Welcome to the Dawson County Fairgrounds in Lexington Nebraska. Our goal is to provide you with useful information about our annual County Fair, as well as other events that take place on the fairgrounds through out the year.

The first ever fair in Dawson County was in September of 1886 and was put on by eleven Plum Creek business men. The first county fair in Plum Creek was held from September 28 to October 1. Admission was free and the Plum Creek Newspaper announced afterwards that the fair was “A Grand Success.” The fenced grounds enclosed the grandstand, art hall and other structures. There was a variety of attractions. A major exhibition of farm animals, products and farm equipment. The floral hall was billed as the “largest ever seen in Western Nebraska.” Local businesses had exhibits at the fair, which included dry goods, variety of stoves, carriages and machinery. The speed ring was the location for cattle roping, as well as various horse, bicycle and slow mule races. Two races were held between a horse and a bicycle, the bicycle winning both times. Some $4000 was awarded as premiums. The many exhibits included farm animals, agriculture, horticulture, dairy, jellies, preserved fruits, needlework and fine arts.