Photos: A look back at the Pima County Fair
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Rick Wiley
Photo editor
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The first Pima County Fair was held in 1911. In 1932, the fair moved to the old airport site, which was renamed the Fair Grounds. That spot is now the Rodeo Grounds at Sixth Avenue and Irvington Road.
The county created the current 640-acre site on South Houghton Road in 1972.
Rides at the 1993 Pima County Fair were fun, even in black and white. David Sanders / Arizona Daily Star
Best rear ends? Winners of the 1964 Southern Arizona International Livestock Show at the Pima County Fair. Tucson Citizen
The Southern Arizona Heart Association offered recordings of your hearbeat (i.e. a vinyl record) at the 1957 Pima County Fair รฑ a keepsake so you can fondly remember the days when you had a heart. Tucson Citizen
Cindy Perez, 3, clutches a Chubby Cubby at the 1957 Pima County Fair. You sould buy a chance to win the cuddly fellow for the outrageous sum of 10 cents. Tucson Citizen
A pie-eating contest, ca. 1964, officiated by Happy the Clown at the Pima County Fair. Tucson Citizen file
Billy Zahne works on constructing the roller coaster at the 1990 Pima County Fair. Benjie Sanders / Arizona Daily Star
A salesman explains the Blender Queen Liquefier at the 1964 Pima County Fair. Is that like a Bass-O-Matic? Note the cool model of the Tucson Airport tower in the background. Tucson Citizen
Bill Carter, brother of U.S. Pres. Jimmy Carter, was a guest of honor at the opening ceremonies for the Pima Town and Country Fair on April 15, 1977. While taking a break from handshakes, signing autographs and speaking, Carter did drink an occasional can of beer. For his appearance at three events, Carter was paid $10,000. Jim Davis / Arizona Daily Star
A woman and her children have a laugh during a game of chance at the Pima County Fair in March, 1972. Lew Elliott / Tucson Citizen
Kids enjoy cotton candy on thwe first day of the The Pima County Fair March 22, 1967.ย Jack Sheaffer / UA Special Collections
Sharing time with Happy the clown at The Pima County Fair March 23, 1966.ย Jack Sheaffer / UA Special Collections
Linda Barnett, a 13-year-old Marana 4-H Club member, got a surprise kiss from her steer entry in the Pima County 4-H Fair in April of 1956.ย Jack Sheaffer / UA Special Collections
On the midway at the Pima County Fair on March 17, 1962.ย Jack Sheaffer / UA Special Collections
Fairgoers check out the wildlife on display at The Pima County Fair March 22, 1967.ย Jack Sheaffer / UA Special Collections
Karen Lockwood, Lorri Humbert and Jean Angus ride the Twister at the Pima County Fair in March, 1972. Lew Elliott / Tucson Citizen
Anne Accord reads "Guess Who's Been Sleep in my Bed" when business is slow at the ticket booth at the Pima County Fair in March, 1972. Lew Elliott / Tucson Citizen
Bar-Js Shanty, a Nubian goat, takes a bite out of his Grand Champion trophy in the junior milker contest at the Pima County Fair in April, 1977. Owner is Carrie Boggs. Joan Rennick / Tucson Citizen
A ride operator watches the Kamikazee at the Pima County Fair in April, 1990. Rick Wiley / Tucson Citizen
Kayla Carpenter, 8, shears a sheep at the Pima County Fair on. Undated photo. Tricia McInroy / Tucson Citizen
RCS Fair workers getting some of the big stuffed animals sorted out and getting them ready for opening day at the Pima County Fair grounds Monday April 11, 2011. Benjie Sanders / Arizona Daily Star
Joe and Pam Prewitt watch their daughters enjoy themselves on the Experience Ride at the opening night of the 95th Pima County Fair in 2005. Mamta Popat / Arizona Daily Star
People having a good time riding the Mega Drop ride opening day at the Pima County Fair Thursday April 18, 2013. Benjie Sanders / Arizona Daily Star
Elliot Brown, 9, celebrates after winning a stuffed animal during the last day of the Pima County Fair Sunday, April 24, 2011. Jill Torrance / Arizona Daily Star
Ayden Addy, 1, feeds a goat during the last day of the Pima County Fair Sunday, April 24, 2011. Jill Torrance / Arizona Daily Star
Three girls riding the "Spin Out" at the Pima County Fair in 2001. Benjie Sanders / Arizona Daily Star
The YoYo and Skydiver at night at the Pima County Fair in April 1976. P.K. Weis / Tucson Citizen
The sun sets as a girl enjoys the merry-go-round at the Pima County Fair in April, 1990. Rick Wiley / Tucson Citizen
Glenn Harris, a game operator working at "Bust 3," counts out change for a $5 bill on the last day of the Pima County Fair in April, 1990. Rick Wiley / Tucson Citizen
Don Hildebrand of Southwest Helicopters took people over the Pima County Fair for $10 a ride on April 15, 1983. More than 500 people hopped aboard in one weekend. Mari A. Schaefer / Arizona Daily Star
Escape artist Charlie Myrick emerges from captivity after being handcuffed by Tucson Police officer Mark Miranda, left, and Arizona DPS Officer Robert Gilmartin during the Pima County Fair in April, 1978. Lew Elliott / Tucson Citizen
Couples emerge from the Skydiver ride at the Pima County Fair in April 1976. P.K. Weis / Tucson Citizen
Jaimie Parziale, left, and her lamb Shannon dressed in 50s costumes at the Pima County Fair in April, 1991. Xavier Gallegos / Tucson Citizen
The Pima County Fair and Livestock Show during Family Day at the fair's "new home" on South Houghton Road in March, 1972.ย Lew Elliot / Tucson Citizen
Christian Ramon tries to keep his wife Camilla Ramo) warm as they wait for their children to finish their rides during opening day of the PIma County Fair. April 16, 2009.ย David Sanders / Arizona Daily Star
Fairgoers sheer sheep at The Pima County Fair March 23, 1966.ย Jack Sheaffer / UA Special Collections
Kids climb aboard the train at The Pima County Fair October 23, 1955.ย Jack Sheaffer / UA Special Collections
Jessie Putnam, 10, left, Jillian Putnam, 12, center, and Janene Putnam , right, slide down the giant "Euroslide" during opening day of the PIma County Fair on April 16, 2009.ย David Sanders / Arizona Daily Star
From left, the Bark's, including Robin, son Colby, 7, and daughter Taylor, 5, prepare to dump off their winnings in the family car before continuing on at the opening day of the Pima County Fair Thursday, April 15, 2010.ย Jeffry Scott / Arizona Daily Star
Rollercoaster at sundown at the Pima County Fair, 1996.
The Great American Pig Races at the Pima County Fair Thursday April 19, 2012. Benjie Sanders / Arizona Daily Star
Rick Wiley
Photo editor
As featured on
The annual Pima County Fair kicks off Thursday, April 20, for an 11-day run featuring funky foods, rides that will thrill and fun for the whole family.ย
Burro races, 25-cents admission, 50 cakes vying for prizes, an orchestra playing โ the first fair was a big deal in the Old Pueblo.
