The History of the Big Butler Fair
170 Years of Agricultural Heritage
The Big Butler Fair was established in 1855 and held its first fair in 1856, making it one of the oldest continuously operating agricultural fairs in Pennsylvania. Over 170 years, the fair has grown from a small gathering at Kearns Crossing to Western Pennsylvania’s largest county fair, drawing over 100,000 visitors annually to the Butler Fairgrounds in Prospect, PA.
The Early Years: 1856–1902
Though established in 1855, the first Butler Fair was held in 1856 on a plot of land east of Kearns Crossing in Butler County. The following year, the fair moved to a site near the Pullman-Standard plant. Joseph Douthett served as the first president of the fair’s association, and under his direction, the fair prospered until activities were curtailed by the Civil War.
Following the war, the Butler Agricultural and Stock Association was formed to revive fair activities, with Judge James Braden as president. Eleven years later, the Butler Driving and Fair Association took over under G. J. Cross. A 33-acre plot was leased along what is now Hansen Avenue in Butler, PA, where a half-mile race track was built. In the tradition of county fairs, the association presented outstanding exhibitions of livestock and farm products alongside harness racing featuring well-known drivers and locally owned horses.
The fair continued to grow, purchasing additional land in 1888. Under the name Butler Agricultural Association, the fair operated as a successful annual event through 1902. That year, the Standard Steel Car Company purchased the fair property to build a railroad car manufacturing plant, forcing the Butler Fair to relocate after 45 years.
A New Home: 1903–Present
In 1903, the Big Butler Fair relocated to a 60-acre hilltop property west of the city of Butler. George A. Shaffner directed the development of the new fairgrounds, complete with cattle sheds, a midway, race track, and grandstand. By this time, Fair Week in Butler County had become the most colorful annual event in the region. Merchants in the City of Butler closed their stores at least one day during fair week for a summer holiday and homecoming. For the rural communities of the county, the fair meant basket picnics and family reunions. For the youngsters, it was an unforgettable week of carnival fun.
In 1928, R. J. Ferguson became president of the fair association, and under his leadership the discouraging years of the Great Depression were weathered. World War II continued to present challenges for the fair, but on August 15, 1945, the Butler Fair and a jubilant crowd celebrated the victorious Cease Fire of V-J Day together on the fairgrounds.
A New Era: Post-War Growth and the Move to Prospect
Following this uncertain era, the Butler Fair Association converted into a nonprofit organization, with A. J. Richards, son-in-law of Ferguson, serving as president. By this time, however, the expansion of the Butler area had caught up with the fairgrounds. In 1956, the fair’s property was selected by school authorities as the site for a new high school. After considerable confusion and much discouragement, the Big Butler Fair was reestablished in a new setting on Route 422, eight miles west of Butler and adjacent to the borough of Prospect in Butler County.
Roads were laid out, graded, and paved at the new location. Buildings were moved from the original site. New permanent structures were erected, and a new race track was constructed. A new Butler Fairgrounds came into existence on New Castle Road in Prospect, PA, where the Big Butler Fair remains to this day.
The Big Butler Fair Today
The Big Butler Fair, still at its longtime home in Prospect, PA, continues in the proud tradition of Pennsylvania’s county fairs and remains one of the most anticipated summer events for families across Western Pennsylvania, Eastern Ohio, and the tri-state region. Approximately 4,000 exhibitors participate in the fair each year, showcasing livestock, agricultural products, home arts, and more at the largest county fair in Western Pennsylvania.
Over 170 years after its founding, the Big Butler Fair draws more than 100,000 visitors annually from Butler, Allegheny, Westmoreland, Beaver, Lawrence, Armstrong, and surrounding counties. The fair continues to grow, evolving with the times while honoring the agricultural heritage and community values that have defined it since 1856.
Always Over the Fourth — Since 1856