Tuscarawas County Fair celebrates 175 years of tradition and community

The 2025 Tuscarawas County Fair celebrated 175 years of the county fair. The Tuscarawas County Agricultural Society was formed Nov. 10, 1849, and held the first fair Oct. 15-16, 1850, in Hayden Grove in Dover, where Dover High School stands today.

The first slate of officers and managers were George W. Slingluff, president and John McElderry, vice-president; others included Joseph Welty, treasurer; H.T. Stockwell, secretary; George Welty, Martin Mumma, Joseph Slingluff, James Sewell, and Charles Deardorff were managers.

The first fair was deemed a success according to a fair history authored by Patty Arth, former agricultural society board secretary.

The history called the first fair, “A fine display of horses, cattle, sheep and hogs was made, and in the Dover Schoolhouse the exhibition of flowers, needlework, fruits, and grain surpassed the expectation of all, and aroused the interest, a deep interest in the minds of all who attended.”

The Tuscarawas County fair has continued to grow and become an important event each year, especially for families.

For Tracy Zesiger of New Philadelphia and her father, Lewis, 93, the Tuscarawas County Fair is a family tradition. They attend every year, try to see it all, and were especially glad to be there for the fair’s 175th anniversary.

“I just love coming over here. Always have, whether it's with a group of friends or family, it's a nice place to come,” Tracy Zesiger said.

One of the most important things is that the fair holds something for everyone.

“When I was younger, it was about the rides and the animals, loved Old McDonald's Farm,” Tracy Zesiger said. “Now, as I'm older, it's all about the food.”

The fair means so much to so many people. One of Zesiger’s favorite fair memories is her first taste of independence.

“Just being younger with a group of kids, being here running around, being silly, without our parents,” Zesiger said.

Zesiger’s father still enjoys attending the fair even though getting around is harder. The pair usually visit in the evening but chose a daytime trip this year. They were happy to tour every building at the fair.

“It’s wonderful. I took the day off work and enjoy it every year. I’m a festival kind of girl,” Zesiger said.

The members of the agricultural society board like a good celebration too.

“I personally do it because I like seeing people have fun,” said Josh Rennicker, acting president of the Tuscarawas Agricultural Society. “I like getting to help people, and I think I speak for the entire Fair Board when we all love doing this, just to get to help people and see people have fun, it's very rewarding on that side of it.”

Rennicker deemed this year’s fair a great success overall.

“Lots of the community came out and supported everything, especially for the 4-H programs and the kids,” Rennicker said. The 4-H sales set a new combined sales total record this year at more than $1.8 million.

The fair included the return of a concert this year.

“We’ve heard a lot of positive things. Still waiting on some couple numbers for tally and how they did financially, but that was a great show. Maddie and Tay did a great thing, people loved it,” Rennicker said.

One surprising fact was the difference in ages of Maddie and Tae fans. They had fans of all generations attending the show.

For board members, next year’s fair is always on their minds.

“We're looking at some ideas for next year for adding some new classes for cattle, possibly goats, too,” Rennicker said. “As far as entertainment wise, we tried things this year that the community wanted to see. Were they a success, we don't quite know yet. We hope that everybody appreciated it. We hope it works out financially to continue to do it.”

Board members are volunteers, but there are so many other volunteers that make the fair a success each year.

“If it wasn't for the volunteers, this fair wouldn't happen,” Rennicker said. “This is all based on volunteers coming out and their blood, sweat and tears making this thing happen.”

One thing is certain, after a 175th celebration, the 176th celebration of the Tuscarawas County Fair will be back next year.