07/27/2026
What a fabulous history lesson about Harrodsburg!
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The “Grand Ole Mercer County Fair and Horse Show” began it’s four night run last evening in the historic town of Harrodsburg, Kentucky. The oldest continuous fair and horse show in the country, exhibitors consistently enjoy this as one of the last stops before the Kentucky State Fair World’s Championship Horse Show.
Attendees were blessed with glorious weather, as storms on Tuesday brought in a cold front which brought much lower humidity and lower temperatures. This is a departure from the heat wave that have blanketed the region in recent weeks.
The show ring was in pristine condition, with the iconic gazebo being one of the prettiest around. After a devastating arson in 1983, which destroyed the famous old arena, the new structure was built, and has been enjoyed by decades of attendees.
Many long time exhibitors were there, as well as several new ones to compete in the event judged by Smith Lilly. Doug Shiflet is the official show photographer, and Richfield Video is providing the streaming.
The town of Harrodsburg was founded by Pennsylvania born James Harrod in 1774 as the first permanent settlement west of the Allegheny Mountains, and was first called “Harrodstown”. Fort Harrod is now a tourist destination, with many special events being held at the museum and replica fort each year.
Mercer County itself was established in 1785, by the Commonwealth of Virginia, and was one of the original nine counties upon the founding of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, which was established in June 1792.
Guests from out of town come to enjoy the beauty of the area, with its many shops as well as the lovely Beaumont Inn, a favorite destination for lodging and dining.
Agriculture is the major commodity in the county, located some 35 miles south of Lexington, as well as thoroughbreds and American Saddlebreds. It was in Mercer County that the first corn was cultivated, as well as the first court, school and linen spun during pioneer times. Stately homes and farms are a testament of the locals desire to save their heritage, and still progress into the future.
History is ripe in Harrodsburg with a monument and tank commemorating the 192nd tank battalion, in which 66 men from Harrodsburg participated in the Bataan Death March in the Philippines during World War II. The group was called the “Harrodsburg Tankers” that was part of the Kentucky National Guard unit called to serve after the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. The men landed in the Philippines and fought for our freedom without reinforcements or supplies. Some escaped, while others perished at the hands of the Japanese during the infamous death march. The descendants of many of these great men remain in Mercer County, with some being valued members of the Mercer County Fair Board and staff.
The current fairgrounds have been located in the same location for over a century, in a space that was formerly on the edge of town. As time has progressed, the town has grown around them. Nearby on the north side of the main entrance gate is a marker to the great racehorse, Leonatus, the ninth winner of the Kentucky Derby in 1883, who was foaled nearby and owned by one of the states early thoroughbred owners and breeders, Colonel Jack Chinn.
The show is well run by manager Brad Noel and staff, who attend to the needs of the exhibitors and general attendees. They do a great job putting on this event, and look forward to completing another successful show.
