LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) – The Allen County Fair is marking a milestone this year, and organizers have created a special exhibit to honor its past.
The “Mooseum,” located under the grandstand, has been a 10-year mission for organizers who assembled a collection reflecting the fair’s history. Many of the exhibits were donated by Allen County families with deep ties to the fair, while others were discovered after countless hours of searching archives.
Some photos on display are more than 100 years old. Visitors can also see one of the original snow cone stands used 75 years ago, along with numerous 4-H and junior fair items from years past.
“Our goal with creating the museum this year was to show the rich history of the Allen County Fair through artifacts. Lots of fair artifacts don't remain because everything's so temporary, like tickets and things that hold your food. But there are things that have stood the test of time, like trophies and plaques and jackets. So we thought it was important to bring all of that stuff together and show it off,” said Chad Hughes, who assembled the Mooseum.
Visitors attending a grandstand event this week, or simply walking the fairgrounds, are encouraged to stop by the “Mooseum.” The exhibit also features a documentary highlighting the first 175 years of the Allen County Fair.
