In 1860, Douglas County's first agricultural fair was held in Oakland on November 2nd. Through the 1880's Roseburg was the site of the Southern Oregon District Fair, encompassing Jackson, Josephine, Coos, Curry and Douglas Counties. People came from all over the state by train, buggy and horse back.

Most of the activity was around the race track where Harness Races were run on the Frank Alley Ranch located on east Douglas Street. Many old timers brought flowers, handiwork, baked goods and crafts to display. Mr. Frank Alley eventually lost the ranch . . . due to betting on his own horses.

In 1920 there was finally enough support generated for a County Fair, which was held in Reedsport for about $750.

During the depression, the fair activity died out. For about twenty years nothing was done locally.

In 1937, Earl Britton was head of the 4-H clubs in Douglas County and he tried to revive an interest in a local fair again. It began with 4-H displays in the Armory.

In 1944 the County Court signed an order for the purchase of land where the present Fairgrounds is located. Voters approved a $30,000 tax levy to buy the property. An advisory board was appointed, followed by the first Fair Board. In 1945, Paul Abeel became the first Fair Manager. At that time there was one display building where 4-H and FFA activities were held. The Douglas County Sheriff's Posse was an active leader in development of the site, conducting rodeos on the grounds and promoting the construction of barns and the Pavilion arena.

1947 Sig Fett instituted the building of a wooden grandstand using inmate labor.

1949 through 1952 the first fairs were for 4-H clubs only and was known as the Junior Livestock Show.

1953 Dick Turley was named the Fair Manager, the youngest Fair Manager in the nation. Open class competition was started at the Fair, there were 30 exhibitors and 184 entries. 12,000 people attended the event and about $4,000 was paid out in premiums. Where the Floral building is located there was a zoo, its inhabitants included a yearling buffalo, bob cat, stump-tailed Macaque and two white-handed Gibbon Apes. Two bear cubs and six fawns. Birds include hawks, pheasants, peacocks, pigeons, owls, ducks and a raven, the bald eagle was one of the favorites. The Fair run four days, Wednesday, Exhibitor's Day; Thursday, Farmer's Day; Friday, Logger's Day; and Saturday, Sportsmen's Day. Roseburg Rod & Gun Club staged shooting exhibitions in the infield of the track. Ott & Ricketts Revue talent show a major feature of the fair. Two Barns ("A" Barn), the Poultry & Rabbit building were constructed and the Pavilion was enlarged.

1954 The Fair attendance grew to about 20,000 and premiums reach $7,000. Each Garden Club was provided a small area 3 ft front and 2 ft depth to carry out any theme they choose. Premiums were 1st place $10; 2nd place $7.50; 3rd place $5.00. The Hobby/Craft Division was added for Exhibitors. The Roseburg Rotary Club sponsored the Junior Livestock Auction taking place immediately after the free BBQ sponsored by the Douglas County Fair. Fair days were Thursday through Sunday. Fair Theme, "Come to the Fair". Carnival was Rainier Carnival Shows.

1955 The Community Building and offices were constructed and ready for the County Fair. The County Fair was three days, August 26-28th.

1956 Fair dates, August 22-26. Areas near the Pavilion and grandstands were blacktopped to keep down the dust. Bleachers were built in the Pavilion. Dedication of the smallest County park in the United States, 20 by 60 feet all blacktopped. The park was near the Pavilion, purpose of the park was to provide fair-goers picnic space. A new exhibit space provided for Garden Clubs under a new covered show arena, adjacent to the Pavilion. Each space 8 feet by 12 feet with plywood sides provided by the Fair Board. If desired soil and gravel will be provided. Fair Theme, "Have Fun At The Fair". Fair attendance was 27,500, Davis Shows Carnival.

1960 Douglas County Fair and Exposition, attendance was 44,141, Fair Theme, "Water is Wealth". Fair dates were August 25 through 28th. The amazing Dancing Waters were the featured attraction at the Fair. The Dancing Waters come to Douglas County from New York's famous Radio City Music Hall. Garden Clubs provided water garden displays through out the fairgrounds. Twenty four contestants competed in the bathing beauty contest for "Queen of the Fair" title. John Strong Circus and professional wrestling were additional attractions. The Exhibit Building is constructed, a 252 by 144 foot building. New horse barns were constructed and the Community Building stage was added and the south ticket office and entry. Also the new dormitory and shop building were built all were ready for the 1960 Fair.

1961 Douglas County Fair and Exposition, August 24 through 27th, (Thursday through Sunday). Dick Turley and Jack Smith built a Calliope on an old Oldsmobile chasse. This was used for all parades and celebrations in town as well as advertising the Fair. Community Exhibits were changed to "Farm Organization Booths" commonly known as the Grange Booths. Fair Theme, "Have Fun At The Fair". Fair attendance was 56,126 for the four day fair run. Queen of the Fair contest and a free Hawaiian Holiday trip for two was awarded at the Fair.

1962 Dick Turley resigned as Fair Manager. Bert Allenby became Fair Manager. The Fair became a five day event Wednesday through Sunday, August 15 through 19th, with attendance at 61,500. Bert added many divisions in the open class, including livestock for adults. The Roseburg Fair had more categories in the divisions than any other fair in the state of Oregon, which Bert was very proud of. The Douglas County Fair and Exposition ~ Fair Theme, "Parade of American Progress to Superior Living". Attractions included Rudy Brothers Shrine Circus, Marionette Puppet, beauty contests, West Coast Shows Carnival. A new addition was built on to the Girls Dormitory and a new "A" barn was constructed. The world's tallest space needle was erected in which live radio broadcasts were given.

1963 The Douglas County Fair and Exposition Theme, "The Magic Year", attendance, 63,066. Fair dates were August 14 - 18th. Food available included: watermelon bars, milkshakes, sno cones, cotton candy, candied apples, and pronto pups. Wednesday designated as "Kids Day". Two men volunteered their services and put together 300 feet of rock planters. Douglas County Fair was second place only to the State Fair in the range of exhibits in livestock, foods, baked goods, arts and crafts, etc. $25,000 paid out in premiums. Restaurant Row was built to accommodate 300 people and Fair staff built a portable 30'x24' stage on wheels for stage shows.

1964 Fair Theme, "Hey, Look us Over" Fair attendance, 65,887. Great effort is made to make the fairgrounds a year-around facility, hosting conventions, motorcycle racing, professional wrestling, and horse shows. Pepsi Kids Day was instituted for opening day of the Fair. The Fair was expanded to Umpqua Park to be used for Ricketts Review and Talent Contest, Roseburg Lions Club served an inexpensive barbecue dinner and the Roseburg German Band offered a "concert in the park". Picnic facilities and play areas with playground equipment for the children. Transportation to the park was provided by Umpqua Dairy on an open air bus-vehicle.

The Fair Manager wanted a new fair symbol to replace "Doug" the horse, a contest was planned. The area around the Dormitories was blacktopped. Fairground staff built a portable stage to place in front of the grandstands for entertainment. Sky King (Kirby Grant) was booked , famous for his cowboy television show. He flew into Roseburg in his private Cessna plane which he piloted himself. Other featured entertainment included The Frontiersmen and Joanie, considered America's number one western vocal group. Charley Chaney playing piano and comedy show. Carnival was West Coast Shows.

1965 A new Fairgrounds mascot and symbol, Dougy was introduced. Dougy is a cartoon type character dressed as a logger. The mascot was used in parades and celebrations around the county. Fair Theme, " Nature's Bounty". Fair attendance, 61,242, fair dates changed from Wednesday through Sunday to Tuesday through Saturday. Improvements to the south end of the Pavilion, loading dock, pen spaces for holding livestock, concession area and meeting area. Construction of a quarter-mile, hard surface track for hardtop vehicle racing. The raceway was developed inside the existing 3/8-mile horse track. Other construction included the pit area and a barrier and wheel fence erected in front of the grandstands for safety purposes. Pacific Racing Association to operate the races.

1966 Fair attendance had grown to 68,064 and had 962 entries in open class,, this year season tickets become available for Fair patrons.. The Teen Fair began and The Diaper Derby instituted The Teen Fair was a fair-within-a-fair, entrance through the "Tijuana Jail" gateway in Umpqua Park. Displays of particular interest to the modern young person. Daily contests offering $100 cash prizes daily and always an evening dance. The Floral building and Museum were constructed. The architects received an award of merit for the design of both buildings.

1967 Fair Theme, "Our Land of Liberty". Fair Dates, August 8 - 12th; Fair attendance, 65,782. Entertainment, Sons of the Pioneers, Auto Racing and Skydivers. Senior Citizen's Club provided free wheelchair service. Seniors admitted at half price on Wednesday, Senior Day. Flags of 50 states portrayed the fair theme and daily ceremonies with bugle and cannon salutes with the Marine color guard.

1968 Tennis courts were built in Umpqua Park. Fair Theme, "Viva! Elesta". Fair attendance, 68,266.

1969 The Floral building and Museum building structures received architectural acclaim and some criticism for their non-traditional appearance. Fair Theme, "Something Old, Something New." Fair attendance, 67,006.

1970 Douglas Hall building was constructed. The Fair booked it's first big-name entertainer, Jeannie C. Riley, Ferlin Huskey Show, The Haggers Show (Hee-Haw). Attendance reach 71,198 and there were 1451 individuals to exhibit in open class. Fair Theme, "Timber r r!"

1971 Fair Theme, "Play & Display". Fair attendance, 70,326. Entertainment was Roy Clark, Shep Wooley, The Geezinslaw Brothers, Mandrake the Magician.

1972 Attendance at the County Fair reached an all time high of 76,326. Big name entertainers were Lynn Anderson, Shari Lewis and JoAnn Castle. Fair Theme "Music puts it all together!" The Douglas County Christmas Fair was instituted the first weekend in December as a three day event. Vendor spaces were sold in three buildings, Douglas Hall, Community Building and Floral Building. Vendors must be Douglas County residents and all items must be hand-crafted, nothing mass produced.

1973 The attendance once again increased to 80,583 and a single day record of 24,540 for the "Kids Day" and Anne Murray evening show, additional entertainers were Susan Raye, Grandpa Jones and John Gary. Fair Theme, "Accent on Color". The Christmas Fair was so popular that vendors would camp out in front of the Fair office for a space.

1974 Fair Theme, "The Name of the Game is... " Fair attendance, 77,134 entertainers were Glenn Ash with R.C. Bannon, The King Family with Jerry Reed, George Lindsay, Pat Roberts.

1975 The largest year for Fair attendance with 84,631. Fair Theme, "Great Moments in History". Fair entertainment, Jeannie Riley, Johnny Russell, Barbara Fairchild, Statler Brothers. The new Grandstand was constructed.

1976 With two days of rain, attendance was 80,849. There were 1710 exhibitors in open class competition and more than $19,000 was paid out in premiums. Fair Theme, "Happy Birthday, U.S.A." 200 years, entertainment Hank Williams, Doug Kershaw, and Guy & Ralna.

1977 Fair Theme, "Country Hoe Down". Fair attendance, 75,931, entertainment C.W. McCall, Freddy Fender, Clay Hart and Sally Flynn.

1978 Fair Theme, "More Fun Than A Barrel of Monkeys". Fair attendance, 76,787, entertainment Billy Carter with Marty Davis Show, The New Christy Minstrels, Buck Owens & The Buckaroos, The Flying Karamazov Brothers.

1979 Fair Theme, "Let's All Pull Together". Fair attendance, 88,231, entertainment Roger Miller, Jana Jae, Ray Stevens. The RV Park was constructed with 50 spaces and electrical hook-up.

1980 Fair Theme, "Picture Your Family At The Fair". Fair attendance, 89,767, entertainment The Kingston Trio, Jose Feliciano, George Jones. The indoor River Arena was constructed.

1981 Fair Theme, "There's A Tree in Your Future". Entertainment, Tammy Wynette, Rick Nelson, Portland Wrestling, Destruction Derby, attendance 82,642.

1982 Ron Ingberg was hired as Manager, previously Manager of the Oregon State Fair and Multnomah County Fair. Fair Theme, "Just For Fun". Entertainment, Razzy Bailey, Stella Parton, B.J. Thomas, attendance 79,824. Ron got his friend, Ron Burback to come to Douglas County and set up some game booths and a few rides, thus the start of Funtastic Traveling Show & Carnival.

1983 Fair Theme, "All New For You". Entertainment, Janie Fricke, Mickey Gilley, Rick Nelson, attendance 87,626.

1984 Fair Theme, "Doug's Olympics". Entertainment, Roger Miller, Hoyt Axton, Johnny Lee, Dottie West, attendance 85,482.

1985 Fair Theme, "Love A-Fair", attendance, 79,808, entertainment Sawyer Brown, 234th Army Band, Marshall Tucker Band and Johnny Rivers.

1986 Fair Theme, "Something to Crow About". Merle Haggard was scheduled as the headline entertainment, but did not show up. Entertainment was The Shoppe, All American Boys, attendance 77,095.

1987 The Fair awarded over $26,000 in premiums to many of the 5,000 exhibitors who made over 11,000 entries. Fair Theme, "Pride of the County". Entertainment was Johnny Cash, The Shoppe, Jan & Dean, Brenda Lee, attendance 89,767.

1988 Fair Theme, "Better Than Great in 88". Entertainment, Charlie Pride, David Houston, Paul Revere & the Raiders, Christy Lane, attendance 85,958.

1989 Fair Theme, "Blue Ribbon Fair". Entertainment, Charlie Daniels, Paul Revere & the Raiders, Rita Coolidge, Johnny Limbo & the Lugnuts, attendance 87,001.

1990 Fair Theme, "Return of the Gay 90's". Entertainment, Waylon Jennings, Williams & Ree, Bachman Turner Overdrive, Johnny Limbo & the Lugnuts, attendance 86,560. A Christmas Fair waiting list was established to eliminate people camping out in front of the Fair office for a vendor space. The Equipment Compound was constructed.

1991 Fair Theme, "Not the Biggest, Just the Best". Entertainment, Johnny Cash, Three Dog Night, Sweethearts of the Rodeo, Kingsmen, attendance 92,613.

1992 Fair Theme, "Cookies, Critters & Carrousels". Entertainment, Oak Ridge Boys, Tammy Wynette, JoAnn Castle, Quarterflash, attendance 81,848.

1993 Fair Theme, "Happy Birthday, Oregon Trail". Entertainment, Charlie Daniels Band, Riders in the Sky, Desert Rose Band, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, attendance 80,209.

1994 Fair Theme, "Be Fair Minded". Entertainment, Ronnie Milsap, Michael Martin Murphy, Sammy Kershaw, Classic Rock All Stars, attendance 78,090. Fairgrounds Operations Manager, Marvin Papst retired after 30 years.

1995 Fair Manager, Ron Ingberg died on January 18th while attending the Western Fairs Convention in Palm Springs, California. Marsha Price served as Interim Manager from January to June. Jay Collier was hired as Fair Manager moving to the Roseburg area from San Antonio, Texas. Harold Phillips hired as Operations Manager. Fair entertainment, Oak Ridge Boys, Chris LeDoux, Smokin' Armadillos, Kingston Trio, Twila Paris. Fair Theme, "Up, Up and Away", attendance 77,887.

1996 Fair Theme, "Hot Summer Nights". Entertainment, Tracy Lawrence, Three Dog Night, Merle Haggard, Gary Lewis & the Playboys, attendance 78,026. The Sportsmen's & Outdoor Recreation Show was instituted to be held on the third weekend in February. This show is co-produced by ExpoSure Event Development company and the Fairgrounds. The Fairgrounds took the Food and Beverage operation in-house, hiring a F&B Manager and set up catering and concession guidelines. Heaters were installed in the Exhibit Building and vendor spaces were sold for the Christmas Fair making it the largest craft show in Southern Oregon with over 300 vendors. Vendor recruitment opened beyond Douglas County residents, anyone may apply. Christmas Fair attendance consistently runs about 10,000 people each year.

1997 In January the Ron Ingberg Memorial entry clock was unveiled in honor of Ron's accomplishments as Fair Manager. The memorial was funded by donations made by various organizations and individuals. Fair entertainment, LeAnn Rimes, Booher Family, McKenzie River Band, Willie Nelson, Susan Ashton. Fair Theme, "Family A'Fair", attendance 80,309. The Fairgrounds won the "Rose Award" for the greatest overall contribution to the Roseburg Area visitor industry and tourism promotion, received from the Roseburg Visitor's & Convention Bureau.

1998 Fair Theme, "The Great Escape". Entertainment, Mark Chestnutt, Pat Benetar, 4-Him, Lumberjacks, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, attendance 73,066. Fair Manager, Jay Collier instituted a discount on the $3 admission to the Christmas Fair, bring one or more cans of food and receive $1 off the admission price. The Fairgrounds distributed over 2500 pounds of canned food to community agencies. The Equipment Storage Facility was constructed.

1999 Fair Theme, "Let The Good Times Roll". Entertainment, Black Hawk, Peter Frampton, Beach Boys, Kansas, attendance 81,117. The Fairgrounds received the "Umpqua Award" for the significant contribution to the beautification of the area that affects the visitor industry, received from the Roseburg Area Chamber of Commerce. Douglas Hall building renovated, outside siding replaced, Exhibit Building handicap restrooms installed, Community Building inside renovated, new ceiling, lighting, paint, and carpet on the walls. Pavilion kitchen upgraded and a new storage building was added.

2000 Fair Theme, "Memories to Last A Lifetime". Entertainment, Lee Greenwood, Foreigner, Tracy Lawrence, Joan Jett & the Blackhearts, attendance 77,397. Fairgrounds set new policy requiring cash registers be used for all Food & Beverage sales.

2001 Fair Theme, "Fair Fun 2001". Entertainment, Air Supply, Styx, Clay Walker, REO Speedwagon, attendance 82,110. Fairgrounds voted the 1st Place All-Around Event, 1st Place Attraction, 1st Place Music Concerts, 1st Place Place to Watch People, 2nd Place Animals Attraction at the Fair, 3rd Place Food Attraction at the Fair by the News Review Reader's Choice Awards. The Fairgrounds won the "Hospitality Award" for a significant contribution to the promotion of meeting or convention business in the area, received from the Visitor's & Convention Bureau. Fairgrounds also received the "Lifetime Award" for the longstanding contribution to the Roseburg-area visitor industry, from the Visitor's & Convention Bureau. The Roseburg Area Chamber of Commerce, Project Leadership class of 2001 in partnership with Umpqua Community College and Roseburg Playschool installed a new play structure in Umpqua Park. The Race pit area was paved.

2002 Fair Theme, "Heroes, Hope & Homeland". Entertainment, Aaron Tippon, Heart, Grand Funk Railroad. Blood, Sweat & Tears were scheduled but cancelled the week prior to Fair, attendance 75,402. December, Jay Collier resigned as Fair Manager. County purchased the 4.2 acre parcel of land from the radio station for the fairgrounds useage. The Race track was re-shaped, expanded and resurfaced. Fairgrounds voted the 1st Place '4-H Exhibits Attraction', 1st Place 'All Around Event', 1st Place to 'watch people at the Douglas county Fair' and 2nd Place 'Family Entertainment', 2nd Place 'Animal Attraction at the Fair', 3rd Place for 'Music/Concerts' by the News Review Reader's Choice Awards.

2003 Harold Phillips became Fair Manager in January. Fair Theme, "Rock Around The Stock". Entertainment, Randy Travis, George Thorogood, Tracy Byrd, Night Ranger & The Destroyers, Marshall Tucker Band, attendance 78,666. October of this year a new electronic message sign was constructed along the I-5 Freeway. December the Community Building roof structure began to fail and the building was condemned for usage. Fairgrounds voted the 1st Place for 'All Around Event' by the News Review Reader's Choice Awards.

2004 Fair Theme, "The Tradition is Back", Celebrating our Culture". Entertainment, John Michael Montgomery, CCR (Credence Clearwater Revisited), Diamond Rio, BTO. Attendance at the fair was 74,367. In May the Community Building was tore down and black top was put in to provide an area for outside vendors during the Fair. An architect was obtained to design a new building to replace the Community Building. Offices were moved into temporary modules next to the Floral Building. October the bid process began for contractors. November the bid was awarded, construction to start in December, projected completion date is June 30, 2005.The Fairgrounds started taking Credit Cards. Fairgrounds voted the 1st Place for 'All Around Event' by the News Review Reader's Choice Awards.

2005 Fair Theme, "Award Winning Family Fun". Entertainment, Terri Clark, Trace Adkins, Ted Nugent, Tesla. Fair attendance 75,485. The new "Conference Hall" is built to replace the old Community Building. Fairgrounds voted the 1st Place for 'All Around Event' by the News Review Reader's Choice Awards. The 3rd annual Business Building Community (BBC) Awards for 2004 had 23 nominees in three categories, small business, mid-size business and large business. The Fairgrounds in the small-business category received an Honorable Mention for it's contribution and support to organizations and the community. August 29th the Fair Office moved into the new building, new office furniture was installed.

2006 Fair Theme, "Land of Milk and Honey, "Bee There!" Entertainment, Lone Star, Alice Cooper, Kenny Loggins, SheDaisy. Fair attendance 72,594. Official ribbon cutting ceremony with former commissioner, Joyce Morgan doing the honors. The new Food Court was moved to the west side of the Floral Building, with additional seating provided under the restaurant row canopy and in the garden area. A new entertainment stage was set in the gardens with perfromances by local and professional entertainers all day long every day of the Fair.

2007 Fair Theme, "Journey Thru Time!" Entertainment, Sara Evans, Loverboy, Poison, Blake Shelton. Teen Zone was added as a FREE entertainment venue for the 13-19 year old fairgoer. Teen Zone received national recognition throughtout the Fairs & Festival industry.

2008 Fair Theme, "It's Magical!" Entertainment, Rodney Atkins, Doobie Brothers, Bad Company with former lead singer Brian Howe, Edgar Winter Band, Kellie Pickler.

2009 Fair Theme, "Celebrate What's Great, Oregon's Birthday Bash" Entertainment, Gretchen Wilson, Huey Lewis and The News, Josh Turner, Molly Hatchet.

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