Marshall High School’s first football game was played at the fairgrounds
in 1894, and the schools’ inexperienced team was defeated by Olivet College, 60-0.

Throughout the 1950’s and the 60’s, the fair grew and prospered. The gradual addition of new and bigger mechanical rides, demolition derbies, big name entertainers and of course... “Girlie Shows,” added to the already immense entertainment of the county’s masses. Things were good and memories were made.

The fair has continued to have its ups and downs, good years and slim years, successes and failures. But it has endured. This year marks the 162nd year of the Calhoun County Fair. It deserves to be preserved and cherished as the oldest and one of the most
beloved grounds and county fairs in Michigan.