Photos from Port of South Whidbey’s post

The Port of South Whidbey posted this to its Facebook page on 2026-02-09 13:41:13.

**The Fascinating Tale of Whidbey Island Fairgrounds: From Chicken Farm to Community Centerpiece**

Did you know that the Whidbey Island Fairgrounds has its roots as a chicken farm? The story of the Island County Fair begins back in 1912 when a group of nine determined men from Coupeville banded together to form the Island County Fair Association, backed by private stock. Initially, fairs were held at the play pavilion, but by 1916, the event was put on hold due to the challenging travel conditions on the winding roads leading to Coupeville.

Fast forward to 1917, when the concept of the fair was revived at the Langley marina. J.C. Langley, the town’s banker and nephew of namesake James Weston Langley, sparked enthusiasm by offering all women who displayed an exhibit the chance to seek out a hidden gold coin on his farm. Exhibits were showcased in a large dance pavilion, creating a buzz of excitement throughout the community.

However, progress brought change. By 1922, the fair was relocated to Cascade Avenue after the Standard Oil Company purchased the land where the dance pavilion stood, paving the way for oil storage tanks. A newly formed Island County Fair Association reestablished the fair, hosting events in a grassy field south of the school and displaying exhibits in the school gymnasium.

In 1923, the organization refined its structure and reincorporated as a nonprofit, determining to keep the fair alive and thriving. As the fair became increasingly popular and school attendance rose, it was soon clear that new accommodations were overdue.

In 1934, local builder Albert Melsen took a leap of faith, advancing $300 for a six-acre chicken ranch owned by J.O. Blackford, transforming it into what we now know as the fairgrounds. Three years later, during the height of the Great Depression, construction on the first building—a massive Pole Building—was completed with help from the Works Progress Administration. At the time, it was touted as the largest pole building in the U.S., featuring a charming river rock chimney adorned with a subtle star pattern.

As the years rolled on, the fairgrounds flourished. The 1940s and 1950s saw the addition of small booths along the north end of the grounds, along with new exhibit buildings and horse barns. Equestrian events continued to draw crowds to the fields south of the school, sustaining the community’s love for agriculture and festivities.
In 1962, the Fair Association deeded the fairgrounds property to Island County, but remained responsible for managing the annual fair.
From its whimsical beginnings to a central gathering place for family fun and celebration, the Whidbey Island Fairgrounds is a testament to the spirit of innovation and community resilience in Island County.

learn more from http://langleyhistory.com/data/buildings/819camanoavenue.html1917. Island County Fair at the Langley Marina (Courtesy South Whidbey Historical Society).