County Fairs

There is an ancient history of fairs. Fairs are recorded dating as far back as 500 b.c.e. The Bible references fairs, as well. Fairs have always been commercial in nature. In the past, merchants typically came together to trade their wares with one another. The word fair may be linked to the Latin word feria, meaning “holy day.” Feria was a day when people would come together for worship around temples in large cities. Ferias took place in Athens, Rome, and Mecca. These same cities were great commercial centers. Religious figures were often placed in fields around the cities to protect the merchants. The Christian Church sponsored fairs on feast days, and they have always been a source of revenue. Fairs and exhibitions, over time, ...