| That
was the scene unfolding more than seven decades ago. The Panhandle
South Plains Fair was drawing city and country folk together and
helping Lubbock earn the nickname "Hub of the Plains" -
an improvement over "the city that shouldn't be," as
Lubbock was originally called, because of its isolated location
and lack of major cross country highway links. The Fair and the
city have grown almost simultaneously since those humble
beginnings. Today, the Panhandle South Plains Fair is known as
"The Granddaddy of West Texas Fairs," and ranks second
only to Dallas's State Fair of Texas in attendance and continuous
history.
The
first Fair was held in the fall of 1914. There were no fairs held
during the World War II years of 1942-45. The annual extravaganza
of today bears little resemblance to the first Fair, but one
tradition remains firmly intact: the goal of the Fair, which is to
strengthen community ties within our region and promote growth and
prosperity throughout Lubbock and its surrounding communities.
In
1921, the Fair brought the first carnival to the city. Culinary,
sewing, and craft categories were added to provide competition for
women. The first livestock competitions also began this year.
Business in Lubbock was growing and the Fair catalog was a natural
place to promote the town's merchants. By 1928, the Fair had grown
in popularity to the point that it was lengthened from 3 days to
6. The 1928 Fair drew more than 120,000 patrons. The Fair's run
remained at 6 days until 1973, when it was lengthened to its
current run. In 2000, the fair was extended to 9 days.
1932
was a low point in Fair history, as 5 days of torrential rains
preceded the exposition's opening. The Fair opened and closed in
driving downpours, and the crowd dipped to 68,000. Despite
30-degree temperatures and ever-present rain, more than 150,000
fans came to the 1938 exposition. That same year, the Merchant's
Building was constructed on the fairgrounds Attendance held
steadily around the 125,000 mark until 1942, when the Fair was
canceled as the nation headed into World War II. In 1946, the Fair
returned along with peacetime. Attendance climbed back over
100,000 by 1947 and Fair directors added the Cattle Barn.
Major
headlining stars headed to Lubbock following the construction of
the Fairpark Coliseum in 1954. The first act to perform on the
stage was the touring wing of the Grand Ole Opry, with Elvis
Presley in 1956 and hundreds of other stars ever since.
In
1963, Fair crowds topped the 200,000 mark for the first time. By
1967, growth in the Women's Department prompted expansion of the
Women's Building. This division now draws more than 6,000 entries
in its 8 separate departments and is run by more than 365
volunteers. In 1972, Fair directors began a scholarship program
that, to date, has contributed more than $500,000 to Texas Tech
University, Lubbock Christian University, South Plains College,
Western Texas College, Wayland Baptist University, and area
chapters of 4-H and FFA.
1976
saw record crowds of 324,721 fans - and the 10 millionth Fair
visitor walked through the famous turnstile in 1983. Each year,
more fans push through the turnstiles of the South Plains Fair
than any other event or gathering in West Texas. Approximately 80%
of the money spent at the Fair remains in Lubbock. Charitable
groups use the Fair as a major fundraising time, and on average
over $500,000 are raised during the Fair's run.
New
events and features continue to be added to the Fair each year.
But for all the changes and growth, the Panhandle South Plains
Fair remains a place for people of all ages to enjoy. From the
midway rides - bigger and faster each year - to the agricultural
exhibits, the corn dogs to the superstars, there is literally
something for everyone! Throughout the Fairs past and present,
there exists an air of fun and nostalgia that can be equaled in
few other places. Generations of people have grown up with the
South Plains Fair?"a diadem of diversity by day, and a
luminous, sparkling array of brilliance by night!" |
