Stokes County Agricultural Fair

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Stokes County Agricultural Fair Thank you to everyone that participated in the Fair. We are pleased to extend an invitation to the History of Stokes County Fair
by Kathleen M. Moser Jr. Mrs. C.V.

Mendenhall
Secretary Stokes County Agricultural Fair
The first Stokes County Agricultural Fair was held at the Tabernacle
in King during 1906, according to the records of local historian, Robert
Carroll. The Tabernacle was a round building, located south of Merritt
Plumbing and across from the present King City Hall. In 1907, the fair was held along Mountainview Road where O.O. Grabs Jr.’s home is presently located. The fair continued to exist at this
location until 1923. Robert Carroll has fond memories of this fair, and I recall my aunt,
Manie Sizemore, relating that she won ribbons and also worked with the exhibits. The American Legion Auxiliary records show that there was a
small-scale fair in 1948 and 1949. The exhibits were in a tent on the
Legion parking lot. Ruth Kiser and C.R. recalled that there was a bad cloud
one night, and a tent blew down after the crowd had left. Annie Kate
Trawick and I, both Auxiliary charter members, recall the Auxiliary
concession under a small tent where we cooked on an oil stove. We
remember taggles were everywhere including hanging from our eye
lashes. In 1950, the American Legion had obtained a charter for the Stokes
County Agricultural Fair. Gilbert J. Moser helped organize this year and
served as president the first two years. When he retired from Gentry and Moser in 1960, he again served as
president for 12 consecutive years. Also Gilbert J. Moser was president in 1979 and 1980. for six years, he was listed as “Honorary Fair Manager” until his death in December of 1986. William H. Gentry was president from 1952 until 1960. the term
“President” was changed to “Manager” in 1973, and N.C. Hooker was
manager from 1973 to 1978. in 1981, Junior Booth was manager. From
1982 until now, Dean Hartgrove has been the manager, except for the
years 1988-1989 in which Hobson Petree was manager. The secretaries and treasurers of the Stokes County Agricultural
Fair have been: 1951, Forest H. Harmon, secretary; 13 years, Glenn
Ashburn served as secretary and treasurer; 1965, Glenn Ashburn,
secretary and Dempsey Lily, treasurer; 1966 and 1967, Glenn Ashburn
and Allen White, treasurer,; 1968 and 1969, Glenn Ashburn, accountant
and Dean Hartgrove secretary and treasurer. Dean Hartgrove served as secretary and treasure for nine years. In
1979, Author Smith was secretary and treasurer. Kathleen Mendenhall
served as secretary since 1980 to the present. The treasurer for 1980 and
1981 was Author Smith, and in 1982, Kyle Mabe took over the position. Ralph Hartgrove became the treasurer in 1983 and continues to hold
that position. Vice-presidents or assistants to presidents or managers at various
times were: G.J. Moser, N.C. Hooker, Dean Hartgrove, Jim Jones, Reggie
Spainhour, Robert Southern, Dempsey Lilly, Arthur Smith, Gene Pratt,
Junior Booth, Allen White, Crawford Shouse and Grady Martin. Kiser (Ruth) served as chairman of the Women’s
Department, which is now the nine departments on the first floor of
the Legion Building, for 17 years. Estelle Underwood was co-chairman
with Mrs. Kiser. For three years, Estelle Underwood and Kathleen
Mendenhall were co-chairmen. For the past 29 years Kathleen
Mendenhall has managed these nine departments. The first section of the Legion building (approximately 40 feet by
30 feet) was built in 1946. Two wings were constructed later, and many
additions were also built. In 1950, construction was started on the first barn. The new barn
was dedicated on March 21, 1996. These barns have been used for horse shows as well as livestock entries and poultry entries at the fair. The barns have served during other functions as well. Fair officials made many efforts to get rid of the “girlie” show. They
had bad publicity because of it, and finally, in 1987, the “girlie” show was eliminated. The biggest fair attraction during the 1970s was a wrestling gorilla. People came from other states to view this attraction. One year during the 1970s, the carnival failed to show up. A
few rides were obtained by a booking agent, and the event was fairly
successful after all. During the night of the 1981 fair, there was such a downpour of rain
that water ran through the barn. Someone called Dempsey Lilly, and he
and some other members rescued the animals. The water was so deep
that pigs were swimming. We have worked with many carnivals, but consider this year’s
rides as one of the best. Mr. and Mrs. Stine (now deceased) of Stines
Amusements provided Midway events and rides in previous years for
our fair. As in years past, this years fair has hot dogs, cotton candy,
exhibits of baked goods, canned foods, home furnishings, sewing, fine
arts, crafts, flowers, two youth divisions, horticulture, bees, honey,
tobacco and school exhibits. Many animals will be exhibited including
livestock, poultry, pigeons and rabbits. There are many booths that represent different groups: commercial,
Extension Homemakers, Boy Scouts, FHA, FFA, 4-H, and best farm and
home exhibits were judged. For the past several years, we have had a Senior Citizens Fun
Festival on Friday, which draws a big crowd. The success of the Stokes County Agricultural Fair has been a
combined effort of the American Legion and American Legion Auxiliary
members working with the Stokes County Cooperative Extension
Office, King Fire Department, King Police Department, Stokes County
Sheriff’s Department, exhibitors in Stokes and folks from the adjoining
counties. Hundreds of volunteers also work during fair week.

Please support the advertisers in your 2026 Fair Book! Tell them you appreciate seeing their business in the Book! It is...
10/13/2026

Please support the advertisers in your 2026 Fair Book! Tell them you appreciate seeing their business in the Book! It is their advertisements that make your Fair Book possible!

You can find the Fair Book online http://stokescountyfair.org/

Support your 2026 Advertisers:
• The American Legion, King, NC Carl Calloway Post 290
• Carl Calloway American Legion Unit 290-Auxiliary
• Long Jewelers 231 S Main St, King, NC 27021
• Stokes County Tourism 1014 Main Street, Danbury, NC 27016
• Insight Human Services 665 W 4th St, Winston-Salem, NC 27101
• Venable Brothers Well Construction, Inc. 3169 NC 8 Hwy S, Walnut Cove, NC 27052
• B&D Kiser, Inc. 9451 Jefferson Church Rd, Tobaccoville, NC 27050
• Northview Animal Hospital 125 N Main St, King, NC 27021
• Stokes County Sheriff's Office 1012 Main St, Danbury, NC 27016
• AgSouth Farm Credit 340 Bethania-Rural Hall Rd, Rural Hall, NC 27045
• Burroughs Funeral Home 1382 North Carolina Hwy 65 W, Walnut Cove, NC 27052
• Calloway's Portable Welding, Inc. 108 Antique Drive, King, NC 27021
• Mitchell's Nursery & Greenhouse, Inc. 1088 W Dalton Rd, King, NC 27021
• JVB Automotive 139 Westview Dr, King, NC 27021
• Triad Hose & Hydraulics, LLC 203 E Dalton Rd, King, NC 27021
• Main Street Lawn & Garden 130 East Wall St, Rural Hall, NC 27045
• R. Thomas Jewelers 614 S Main St, King, NC 27021
• Trellis Supportive Care 810 S Main St, Walnut Cove, NC 27052
• Parker Auto Sales of King, Inc 108 Meadowbrook Dr, King, NC 27021
• B.J Stevens Furniture & Appliances 3901 NC-8, Danbury, NC 27016
• Rutledge & Rutledge, Attorneys at Law 235 N Main St, Walnut Cove, NC 27052
• Walnut Cove Furniture Inc. 4730 North Carolina Hwy 89 E, Walnut Cove, NC 27052
• Helsabeck-Hall Insurance Agency 321 S Main St, King, NC 27021
• Coronet Seafood 431 Bethania-Rural Hall Rd, Rural Hall, NC 27045
• King Milling Company Inc. 336 E Dalton Rd, King, NC 27021
• NCInsuranceLady-Katherine Herring 336-757-2006
• Defining Desserts / Stone of Scone 162 Kingscote Wy #107, King, NC 27021
• Slate Funeral Home 132 East Dalton Road, King, NC 27021
• Stokes Realty & Auction Stanley Smith 336-971-1692
• Cox-Needham Funeral Home 822 W Main St, Pilot Mountain, NC 27041
• The Mercantile Chophouse 101 E Dalton Rd, King, NC 27021
• Colonial Funeral Home - Stokes Chapel 1020 Hope Beasley Road, Sandy Ridge, NC 27046
• Carolina Farms & Homes 614 S Main St Ste P, King, NC 27021
• Carroll Memorials Inc. 309 S Main St, King, NC 27021
• Nickelston Fence Company, Inc. 1080 Fence Road, Lawsonville, NC 27022
• Hampton House Art and Framing 613 E King St, King, NC 27021
• King Lawn and Garden Center, Inc. 509 S Main St, King, NC 27021
• Main Street Tire & Automotive 626 S Main St, King, NC 27021
• Preferred Business Services, Inc. 705 S Main St, Walnut Cove, NC 27052
• Stokes Dentistry 626 Kirby Rd, King, NC 27021
• All Things Possible Catering & More 619 East King Street, Suite B King, NC 27021

If you want to be in the 2027 Fair Book, contact Dayla Kay Kohler 336-813-0193.
We will begin building the 2027 Fair Book in January (invoices going out May).

BINGO every Friday evening at the American Legion Post 290Doors Open 6pm to 10pmRegardless of age, it is mandatory you p...
10/09/2026

BINGO every Friday evening at the American Legion Post 290
Doors Open 6pm to 10pm
Regardless of age, it is mandatory you purchase a Regular Game 4-Pack for $20 and play all 4 games PER PERSON ATTENDING!
Early Bird Games begin PROMPTLY at 6:30pm
$10 Early Bird Games: 6 sheets per pack = 9 games per sheet
$1 Extra Early Bird Game: single sheets
Payout Early Bird Games 1-4: $40
Payout Early Bird Game 5: $50
Payout Early Bird Game 6: $60
First Time Players: first time players will receive a $10 off coupon toward your next BINGO night!
Regular Games begin at 7pm
4-Pk $20; 6-Pk $25; 8-Pk $30; 10-Pk $35
Each additional pack $3
1. Two Straights $100
2. Letter "X" $100
3. Small Kite (with a tail) $100
4. Postage Stamp with a Straight $100
5. Coverall (Double $50; 3 Straights $50; Coverall $300)
Intermission is after game 5 ($ depends upon involvement)
6. Any 2 Sides (Corners Free) $100
7. Six Pack (free space counts) $100
8. Inside Picture Frame $100
9. Triple (Anyway) $100
Special Players is after game 9 ($ depends upon involvement)
10. Coverall (Double $50; 3 Straights $50; Coverall $300)
Note: We reserve the right to alter games due to Weather or attendance. No splitting of packs. Children must be seated. No running around while game is in session. Less than 60 players, the Coverall will be $200

09/29/2026

Operation Birthday Joy! 🎉

Everyone deserves a birthday cake — and you can help make that happen!

We’re collecting donations for local food pantries so every family can celebrate with a sweet treat.

💕Items to donate:
🎈 Cake pans (with lids) 9x13
🎈 Boxed cake mixes
🎈 Canned soda
Canned frosting
🎈 Birthday candles
🎈 Small decorations (banners, balloons)

📍 Drop‑off or questions: Contact Amber Bolden at 336‑970‑9542

Proudly supported by American Legion Auxiliary Unit 290 🇺🇸Let’s spread joy — one birthday at a time! 🥳

09/29/2026
Please support the advertisers in your 2026 Fair Book! Tell them you appreciate seeing their business in the Book! It is...
09/22/2026

Please support the advertisers in your 2026 Fair Book! Tell them you appreciate seeing their business in the Book! It is their advertisements that make your Fair Book possible!

You can find the Fair Book online http://stokescountyfair.org/ and/or at:

Support our 2026 Advertisers:
• The American Legion, King, NC Carl Calloway Post 290
• Carl Calloway American Legion Unit 290-Auxiliary
• Long Jewelers 231 S Main St, King, NC 27021
• Stokes County Tourism 1014 Main Street, Danbury, NC 27016
• Insight Human Services 665 W 4th St, Winston-Salem, NC 27101
• Venable Brothers Well Construction, Inc. 3169 NC 8 Hwy S, Walnut Cove, NC 27052
• B&D Kiser, Inc. 9451 Jefferson Church Rd, Tobaccoville, NC 27050
• Northview Animal Hospital 125 N Main St, King, NC 27021
• Stokes County Sheriff's Office 1012 Main St, Danbury, NC 27016
• AgSouth Farm Credit 340 Bethania-Rural Hall Rd, Rural Hall, NC 27045
• Burroughs Funeral Home 1382 North Carolina Hwy 65 W, Walnut Cove, NC 27052
• Calloway's Portable Welding, Inc. 108 Antique Drive, King, NC 27021
• Mitchell's Nursery & Greenhouse, Inc. 1088 W Dalton Rd, King, NC 27021
• JVB Automotive 139 Westview Dr, King, NC 27021
• Triad Hose & Hydraulics, LLC 203 E Dalton Rd, King, NC 27021
• Main Street Lawn & Garden 130 East Wall St, Rural Hall, NC 27045
• R. Thomas Jewelers 614 S Main St, King, NC 27021
• Trellis Supportive Care 810 S Main St, Walnut Cove, NC 27052
• Parker Auto Sales of King, Inc 108 Meadowbrook Dr, King, NC 27021
• B.J Stevens Furniture & Appliances 3901 NC-8, Danbury, NC 27016
• Rutledge & Rutledge, Attorneys at Law 235 N Main St, Walnut Cove, NC 27052
• Walnut Cove Furniture Inc. 4730 North Carolina Hwy 89 E, Walnut Cove, NC 27052
• Helsabeck-Hall Insurance Agency 321 S Main St, King, NC 27021
• King Milling Company Inc. 336 E Dalton Rd, King, NC 27021
• NCInsuranceLady-Katherine Herring 336-757-2006
• Defining Desserts / Stone of Scone 162 Kingscote Wy #107, King, NC 27021
• Slate Funeral Home 132 East Dalton Road, King, NC 27021
• Stokes Realty & Auction Stanley Smith 336-971-1692
• Cox-Needham Funeral Home 822 W Main St, Pilot Mountain, NC 27041
• The Mercantile Chophouse 101 E Dalton Rd, King, NC 27021
• Colonial Funeral Home - Stokes Chapel 1020 Hope Beasley Road, Sandy Ridge, NC 27046
• Carolina Farms & Homes 614 S Main St Ste P, King, NC 27021
• Carroll Memorials Inc. 309 S Main St, King, NC 27021
• Nickelston Fence Company, Inc. 1080 Fence Road, Lawsonville, NC 27022
• Hampton House Art and Framing 613 E King St, King, NC 27021
• King Lawn and Garden Center, Inc. 509 S Main St, King, NC 27021
• Main Street Tire & Automotive 626 S Main St, King, NC 27021
• Preferred Business Services, Inc. 705 S Main St, Walnut Cove, NC 27052
• Stokes Dentistry 626 Kirby Rd, King, NC 27021
• All Things Possible Catering & More 619 East King Street, Suite B King, NC 27021

If you want to be in the 2027 Fair Book, contact Dayla Kay Kohler 336-813-0193.
We will begin building the 2027 Fair Book in January (invoices going out May).

❤️ THANK YOU, STOKES COUNTY and surrounding counties! ❤️What a Fair! We want to take a moment to say THANK YOU to everyo...
09/21/2026

❤️ THANK YOU, STOKES COUNTY and surrounding counties! ❤️

What a Fair! We want to take a moment to say THANK YOU to everyone who helped make the 2026 Stokes County Agricultural Fair such a wonderful event!

To everyone who attended the Fair, brought your families, enjoyed the rides, visited the exhibits, supported our Vendors, and made memories with us — THANK YOU!
Your support is what makes the Fair possible, and we are so grateful you chose to spend part of your week with us.

🎪 To our Vendors: Thank you for bringing your businesses, products, food, talents, and enthusiasm to the Fair. You are such an important part of creating the Fair experience we all look forward to each year!

📖 To our Fair Book Advertisers: Thank you for investing in the Fair and supporting us through your advertisements. Your support makes the Fair Book possible and helps us continue this Stokes County tradition.

🎡To the American Legion Post 290 volunteers and Unit 290 Auxiliary volunteers: We cannot thank you enough for the countless hours, hard work, and dedication you gave to the Fair. So much happens behind the scenes that many people never see, and your willingness to serve and help is truly appreciated.

And to everyone who volunteered, worked, participated, supported, sponsored, attended, or simply helped spread the word — THANK YOU!

The Fair is more than rides, food, exhibits, and entertainment. It is our community coming together. ❤️

We are incredibly grateful for everyone who helped make the 2026 Stokes County Agricultural Fair a success.

Until next year… thank you for being part of our Fair family! 🎪❤️

With sincere appreciation,
Your Stokes County Agricultural Fair Board

Address

436 S Main Street
King, NC
27021

Telephone

+13369833608

Website

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