On November 25th, 1887, the Columbia County Agricultural Association was organized with the following named gentlemen as incorporators; G.A. Kelly, G.A. Parker, A. Bundy, W.A. Montgomery, W.A. Muncy, Jacob Rainwater, Ed Wright, J.N. Thompson, Garret Romaine, W.M. Sweany, M.A. Baker, G.M. Grupe, John Rainwater, Levi W. Watrous, (my great grandfather) A.J. Dexter, J.H. Day and J.H. Hosler.

Their capital stock amounted to $20,000. Under the auspices of this association the first Columbia County Fair was held at Dayton, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday; October 10-11-12 in the year 1888.

It was conducted in line with similar rural expositions, and included horse racing and the usual exhibits of stock and agricultural products. Financially it was above the average of success, the receipts exceeding expenditures by $600.

This initial fair has been followed nearly every year since 1888.