New Mexico State Fair

We are about to celebrate and enjoy our State Fair this September 10-26 …. so here’s a bit of its early history.

The inaugural fair opened October 3, 1881, ran for five days, and was termed “New Mexico Agricultural, Mineral and Industrial Exposition.” Originally, the fairgrounds were located at what's now Rio Grande Boulevard and Central Avenue in Albuquerque. Exhibits consisted of fruits, vegetables, wines, liquors, harnesses, hardware, sewing machines, furniture, shoes, boots, crafts, paintings, photography, taxidermy, minerals, Indian pottery and jewelry, cigars, tobaccos, stock pens, horse track and refreshments.

The next year, the Fair was renamed “New Mexico Exposition and Driving Park Association” and included a three-ring circus, a four-mile foot race by Zuni Indians, and the Republican Territorial Convention. Baseball, which was quickly becoming the national pastime, was also showcased at the fair.

Over the ensuing years, the area was flooded when the Rio Grande overflowed; more than one unsuccessful attempt at hot air ballooning transpired; varieties of agriculture increased; gambling flourished along with burglaries and bar brawls. A few notable celebrities who have performed over the years include: Roy Rogers, Dale Evans and Trigger, Arthur Godfrey, Andy Griffith, Red Skelton, Pat Boone, Andy Williams, Clint Eastwood, Oak Ridge Boys, Barbara Mandrell, George Strait, Reba McEntire, the Beach Boys, Huey Lewis, Bob Hope, Brooks & Dunn, Martina McBride, and Tim McGraw.

If this has piqued your interest, call any of our information specialists for facts from the fair’s past and for information on this year’s extravaganza. You also can go to the New Mexico State Fair website!

by VB @SS