CREATED WITH 4-H GPS SPIN CLUB ASSISTANCE:
In the Fall of 2011 the McLean County Farm Bureau (http://www.mcfb.org/) asked the 4-H GPS SPIN Club to help promote Agricultural Historic sites around McLean County. With the successful experience the 4-H GPS club had with creating the “4-H - Looking for Lincoln in Bloomington/Normal” (GC2MN0W), the club was up for the exciting history learning challenge. This cache was placed with permission obtained by property owner through MCFM. Be sure to thank the club for their assistance and enjoy the hunt.
ADDRESS:
2475 W. College Ave., Normal, IL 61761
HISTORICAL/AGRICULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE:
The county fair is an important part of the hands on learning experience for hundreds of McLean County 4-H members each year.
"The idea of a 4-H fair was conceived in 1923. The first fair was held at the Ed Coolidge farm three miles west of Bloomington near the present site of Mitsubishi Motors on an August afternoon. Thirty boys and girls exhibited livestock, a few vegetables and sewing. About 150 people attended the event. Some type of fair was held at the Collidge farm until 1926."
"The fair was incorporated in 1932. The fair was held at Bongo Park through 1933 when 10 tents 40 X 100 feet held exhibits. In 1934 the fair moved to Fans Field, the home of the former Three I League Baseball Park behind the National Guard Armory on South Main Street. In 1935 the fair was held at Illinois State University farms where Horton Field House now stands. The fair moved back to Fans Field in 1936. The 1936 fair expanded to a three day run. The grounds were purchased by the Farm Bureau in 1938."
"The fair began outgrowing the grounds in the 1950's, and it was in 1956 that 78 acres was purchased for $60,000 on the south side of Route 9, one-fourth of a mile east of U.S. Route 66. Thirty eight acres were utilized by the first fair held at this site in 1956. An estimated 4,500 people were on hand to dedicate the fairgrounds as the first fair there began its 4-day run, August 6-9, 1956. The east side site served as home for the 1956 through 1996 fairs, the longest run at any site in the county. The fair would stay at this location for 40 years. It will long be remembered for many community members as one of the finest fair sites of its time."
'The road now leads to a new fairgrounds west of Bloomington. The fair has come full circle since the site of the first fair was just a few miles north of the new location.”
KEYS FACT:
The first McLean County 4-H fair was held at the Ed Coolidge Farm in 1923, which is less than ¼ mile from the current fairgrounds. The cache is hidden across the street from the old fairgrounds site on the edge of the current McLean County Fairgrounds location.
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