By the time 1959 rolled around, the Highland County Fair had truly become a fixture of community life — and this year proved just how far it had come. With fresh leadership, creative entertainment, and strong community ties, the fairgrounds buzzed with new ideas and old-fashioned fun.
Fair Leaders Take the Reins
The Fair’s leadership saw a few changes this year, with George Hooke stepping in as President and George Payne named General Manager. With a strong team of vice presidents, treasurers, and assistant managers (including long-time Fair champion Terry Hicks), planning for the September 3–5 event began in earnest.
Each sponsoring organization — from the Monterey Lions Club to the Blue Grass, Stonewall, and Bolar Ruritans, plus the Highland County Chamber of Commerce — was not only represented but also rewarded. Thanks to a $1,900 profit from 1958, each group received a $300 share — a nod to just how much their hard work kept the Highland County Fair running.
Posters, Parades & Puppet Shows
The annual fair book continued to grow in scope and polish, with 1,200 copies printed and local artists contributing their creativity. A poster contest brought out Highland’s young talent, with Barbara Hevener of Hightown winning first place and her artwork gracing the cover. (Second and third went to Ralph Simmons of McDowell and Jay Eagle of Doe Hill.)
As usual, the parade committee got busy early, offering $50 to each participating band in hopes of securing at least four marching ensembles. While West Virginia bands weren’t eligible for prizes, they were still invited to help bring the music and pageantry. The Fair even made its mark on the community birthday calendar this year — a fun little footnote in the county’s annual rhythm.
And over in the entertainment lineup, something totally new: a puppet show put on by Mrs. M.T. White delighted the Friday night crowd.
Horses, Hay, and Hammer-Throwing Strength
On the fairgrounds, excitement rolled in from every corner. One major draw? A four-horse team from Canning Land and Cattle Company, scheduled to perform each afternoon and evening. (Nothing says “county fair” like strong horses in sync.)
A Horse Shoe Pitching Contest was added to Saturday’s schedule, and Fair planners — always thrifty and clever — even sold the hay from the fairgrounds to help support event expenses.
The carnival was booked through Smith Funland Shows of Ohio, offering rides including a merry-go-round and several other amusements. And thanks to Sgt. Wetsel of the U.S. Air Force, the Fair got a new public address system at no cost, other than the electricity to run it.
The Baby Show Adds a Little Something Sweet
The beloved Baby Show returned with a new twist: the Most Charming Duo category, featuring preschool-aged siblings — two brothers, two sisters, or brother-sister pairs — all decked out and ready to dazzle the crowd. It was just one more way the Fair found joy in family and youth.
And to make the event even more comfortable, the Baby Show had its own tent, courtesy of Brown’s Funeral Home in Franklin.
Wrestling Matches & Bingo Boards
For those wanting a little more action, the Highland County Fair delivered. A professional wrestling match was held on Thursday night at 8:30 p.m., adding a whole new layer of thrills to the week.
Bingo also returned by popular demand, with a dedicated committee organizing rounds throughout the Fair. Concession limits were set (two per group), and plenty of local clubs jumped in:
- Bull Pasture Women’s Club served coffee, donuts, milk, ice cream, and homemade cakes, plus offered novelty hats for children
- The Stonewall and Blue Grass Ruritans, Monterey Lions Club, Chamber of Commerce, and Highland FFA all pitched in with food, parking, and games
- Each group drew daily duties, keeping the Fair humming from morning until night
Admission prices ticked up slightly, with adults paying $0.75 per day or $1.50 for a season ticket (which included parking), and children (ages 6–14) still at a modest $0.25 per day or $0.75 for a season ticket. As always, children under school age entered free — one of the Fair’s most cherished traditions.
A Reflection on the First Years
As the 1950s drew to a close, organizers looked back on where it all began: a White Elephant Sale and square dance in 1951 that slowly grew into a community institution. By 1952, the fair had evolved into a full-fledged Fall Homecoming, complete with jousting tournaments, wildflower shows, and county-wide pride. Over the years, it moved from the Monterey Livestock Market to Hannah Airport and back again — always growing, always adapting.
It’s impossible to name every volunteer, planner, and helper, but one thing is clear: this Highland County Fair is a labor of love, held together by the people of Highland County. From float builders to pie bakers, from barn sweepers to bingo callers, it’s been a team effort from the beginning. And in 1959, that heart, spirit, and determination shone as brightly as ever.