Fairs originated in Europe and were prime social events during the Renaissance period. The first fair in the New World was held in 1810 in Pittsfield, Massachusetts when a gentleman farmer persuaded his neighbors to join him in a livestock show. That's where the Agricultural Fair Industry in the United States was born.

Thirteen years later in 1823, the first fair was held in Monroe County followed by a planning meeting of the Monroe Agricultural Society now known as the Monroe County Fair and Recreation Association. This first fair's purpose was to provide a cattle show. Premiums in succeeding years were for horses, cattle, oxen, and sheep. Also of prime importance were prizes for crop production.

Over the years, fairs were held in Brockport, Rush and Edgerton Park. As the county became more industrialized, the emphasis changed from agriculture to manufacturing expositions. By 1910, the Fair was called the Rochester Exposition and Horse Show and by 1924, the largest manufacturers in the city were involved in "What Rochester makes and what makes Rochester."

The Fair became a mixture of agriculture and industry with 4-H playing a prominent role.

By 1940, the Fair was held in Rush. A 3 day event in September, it was billed as "everybody's show." Scheduled events included an old fiddler's contest, baby parade, Home Bureau fashions, 4-H demonstrations, flower show, goat-milking contest, folk dance festival, and 121st Cavalry demonstration. Monroe County, at that time was considered the center of New York State's agricultural region.

No fairs were held from 1942-44 during WWII. Fairs resumed in 1945 at Edgerton Park, and then in 1947, the Monroe County Fair Association purchased the 60-acre parcel in Henrietta, and the Monroe County Fair had a permanent home. Gordon Howe, presided at opening ceremonies. Harness racing was a featured three-day event. Harvest Queen Jane Kessler led 1800 firemen, their auxiliary units, bands and fire fighting apparatus around the racetrack to climax the final days events. The parade lasted two hours.

In succeeding years, stock car races became one of the prime attractions during the fair. Agriculture continued to be popular.

Today, the County Fair still maintains some of the original agricultural flavor of which we are very proud. The Fair has grown to become a family event that packs educational programs that support both youth and agriculture with entertainment and excitement. Some have coined the name "agfatainment" because it provides opportunities for the Monroe County population, that benefits from agriculture, to see and interact with farm animals and agricultural community members while enjoying the entertainment and celebrating the hi-tech fabric of today's world.