On this day in Buford’s history, Buford hosted an important regional event in 1934 drawing crowds from three counties eager to experience what it had to offer. That event was the Tri-County Fair hosted by the American Legion Ivy Woodward Post No. 127 of Buford.
Local newspapers of the time ran articles promoting the event held November 5-10, 1934, in Buford.
The most detailed account of the fair’s offerings was in an article titled, ‘Tri-County Fair to be held at Buford,’ which ran in the October 25, 1934, edition of the Forsyth County News.
Forsyth, Gwinnett and Hall Counties each “promised to have many exhibits from the various schools and 4-H Clubs.” Livestock, agriculture and farm exhibits from the three counties were said to be at the fair where local farmers were encouraged to enter the various contests being held at the event. “Merchants and manufactures exhibits and poultry exhibits” were also a big deal at the fair
According to the article, there was a little bit of something to appeal to everyone including a big horse show in front of the grandstand, a baby show, a public wedding and even the “Miss Buford Queen contest.”
“Shows, rides and other contests” were provided by a company called The Bar Brown Shows, which the American Legion contracted for the fair. It was said The Bar Brown Shows was the “largest midway to ever appear in this entire county.” A midway was a term used for sideshows and other amusements found at a fair or exhibition. There were to be two acts daily, one in the afternoon and the other in the evening free to all those who attended the fair.
The article fittingly concluded with ”This is your fair and your chance to help your county come forth in front and advertise the products from your community — so let’s all get together and make this a big event.”
