Texas Fruit Palace, Anderson County Fair

Soon after the Civil War, communities sponsored countywide activities that featured new farming equipment, and from this beginning county fairs developed. The Anderson County Fair, established in October 1898, became known as the Texas Fruit Palace because of the number of local orchards. Although Front Street was the original location of the Anderson County Fair, other locations have included a horse track and the courthouse square.

In 1947, the fair board signed an agreement with the City of Palestine to lease 13 acres near U.S. Highway 79. The Anderson County Fair has always featured new farm products, local fruits and vegetables, and livestock competitions. During World War II home canning and victory gardens became the focus.

In the 1950s, large ranches dominated the landscape and cattle competitions became popular. Vocational agriculture students entered their livestock in competitions which became the highlight of the Anderson County Fair and developed into the Youth Livestock Show. Entertainment at the fair featured the popular carnival and musical show called the Bill Hames Show and presented popular musicians like Roy Acuff, Hank Williams, and the Drifting Cowboys.

Although the fair is now closed, the Youth Livestock Show continues to be held yearly on Highway 287 North. The dedication of many individuals throughout the years has been credited with the success of the Anderson County Fair. The Youth Livestock Show has survived from the Texas Fruit Palace/Anderson County Fair and is held yearly in the arena on land belonging to the Riding and Roping Club.

(2012)