For nearly a century, people in Morrison County have been coming to the Motley Fairgrounds every summer to enjoy a variety of activities. The idea to organize a county fair in Motley was born in 1910, with the first official fair taking place in 1911. The Motley Fair will celebrate its Centennial this summer during Motley Fair Days June 24 - 27. (Submitted photos) It’s been 100 years since the idea to hold a county fair in Motley was first conceived.

Since that time, thousands of ribbons have been given to 4-H members; countless exhibits looked at by fair-goers; and a variety of entertainment has been offered over the years, including hot-air balloon rides and fast-paced demo derbies.

Having a county fair in Motley may never have happened had it not been for the diligence of the Morrison County Agricultural Association, officially registered on February 11, 1911.

In her book, “The Right Side of the River,” long-time Motley resident and historian Ella Topp writes about the struggle between Motley and Little Falls for the title of the official Morrison County Fair Association.

Although Little Falls had held fairs in the 1880s and 1890s, they became defunct in 1891. According to the law of 1905, which governed county fairs, “An agricultural association to be eligible under the law needed to be an active, continuous society paying out annually over $400 in premiums,” Topp reported in her book.

Little Falls held a series of Street Fairs after they became defunct; however, in 1910, no Street Fair was held. Thus, they could not be considered a ‘continuous fair.’

The Little Falls group went on to reorganize the Morrison County Agricultural Co-operative Society, but their incorporation date (July, 1911) came after the Motley group’s.

Topp goes on to describe the series of events that took place between the two groups as they vied for the official title.

There were visits to the State Auditor, who ruled in favor of Little Falls; and an encounter with Judge Lewis of Ramsey Co. District Court, who declared the Motley Association to have the seniority.

In January, 1913, the Supreme Court handed down the decision that the Morrison County Agricultural Association of Motley was the senior agricultural fair organization of Morrison County, Topp reports.

“This put an end to a fight that had lasted for nearly two years and which had attracted the attention of the whole state,” she added. “Quite a price had been paid to enable present Motley to paint on its pavilion ‘Morrison County’s Oldest Continuous Fair,’”

Early names associated with the Motley Fair include W.N. Morey, C.A. Montgomery, John Bergland, V. Lockwood, E.G. Haymaker, M. Merrill and E.F. Jacobs.

In her book, Topp writes, “The Motley

Mercury claimed the ‘Morrison County’s

First Annual Fair,’ a big success and ‘pleased everyone.’”

On the first day, she goes on to write, the school children marched behind the band to the depot where they met Congressman C.A. Lindbergh and escorted him to the grounds where he delivered a splendid address. There were ball games and bowery dances, there was a parade with floats and a parade of prize livestock. There were fine exhibits of every kind as well as displays from the business men and a showing of the taxidermy work of San Francisco.

A large pavilion was built on the fairgrounds in 1920 (it later burned in 1931); and a 30’ by 75’ building for exhibits was built to replace a rented tent.

That same year, Topp goes on to report, Mrs. W.N. Morey would be the first woman at the fair to take a ride in a aeroplane. When it was over, she exclaimed that she had never enjoyed herself so much for $10, Topp writes.

A number of carnivals have stopped by the Motley Fair over the years; and entertainment has always played a big part in its success

as well.

There has always been “something for everyone at

the fair,” said Motley resident Gay Swecker, who was a member of the fairboard years ago.

“My husband, Bud, and I got involved because of 4-H,” Swecker said. “Our kids and grandkids have all been in it; I’m still a 4-H judge and always enjoy seeing what the kids are doing.”

The fair has changed quite a bit over the years, Swecker noted. “It used to be a place where farmers had a chance to show off their livestock and crops. Not anymore.”

Rena Underhill, a 1950 graduate of Motley High School and long-time member of the Motley Fairboard agreed. “Oh, yes, it’s changed a lot. Society has changed so much, though. That really affects things like county fairs.”

When Underhill was a child, she said, the fair was the highlight of the summer. “Oh, people came from all over. There were dances, country music bands. There was standing room only most of the time,” she recalled.

In today’s world, Underhill reflected, children

have access to all sorts of

entertainment year ‘round. “We didn’t have that when

I was a kid. The fair was a big deal.”

Growing up on a farm, Rena was always involved in 4-H and looked forward to showing her prized lambs and Jersey cattle at the fair. “I even showed them at the state fair, which was exciting.”

While she was on the board, Underhill worked

hard to make sure that the

fair would be free to all. “They used to charge a fee

and I never felt like that was right. Parents couldn’t afford to pay to see their kids’ 4-H exhibits every day. It made more sense for the fair to make money from grandstand events,” she said.

Underhill was glad to see that this became a reality. “I think the biggest money maker they have today is the demo derby. That brings in a lot of people. But no one has to pay to see anything else at the fair.”

Fairboard members have come and gone over the years; but their goal to keep improving the Motley Fair and to offer lasting memories to the community remains consistent.

“I don’t know everyone on the board, but I know they work real hard,” Underhill said. “Rhonda Amundson is the current fairboard president. I had her in Kindergarten years ago,” she added.

The Motley Historical Society will have an exhibit set up at the fair featuring old photos and artifacts from earlier fair days.

Amundson hopes people will stop by to learn more about the fair’s history; and to celebrate the Centennial of “Morrison County’s Oldest Continuous Fair.”

The Motley Fair runs June 24 - 27; and features a variety of displays; midway rides; food booths; horse shows; games and entertainment. “There’s something for everyone,” says Amundson.

For a detailed list of events, pick up a Premium Book at local businesses, or visit www.motleyfair.com.