In the spring of 1954, something exciting was brewing in Highland County. A group of community leaders — representing the Stonewall and Blue Grass Ruritan Clubs, the Monterey Lions Club, and the Chamber of Commerce — gathered to plan a Fair that would bring the entire county together for three unforgettable days that fall. Their mission? To make the 1954 Highland County Fair bigger, better, and more joyful than ever before.
Fast forward to September 2, 3, and 4 — and wow, did they deliver!
Homegrown Carnival Magic
Thanks to the generosity of Mr. Russell Bird and the Monterey Livestock Market, the land on both sides of Route 220 became fairgrounds buzzing with activity. A carnival popped up, complete with games and rides — many operated by local folks volunteering their time and talent. This wasn’t some corporate setup — it was a true community carnival with heart.
And like any well-oiled Highland County event, there were committees galore: horse shows, agriculture, hobbies and handicrafts, dances, lighting, commercial exhibits — you name it, someone was proudly running it.
Committees & Volunteers
- Horse Show: Terry Hicks, chairman; Wayne Schooler, Harper Terry, Dice Armstrong, and Robert Lockridge
- Publicity: V. Francis Reynolds, chairman; R.V. Buckland, and Mrs. K.H. Beverage
- Dance: M.M. Folks, chairman; Marvin Eagle, A.C. Powers, and Ralph Swecker
- Hobby and Handicrafts: Mrs. G. Jesse Hiner, chairman; Mrs. John Forbes, Mrs. W. B. Jenkins, and Ralph Lohr
- Agriculture: Bryan Folks and W.A. Gutshall, co-chairmen; Berlin Armstrong, Stanley Eye, Jimmy Varner, Ed Jones, Eddie Folks, George Reid Swecker, and Lewis Shumate
- Lighting: Ted Moore, Chairman; M.E.King, Melvin Johnson, Darwin King, Moffet Hull, and John Moyers
- Commercial Exhibits: Leslie Moyers, chairman; Pat Maloy, E.C. Devericks, and J.B. Campbell
Testing Reflexes and Counting Oats
Among the fun? The return of the “King and Queen of Health” contest for local kids aged 8 to 12. These titles weren’t just about good looks. Judging criteria included teeth, posture, general appearance, and healthy habits — with a perfect score totaling 100 points. The winners didn’t just walk away with bragging rights — they got free ride tickets too!
The fair also introduced a Safety Driving Contest, using a car rigged with a reflex-testing machine from an insurance company. Local citizens — ranging from law enforcement to club members — took the wheel to see how their reaction times stacked up.
And let’s not forget the great “Guess the Oats” game at the Highland Feeds booth. Out of 5,678 oats in the jar, two people guessed 5,680. Mrs. Lacy Moyers of Franklin, West Virginia, snagged first prize — 50 baby chicks and a bag of feed — because her entry card number was lower. Sandra Crummett of McDowell came in second and went home with flour and dog food.
Showtime for Stock and Crops
Over in the show rings, local livestock and crop exhibitors brought their best. Julian Folks swept the Fat Steer and Fat Lamb classes. Young shepherds showed off prized lambs across Hampshire, Southdown, Dorset, Suffolk, and Cheviot breeds. Breeding cattle like Hereford bulls and Shorthorns turned heads, too.
The Horse Show was a hit with riders like Harper Terry on “Babe” and Terry Hicks aboard “Honey Bay” showing off their skills, alongside draft horse displays and open plantation classes.
Over in crops and small animals, folks like Harlan Gillespie showed prized rabbits, while Jimmy Bird and others took home hay and potato prizes.
A Fair Fit for Knights and Neighbors
Perhaps the most unique event? A full-fledged Jousting Tournament. Oren Wolfe, dubbed “Knight of Old Hampshire,” came out on top after a four-way tie. That’s not something you see every day in Virginia!
Nighttime brought even more excitement. The annual Square Dance, held at Monterey High School, was a swinging success with Mack Ratcliffe and his “Happy-Go-Luckies” providing toe-tapping tunes. And 1954 saw the debut of something brand new—fireworks! The fair lit up the sky in a sparkling display of Highland County pride.
From barnyard to boot-stompin’ fun, from jousting to jars of oats, the 1954 Highland County Fair was a celebration of community spirit, rural pride, and good old-fashioned fun. It wasn’t just an event — it was a memory-maker for generations.
Do you have a photo, ribbon, or memory from the 1954 fair? We’d love to hear your story!