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HISTORY

HISTORY OF THE UPPER MISSOURI VALLEY FAIR

The history of the Upper Missouri Valley Fair stretches back to the early 1900’s.  It started on a plot of land located South East of the City of Williston, ND.  It was at this location where numerous fairs took place.  They had horse drawn buggy races, airplane rides, free BBQ feeds, vendor booths, and much more.  The first ever plane rides came to Williston during the fair week back in 1911.  Enjoy the pictures below of some of the events that took place in the first part of the last century! 

Picture of the Horse drawn buggy races. A fan favorite!

BUGGY RACES

We were told that in 1911, you could get an airplane ride for $5.

AIRPLANE RIDES

Picture of all the fans of the old time buggy races.

RACES

One of the many racers on the old fairgrounds.

BUGGY RACES

Many vendors participated in the fair.

VENDORS

One of the big vendor booths in the early days of the Upper Missouri Valley Fair.

MERCHANDISE

Free BBQ Feed for all who attended the fair. A tradition we continue to this day.

BBQ FEED

What’s a fair without some food vendors? Here is one from back in the day.

FOOD BOOTHS

You can see the grandstand and the announcers stand during one of the many Buggy races.

HORSE RACES

WILLISTON’S FIRST AIRPLANE

Native American Pow-Wows took place on the old fair grounds.

POW-WOW