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.
