History

1907 - Jerome town founded

It needs to be noted that even though Jerome was founded in 1907, Eden in 1910 and Hazelton in 1911, Jerome County was not in existence until February 8, 1919. Eden and Hazelton were in Minidoka County and Jerome was in Lincoln County.

1917 - First documented fair in Jerome

The North Side News advertised: "Wanted, 2000 men and their friends and relatives at the Street Fair and Carnival, Jerome, September 4-8. Three big shows, Merry Go Round, Ferris Wheel. Ten other attraction. Come and Bring the Kiddies." This was held on Main Street between the North and South Parks. Booths had home-grown produce and homemade foods and "fancy work" crocheting, taming, etc.

1918 - WWI

Because of the World War, there was no fair in 1918.

1920 - First Official Jerome County Fair Held

Twelve acres in the west part of Jerome was acquired and temporary buildings and fences were erected. Water and electric power and lights were available. Jerome's Fair was a week later than the year before because Hazelton held a Harvest Festival on September 16 and 17. September was chosen because the produce would be better developed and the participants were expecting to garner prizes at the State Fair in Boise the next week after the Jerome Fair. Jerome Fair had a band concert, contests, judging of produce and animals, baking contests, canning demonstrations, women's fancy work, and class projects. The winning entries were carefully preserved to be taken the next week to the State Fair in Boise.

1945 - First Jerome County Fair Rodeo

The first Jerome County Rodeo was September 13, 14, 15, 1945 and was open to all residents of the North Side area. The first Rodeo Queen contest, also in 1945, invited all women horse riders from 14 years of age and older who lived in the designated area. The ladies, with their horses, took part in a contest in front of the judges in the new grandstand at the race track/rodeo arena.

2020 - 100th Jerome County Fair

The Jerome County Fair celebrated 100 years in 2020. The Fair & Rodeo was held August 10-15 and included three nights of PRCA ProRodeo action, entertainment from Ned LeDoux, and a Mud Drag motorsports event on Saturday night. The PRCA ProRodeo events were selected as one of the PRCA Top Five Small Rodeos for 2020. 

2023 - New Grandstand Erected

In partnership with the Jerome County Commissioners, the Fair & Rodeo erected a new steel and aluminum grandstand structure prior to the 2023 Fair, increasing the Fair & Rodeo's seating capacity by almost 1,000 seats. A ribbon cutting for the Grandstand honoring the tradition and history of the old grandstand and ushering in a new era kicked off the 2023 Fair on Monday, August 7.