The Powell Fair
he Delaware County Fair had its beginnings back in 1833, but from 1909 until 1939 the Delaware County Fair was held in Powell. These photos from 1911 show the early Powell fairgrounds which Dr. John Campbell leased to the Delaware County Agricultural Society next to his large home on Powell Road, west of the railroad tracks. On the 12 acres of open land and woods, a regulation half-mile dirt track was constructed for horse and motorcycle racing, livestock parades, pony turnouts and milking contests. Gradually a small midway, merry-go-round, and a bandstand provided entertainment. An art hall eventually housed exhibits of crafts and needlework, home-baked goods, preserves and garden produce. General admission was 25 cents for adults; children under 8 were free. Vehicles drawn by horses were free; automobiles were charged 25 cents and parked inside the track, affording occupants grandstand privileges. The Delaware Journal Herald article in September 1912 titled “Ready for Great Fair at Powell” also noted:
“An electric lighting plant has been installed, and the grounds will be beautifully lit each evening. Moving pictures, other moral shows, and dancing will be the principal evening attractions. The board will, as usual, take no chances on rowdyism or bootlegging. A detachment of 12 men from Company K, O.N.G. (Ohio National Guard) will preserve order.”
An estimated crowd of 10,000 attended the three-day event in 1912. But by 1938 the Fair was hurting financially, and since Powell was smaller, the Board decided to move the Fair back to Delaware. A bond issue was passed to build the coliseum, grandstand, racetrack and office buildings at a site on Pennsylvania Avenue, where the current Delaware County Fair is still being held.
