The Clark County Fair, which drew well over 100,000 visitors last weekend, unveiled a new exhibit that captured the attention of many guests — a collection of historic photos and posters featuring the fair’s 156-year history.
The new history exhibit replaces a John Deere display that had been part of the fair for approximately 75 years. Mike Kadow, a volunteer from La Center whose family has been involved in the fair for generations, explained that the tractor’s owner had moved east. Clark County fair manager John Morrison then assembled a team of volunteers, including Kadow, to search the fairgrounds’ storage for historically significant items. To Kadow’s surprise, posters and pictures from the fair’s past were found in excellent condition.
“It’s wonderful to be able to have this information,” Kadow said. “It’s remarkable that the fair has kept this history in an attic above their administration building.”
Under operations manager Jason Young’s direction, Kadow and volunteers created a timeline wall detailing the Clark County Fair’s history. The project took a few weeks and was completed just days before the fair’s opening.
The exhibit details a rich history of the Clark County Fair. It was originally held in Esther Short Park for its grand opening in 1868, moved to Battle Ground in 1928 and then relocated to the fairgrounds in 1955 after outgrowing its site. Since then, the fair has expanded its activities and involvement exponentially.
Kadow’s family has been involved in the fair since the 1950s. Earl Kadow, his uncle, served as the fair’s president during its move from Battle Ground to the current fairgrounds. Mike Kadow’s father, Richard, was the first superintendent of the beef barn. Mike operates a produce farm in La Center and continues to volunteer at the fair. He is pleased to support the fair by showcasing its rich history.
“It takes a village to be able to accomplish the things that we need to make it successful, and it’s all community involvement,” Kadow said. “I just try to carry on the tradition of our family and help out where needed.”
The Clark County Fair runs through Aug. 11. Visitors can view the history wall at the Featured Agricultural Exhibit/Grange Building (area 37 on the fair’s map). Farmers and ranchers, including Kadow, have exhibits of their farm operations and history near the history wall. More information about the fair’s history is available at clarkco eventcenter.com/p/other/history.
