Clearfield won the contest by raising more subscription money, and it was
established as the site, except in 1895 and 1896, when Grampian was used so
that a track would be available for harness racing. In 1870, the Clearfield
Driving Park became the permanent fair grounds. In the early 1900's, the Fair
was held irregularly. However, in 1925, two permanent buildings, the grandstand
and the exposition hall were constructed.
Changes
occured in the 1930s when the crash of the stock market in 1934 caused the 1935
fair to be briefly suspended. The Clearfield Volunteer Fire Department procured
its management in 1938 and extended its length to a full week, adding a first
fireman’s parade. The Clearfield Volunteer Department is made up from four fire
companies, one from each ward of Clearfield Borough. They are Company Number
One, Second Ward, Third Ward Hose Company, Elk hose Company. Each fire company
elects three persons from their membership to form the Clearfield Volunteer
Fire Department Fair and Park Board.
The James E. Strates Shows made their first appearance in 1937 and
continued for over thirty years. When the railroad ran through Clearfield, it
was tradition to watch them load their show on the train in downtown Clearfield
after the Fair was over.
In
1944 and 1945, there were no fairs because of World War Two. Originally, the ownership of the fairgrounds
belonged to bondholders, most of whom turned their bonds over to the firemen as
a donation to see the Fair continue. The Grandstand Company owned the
grandstand. Then later, the Clearfield Borough Park Authority paid off the
remainder of the outstanding bonds.
In
the late 1970's, the Fair Board entered a lease agreement with Clearfield
Borough to take over the management of the fair grounds and buildings. Since
then the Fair Board has been responsible for renovations and improvements into
the fairgrounds, also known as the Clearfield Driving Park.
Each
year, the fair draws large crowds of young and old from the surrounding areas
and around the state for the sights, sounds and tastes unique to the gala.
There is something for everyone—rides, games, good food, animal and trade
exhibitions, harness racing, fair queen and her court, and great grandstand
entertainment.
