Chesterfield County Fair traces roots to 1911
TL;DR: The Chesterfield County Fair, rooted in a 1911 agricultural gathering founded by State Senator John Benjamin Watkins, returns August 28 through September 5, 2026.
Quick facts
- Who: Chesterfield County Fair Association, State Senator John Benjamin Watkins (founder)
- What: Annual county fair featuring livestock shows, 4-H and FFA competitions, live entertainment, carnival rides, pageants, and rodeo events
- When: August 28 - September 5, 2026
- Where: Chesterfield County Fairgrounds, 10301 Courthouse Road, Chesterfield, Virginia
The story
The Chesterfield County Fair is returning to its traditions this September after more than a century of continuous operation. The fair originated on October 25-26, 1911, when State Senator John Benjamin Watkins, a co-founder of Watkins Nursery, launched the event to give local farmers "an opportunity to display the items they raised and a place to come together and get reacquainted with friends." Watkins served as the Chesterfield County Fair Association's first president until his death in 1931.
Over the decades, the fair evolved from its agricultural roots. It relocated in 1989 from the county government services complex area to its current home across from L.C. Bird High School. Today, the fair ranks as the fourth-largest in Virginia and attracts attendees with livestock shows, 4-H and FFA competitions, live entertainment, pageants, rodeos, pig races, hypnotist performances, carnival rides operated by Jolly Shows, and vendor exhibits.
The 2026 fair runs August 28 through September 5 at the Chesterfield County Fairgrounds, 10301 Courthouse Road. Admission is $12 for adults (ages 13-59), $8 for seniors (60+), $6 for children (ages 4-12), and free for children 3 and under. Operating hours are 5 to 11 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday through Sunday. Advance tickets are available through MyFairTickets and other online vendors.
Key players
- State Senator John Benjamin Watkins: Founder of Chesterfield County Fair in 1911, served as first president until 1931
- Chesterfield County Fair Association: Organizer and operator of the annual fair
Key dates
- 2026-08-28: Chesterfield County Fair opens
- 2026-09-05: Chesterfield County Fair closes
Why it matters: The fair serves as a major community gathering that has anchored Chesterfield County's social and agricultural calendar for over 115 years, providing a venue for residents to connect, celebrate local farming heritage, and enjoy family entertainment. As the fourth-largest fair in Virginia, it generates economic activity and showcases the county's 4-H and FFA youth programs.
Places
Development timeline
- 1911-10-25First Chesterfield County Fair held: Inaugural fair organized by State Senator John Benjamin Watkins at what is now the county government services complex near Mimms Loop and Lori Road [source]
- 1989Fair relocates to current fairgrounds: Fair moves to its current location across from L.C. Bird High School on Courthouse Road [source]
- 2026-08-282026 Chesterfield County Fair opens: Nine-day fair featuring livestock shows, 4-H/FFA competitions, live entertainment, pageants, rodeos, and carnival rides [source]
Related links
- Chesterfield County Fair - Official Website
- Fair Tickets and Information - MyFairTickets
- Events Archive - Chesterfield County Fair
Read the original at Google News: Chesterfield County →
Sources
- Chesterfield County Fair - Official Website
- Chesterfield County Fair History
- Chesterfield County Fair on Eventbrite
- County Fair Guide - Chesterfield County Fair Virginia