[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 115 (Tuesday, July 28, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2045]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     100TH ANNUAL PIKE COUNTY FAIR

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JEAN SCHMIDT

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 28, 2009

  Mrs. SCHMIDT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the start of 
the 100th annual Pike County Fair. In the mid-nineteenth century, 89 
farmers, including former Congressman John Van Meter, formed the Pike 
County Agricultural Society. Unfortunately, the demands of the Civil 
War caused the dissolution of the society. But, on March 21, 1907, 
forty-three subscribers--local farmers and businessmen, purchased the 
initial stock of the Pike County Fair Board.
  The first fair opened August 14th in conjunction with an opening on 
the Ohio Valley Racing Association circuit. The main attraction of the 
inaugural fair was harness racing. 10,000 people attended the three day 
fair. A harness racing track remains on the premises of the Pike County 
Fairgrounds, but races are now held a few days before the fair's 
opening. For three years, between 1954 and 1956, the fair did not occur 
due to a land lease disagreement. In 1957 the fair resumed after the 
signing of a new agreement and the construction of a new grandstand and 
horse barn.
  The Pike County Fair continues to be a great event for all of the 
citizens of Pike County. Children for over 100 years have gained 
valuable tools for a successful life in agriculture as a result of 
their participation in the Pike County Fair.
  Madam Speaker, I ask you to join me in congratulating the Pike County 
Fair Board for this momentous occasion and wish them continued success 
in the future.

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