Ann Shipley, who works at TESC, has completed a book titled: "Memories: The History of the Thurston County Fair." The book is due out in August. From The Olympian :

The first Thurston County Fair was in 1871 in Columbia Hall, where the 4th Ave. Tav now sits in downtown Olympia, Shipley said. Since then, it's been held in almost 20 different locations, including along the shores of Capitol Lake.

During the early years, horse races were a big draw.

“They had women's races as well as men's,” Shipley said. Milking contests and boxing matches also were headlining events.

The fair has missed more than a few years since 1871 — it often was cancelled because of a lack of money or support. During World War I, the Thurston County Fair disbanded and community fairs and school agricultural shows were held in South Sound instead.

One year, it was connected to the Pet Parade and held at the American Legion Hall near Capitol Lake. Another year, it was planned for October and was rained out.

“It was interesting to see how the fair was affected by whatever the cultural or political climate was at the time,” Shipley said.