In the fall of 1953, Highland County was gearing up for a bigger, better, and more action-packed county fair. The dates were set—September 10, 11, and 12—and for the first time, the Fair would stretch across three full days. To help kids fully enjoy the fun, the Highland County School Board even declared Friday, September 11, a school holiday.
Committees, Crafts, and Community Spirit
Pulling together such a grand event was no small feat, and Highland County’s best and brightest stepped up to make it happen. Leading the charge were dedicated committee heads including:
- E.B. Jones, Jr., county agent
- Russell Waggy
- Winfree A. Gutshall, school agriculture advisor
- Mrs. Virginia Rubush, home demonstration agent, overseeing exhibits and 4-H contributions
- Mrs. G. Jessee Hiner, head of the Hobby Show
- Miss Doreen Ralston, handicrafts
- Miss Betty Hansel, working with the Monterey Garden Club on the flower show
- Mr. M.M. Folks, entertainment
- Mrs. Ethel High and Mr. H.L. Mackey, refreshments
- Douglas Hebb, athletic events
- C.P. Gillespie, property
- J.E. Arbogast, Jousting Tournament, aided by Russell Bird, W.R. Hicklin, and I.W. Nicholas
- R.W. Buckland, School Superintendent, band music
- Mr. Paul L. Mauzy, pony rides
A Bigger and Better Fair at the Hannah Airport
Held at the Hannah Airport buildings, the 1953 Highland County Fair was billed as the “biggest yet.” It delivered on that promise with a carnival featuring a ferris wheel, kiddie rides, swings, the thrilling Bullet Ride, and side shows for all ages. Livestock exhibits included everything from fat steers to rabbits, and there were competitions for Herefords, Angus, and Shorthorns, plus swine, poultry, and more.
On Thursday, the excitement kicked off with a tractor driving contest, organized by William Obaugh, Bert Hawkins, Meade Swecker, and E.B. Jones. Participants of all ages took part—even a six-year-old boy and a brave young girl were among the first to register! Contestants were judged on safety of tractor operation and driving. International and Ford tractors were available if needed or contestants could bring their own piece of machinery.
At 2:00 p.m., the Monterey High School band led a colorful parade through Main Street, complete with steam engines, covered wagons, fire trucks, and more.
Thursday night featured a talent show and a Health Contest, while Friday brought livestock judging, farm displays, and a radio show hosted by Bob Strong of WAFC. The night ended with a good old-fashioned square dance and the Old Time Fiddlers Contest.
On Saturday, the fun kept rolling with a horse show, jousting tournament, and the highly anticipated Crowning of the Tournament Queen. That evening, the crowd enjoyed a band concert, capping off three days of Highland County fun.
All Hail the Queen… and Watch Out for the Horses!
The 1953 Queen of the Jousting Tournament was the teenage sister of Roy Loy, the winning knight from Augusta, West Virginia. But not everything went smoothly. During warmups for the jousting event, I.D. Gutshall, Jr. lost control of his horse. The startled animal bolted into a group of spectators, injuring Moser B. Herold of Minnehaha Springs, West Virginia.
Mr. Herold filed a $25,000 lawsuit in U.S. District Court against several locals involved in the fair:
- I.D. Gutshall, Jr. (rider)
- H.H. “Benny” Terry (Fair Committee Chairman)
- Pat S. Maloy, George R. Swecker, W.R. Stephenson, Jr., heads of sponsoring civic groups
- Andrew McCanny “Mack” Briscoe (owner of the horse)
Two years later in 1955, the court ruled in favor of Mr. Herold, awarding him $3,000 in damages. The ruling stated that the organizers should have taken better precautions, knowing the risks associated with excitable horses.
Proceeds from the 1955 Fair — about $600 to $700 — went toward covering the judgment costs.
A Lasting Legacy
Despite the courtroom drama, the 1953 Highland County Fair was a huge success. Credit was largely given to H.H. “Benny” Terry, whose leadership brought the whole event together. His efforts — and those of dozens of community members — cemented the fair as a cherished annual tradition.
This was also the year Highland printed its first official fair book, a tradition that continues to this day.