A Brief History of the Union County Fair Association
On September 22, 1872, the first Fair Board was established in a meeting in Cove, Oregon.
Officers and committees were chosen to put on the first County Fair, which was held on the streets of
Old La Grande on C Avenue—now the top of 4th Street.
Gekeler Lane was the major road for the people in the valley to come to La Grande.
The first fairgrounds were constructed the next year on 80 acres near Gekeler Lane & Buchanan Lane.
~ Present Fairgrounds ~
Courtright building 1926
Exhibit Building 1947-1948
Cattle Barn 1948
Food Court 1949
Hog Barn 1950s
Sheep pens (lean-to on barn) 1950s
Mount Emily Building 1964-1965
Officers and committees were chosen to put on the first County Fair, which was held on the streets of
Old La Grande on C Avenue—now the top of 4th Street.
Gekeler Lane was the major road for the people in the valley to come to La Grande.
The first fairgrounds were constructed the next year on 80 acres near Gekeler Lane & Buchanan Lane.
~ Present Fairgrounds ~
Courtright building 1926
Exhibit Building 1947-1948
Cattle Barn 1948
Food Court 1949
Hog Barn 1950s
Sheep pens (lean-to on barn) 1950s
Mount Emily Building 1964-1965
mEET THE uNION cOUNTY fAIR sTAFF AND bOARD mEMBERS
The Union County Fair Board exists to provide a resource to the community of both rural and urban heritage while showcasing 4-H , FFA, and community members to enhance education and leadership. We provide agricultural opportunities for all attendees, meeting the interests and challenges of a changing world.
We are a group of talented and conscientious volunteers whose goal is to lead and strengthen our programs at the Fair.
We are a group of talented and conscientious volunteers whose goal is to lead and strengthen our programs at the Fair.
STAFF

Kathy Gover Shaw- Fair Manager
Kathy was recently hired in June of 2021 as the fair manager and has jumped in to learn all she can in a short time period. Come back to this page soon for an update on Kathy and why she loves the UCF!
Kathy was recently hired in June of 2021 as the fair manager and has jumped in to learn all she can in a short time period. Come back to this page soon for an update on Kathy and why she loves the UCF!

My name is Anthony Frank and I am the caretaker of the Union County Fair. I take pride in making the fairgrounds look good for the county to enjoy. I have been with Union County Fair for 4 years now, and have helped to repair buildings, fix up the campground area, paint buildings, work on getting improvements around the fair and work with people who rent the fairgrounds. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family and kids, camping or rock hunting. I look forward to seeing you all at the Union County Fair!
Board Members
Jamie Jo Haddock -President
Melinda Becker-Bisenius- Vice President Heather Rajkovich -Secretary Lori Ritter- Treasurer Amy Horn Carrie Bushman Deb Cornford |
Meetings
The Union County Fair Board meets monthly on the third Thursday at 6:00 pm at the Fair Office. The Fair Office is located at K Avenue near the Union County Administrative Office. |