphasized that volunteers are the backbone of the fair. Board members negotiate contracts, coordinate vendors, manage financials and nurture relationships with county officials and sponsors. Their continued involvement directly supports the fair’s mission to promote agriculture, education and youth development through programs like 4-H and FFA.
Bayer said experienced volunteers play a crucial role in keeping the fair on track. “These people have played an integral role in keeping the fair thriving and successful,” he said.
Why Their Work Matters
One of the most meaningful ways the community can support the fair is by taking part in the annual market animal sale. McCloskey explained that many of the same buyers return year after year, and bringing in new local businesses would make a significant difference for the kids who dedicate months to raising their livestock. He also noted that families attending the fair can support the event simply by showing up, enjoying the programs and choosing to spend their day on the grounds. With weather playing a big role in attendance numbers each August, even one strong day at the gates helps sustain the fair for the future.
Despite the long hours, McCloskey said the reward makes it all worth it. “I enjoy seeing the people, the kids, the whole community come together,” he said. “For me, it’s fun.”
Staying connected through the fair’s social platforms, like Facebook and Instagram, also helps keep the community informed about updates, events and highlights throughout the year.
The Washington County Fair is more than eight days in August. It is a year-round effort powered by community members who show up, work hard and care deeply about preserving its legacy.