It was incorporated in 1947 by local businessmen to showcase the county's assets. The first fair was held in 1948. Fairs in Dade City date back to 1915 but there hadn't been any for a long time when a group of local businessmen got together in 1947 to start a fair to showcase county resources. The group was led by San Antonio rancher D.E. Cannon, along with agriculture agent Jimmy Higgins and busi
nessmen George Nikolai, Bob Williams and Joe Collura.The group found a perfect location on 40 acres along State Road 52 and raised $3,500 to purchase the site. On April 7, 1947, the Pasco County Fair Association Inc. was chartered with the purpose of hosting an annual fair to promote youth and other county resources. The first documented county fair was Jan. 20 through 24, 1948. The association has remained an independent, non-profit organization since its founding. In other words, no tax dollars or other government funding is given to put on the annual fair. Rather the fair association relies on memberships, fair revenues and income from rentals of the buildings on the fairgrounds to continue. There are currently about 600 members. Memberships are available for $25 for individuals and $55 for families. Members receive free admission to the fair each day and free parking. Members are also invited to an annual membership meeting in April which include a free barbecue. Deadlines for memberships is January 31st. For memberships, stop by the Pasco County Fair Office, 36722 State Road 52, Dade City, FL 33526, or call (352) 567-6678.
