For over 100 years the Winfield Fairgrounds has been home to the annual Cowley County Fair. The roots of the Cowley County Fair had their beginning with the first Walnut Valley District Fair, held September 11-14, 1878. From this, the Cowley County Fair has grown to become a huge county get-together with events of interest for all age groups. The Cowley County Fair Association was organized in 1921.

From the 1946 Cowley County Free Fair Premium List; departments included sheep, swine, beef cattle, dairy cattle, saddle horses, fancy work, baked goods, canned food, flowers, antiques and hobbies, scouting and merchant exhibits. The junior department included all types of livestock exhibits crops, foods, and clothing exhibits. The 2006 fair included exhibits in most of these same areas but have expanded to include something for everyone regardless of their background. In addition to all the exhibits are the carnival rides, free stage entertainment, and daily grandstand events. It truly is for everyone in the county.

An event such as the Cowley County Fair doesn’t just happen, a board of directors’ plans the events and organizes all the volunteers who have a part in the success of the fair. They meet monthly throughout the year to make ours a great county fair. The current officers are John Oller, Kent Miller, Betty Weber and Dean Kennedy.

In 1946, a Board of Directors of fourteen organized the Cowley County Fair. The 2006 Board totaling thirty members, together with the three extension agents, the Fair Auxiliary, and numerous volunteers were responsible for the success of the annual Cowley County Fair. Those board members are business owners and employees in our county who volunteer their time for the fair in addition to their churches, civic organizations, county agencies and boards, the Isle of Lights, youth sports, etc. Several current and past board members have been honored by the Kansas Fairs Association for their volunteerism, by being inducted in the Kansas Fairs Hall of Fame. They include Dean Drennan, Charles Craig, Verne Woner, Larry Hittle and Vada Lady.

Because of the Board’s hard work throughout the years, many improvements have been made at the fairgrounds in cooperation with the City of Winfield, and the citizens of Cowley County can boast one of in not THE BEST COUNTY FAIR in the State.

The Cowley County Fair Association was selected for the award by the Community Cornerstone Award selection committee, which includes Phyllis Hearn, Jill Long, Sheryle Ohm, Doug Weaver and Marty Mutti.  All are previous recipients of the Cornerstone Award.  Volunteers are the cornerstones of healthy communities.  The Community Cornerstone Award recognizes the time and effort of volunteers dedicated to serving people and enhancing the quality of life in Cowley County.