In October of 1858, a group of citizens met at the Burge & Hogue Drug store in downtown Platte City, and decided to hold the first county fair.  The following year, ground in Tracy was purchased, a covered grandstand was erected that would hold 7,000 people, and the fair was a glorious reunion of prosperous and happy people.  This information is chronicled in William Paxton’s Annals of Platte County.  Now one hundred and forty-five fairs later the Platte County Fair continues to be a glorious reunion site, and provides great family fun and entertainment for all ages.

This has been an exciting year for the Fair Board, as they recently completed the purchase of six acres of ground, and also received a donation of an additional thirteen acres of land. Future plans are to move the parking areas to the new grounds, and to provide a larger centralized area for our fair activities.

Our Grandstand Shows this year include the ever-popular Demolition Derby on Wednesday and Thursday nights and the Outlaw Tractor Pull and Street Diesel Pickup Pull on Friday night.  Saturday evening, watch the mud fly as we present our down and dirty Mud-A-Thon.

The highlights of Wednesday evening will be the crowning of the Platte County Fair Queen, the Missy/Master contest and the presentation of outstanding 4-H’ers and Ambassadors.  Senior Citizens are admitted free of charge on Thursday, and treated to Bingo and prizes.  Also on Thursday, sign up for the Adult Talent Contest or visit the Mule Show.

Come out early Saturday morning to watch the Horse Show, and participate in the Kid’s Games.  Round out your afternoon enjoying the Square dancers, Fiddle Contest, Super Farmer Contest, and Youth talent Showcase.

Kids will love the petting zoo, and the Midland Empire Shows will have rides and games with special promotions on Thursday evening and Saturday afternoon.  Be sure to visit the Mack Myers Building , where our Platte County 4-H youth proudly display their projects.  The county’s best arts, crafts, quilts, vegetables, jellies and jams will be featured at floral Hall.  There are lots on commercial exhibits and food stands, serving funnel cakes, onion blossoms, kettle corn, and the famous Platte County Krautburgers.

Sit, relax and listen to your favorite band at the Dirty Shame Saloon, Pavilion, or Platte Purchase, or laugh, boo and hiss at the nightly production of “Run To The Roundhouse, Nellie" - an old-west melodrama.

As you can see, the Platte County Fair Board has been diligently working all year long to make this county fair the best in the Midwest , and would not be possible without the enthusiastic support of area businesses, organizations and volunteers.

Have a great time at the fair,

Rick Hill
Platte County Fair 2008 President