In January of 1851, farmers gathered together to form the Hillsdale County Agricultural Society and present the idea of their very first fair. Their goal was for farmers around the county to show what they had produced and how they did so. With that knowledge from each farmer, other farmers can share in that and improve upon their own farming techniques. So, the very first Hillsdale County Fair was held on October 15-16, 1851 on the Courthouse Square in Hillsdale. The entries included many kinds of animals, such as oxen, beef cattle, sheep, swine, horses and poultry, many different crops and articles of clothing, rugs, quilts and blankets.
The next year, farmers in the county were preparing for another fair, the entries had doubled and it was held in Jonesville. The location of the fair alternated between the villages of Jonesville and Hillsdale until 1860 when there was finally a permanent location for the fair. 

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