FOUR STATES FAIR TIMELINE

1945 - Judge E. Harold Beck was President.  The Four States Fair was organized in March 6, 1945.  The Assets of the  

            Four States Fair Livestock Show in the amount of $2,525.54 were transferred over to the Four States Fair.  Over 

            $35,000.00 in contributions were received.  Memberships were $25.00.  The Charter was dated August 14, 1945.

1946 - Judge E. Harold Beck was President. 

1947 - J. A. Whyte was President.

1948 - J. A. Whyte was President.

1949 - Judge E. Harold Beck was President.  L.E. Gilliand, Manager, asked exhibitors in the Merchant's Building to help  

           finance a permanent building.  

1950 - J. Ralston Crowder was President.  Merchant building was completed.  Ticket office was built.

1951 - J. Ralston Crowder was President.  The foundation for the Fine Arts Building was laid.  Quarter Horse Show was 

            approved.  

1952 - J. Ralston Crowder was President.  Improvements being made were a cattle shed and two restrooms.  Plans were 

           being made to annex the Merchants Building.  Fine Arts Building completed.  Asphalt streets, curbs, and gutters   

           were built.  

1953 - J. Ralston Crowder was President.  Concrete was approved by the Board of Directors to be put in the arena 

           measuring 50 X 75 feet for the Jimmy and Tommy Dorsey Show.

1954 - J. Ralston Crowder was President.  The 1956 fair would be six days with five-day rodeo.

1955 - J. Ralston Crowder was President.  Emmett Williams was hired as Secretary-Manager.

1956 - Ben Mizell was President. Plans being made to repair Grandstands, Chutes, and Announcer's Stand of the Rodeo 

            Arena.

1957 - Ben Mizell was President.  Plans still being made to repair grandstands, Chutes, and Announcer's Stand of the 

           Rodeo Arena.  Evelyn Keys was Executive Director.  

1958 - Ben Mizell was President.  Improvements made included showers and restrooms, incubator for the Barnyard, 

            backdrops for the Merchant's Building, Shadow Boxes, Horticulture Shelves, Power Plant addition, PA System, 

            Swine Pens, turnstiles, and stage.

1959 - Ben Mizell was President.  Natural Gas brought onto the Fairgrounds to the Fine Arts Building.  Fountain purchased 

            for the Fine Arts Building.  Old horse-drawn hearse was purchased from Eddie Blackmon.

1960 - Ben Mizell was President.  The construction of a new Livestock Facility and added seating in the Rodeo Arena.  

1961 - Ben Mizell was President.  New Furniture was bought for the fair office located in the new Chamber of Commerce 

            Building.  Gas was piped to the Concessions. 

1962 - Ben Mizell was President.

1963 - Ben Mizell was President.  Improvements were a new sound system for the Rodeo Arena, and stands were painted 

           and parking areas improved.

1964 - Ben Mizell was President.

1965 - J. N. Shoptaw was President.  The weather slowed things down and this year was a time of tightening up on 

           improvements.  Bunki Ashley was Executive Director.  

1966 - J. N. Shoptaw was President.

1967 - J. N. Shoptaw was President.

1968 - J. N. Shoptaw was President.  Awnings, Office Equipment, Overhead Door, metal doors, Air-Conditioner, and 

           fence were installed.  

1969 - Mannie Stevens was President.  Marion Davenport Reed was Executive Director.  Sewer line, 8 sit-down 

            concessions, septic tank for concessions, loading ramp, and new livestock barn with tie rails, and a cyclone fence,   

            and horse stalls were improvements made.

1970 - John C. Meadors was President. A dump truck was purchases, completed outside fence, new transformer: one-half 

           rodeo pens were completed. 

1971 - John C. Meadors was President. Betty Nix began working this year. Sidewalks in the cattle barn enclosed Ag 

           Building and completed rodeo pens. 

1972 - John C. Meadors was President. New offices and Director's room was furnished Mimeograph machine, 820 John 

           Deere Tractor, rebuilding old Horse Barn, weed eater and mower were purchased. 

1973 - John C. Meadors was president. Replaced 6 sets of bleachers in rodeo arena, updated all electrical facilities, new 

           quartz lights in arena, showers in ladies restrooms, new fence between Livestock Barn and Carnival Area, increased 

           fairgrounds by 2 1/2 acres, pegboard in Fine Arts, landscape office area, purchased golf cart, and fountains at front 

           entrance, walk at front entrance, walk at front entrance to Commercial Building were improvements made for this 

           year.  

1974 - John C. Meadors was President.  Dirt work, trees removed, wiring, sewer lines, and water lines to trailer park, 

            rewiring to all buildings, and in livestock barn, sign on Interstate and two typewriters were purchased.  

1975 - Norman C. Rochelle was President.  

1976 - Norman C. Rochelle was President.  

1977 - Norman C. Rochelle was President.  The Livestock Barn was doubled in size.  The storm blew out the West end of 

           the Commercial Building and it was replaced.  The Rodeo bleachers were painted and two culverts installed.  New 

           Showcases were constructed for the Antiques Building.  The Anheuser-Busch Clydesdale Horses were here for the 

           parade and performances in the arena.  Roofs of the Ag Building, Fine Arts Building, and Home Arts Building were 

           repaired by the Tri State Sheet and Metal.  Bill Hames Show was booked for our carnival.  

1978 - Henry Earl Fagan was President.  Restrooms were built with one side for the Livestock Barn and one side for the 

           midway with showers on the Livestock side.  Permanent cover over the KS steam engine.  Another office was 

           added.  Repair fencing in the rodeo arena.  Belly dancing on outdoor stage was approved.  

1979 - Henry Earl Fagan was President.  The Piney Woods Rendezvous was June 9 and 10.  Mayor Bobby Ferguson 

            made a special presentation to the Board.  There was approximately 104 acres of land located on the West side of 

            loop 245 and South of I-30, a 20 acre parking lot area and 88 acres that would be deeded to the Four States Fair 

            for relocation at no cost.  The Board accepted the proposal.  A planning and Layout committee was appointed.  A 

            EDA grant was applied for.  New tables and typewriters were purchased.  

1980 - Henry Earl Fagan was President.  Meetings and more meetings were held this year.  Grants awarded were 

            EDA 304 Funds.  The Fair would need to come up with matching money. 

1981 - Henry Earl Fagan was President.  A Mark VI 1982 Model was given away at a drawing November 1981.  The 

            resolution and warranty deed for 87.4 acres of land was read to the Board.  Approval to purchase 20 acres, this   

            acreage split the 84 acres in two.  

1982 - Dwight M. Duncan was President. Ground breaking for new fairgrounds on Loop 245.

1983 - Dwight M. Duncan was President.  One price gate admission plus all carnival rides and side shows was approved 

           for one night of the fair.  Move in 1984.

1984 - Dwight M. Duncan was President.  Contributions for move total $90,000.00.  Membership would be increased 

            from $25 to $35.00.  Membership card would be fair admission.  No move this year.  Bids were let out for new 

            fairgrounds.  

1985 - Ralph Shoptaw was President.  Blair Dear was Executive Director.  Lease expired in June on old Fairgrounds.  

           Authorization was given to the Executive Committee to proceed with bids, etc. to get started on whatever site 

           preparations was necessary in order to more the Fair to a new location in 1985 and also the multi-purpose building 

           not to exceed one million dollars.  City would maintain and control the wind energy generator.  Property was 

           annexed into the city.  Auction September 6th for all buildings and whatever was not needed would be in the auction.  

           The train was sold.  Grand opening of the Fair - George Jones, Grandpa Jones, Justin Tubb, Louise Morgan, 

           Virginia Seely, Stonewall Jackson, Jack Greene, Charlie Walker, Ronnie Milsap, and Tammy Wynette.  City gave 

           $50,000.00 for parking lot.  Open house in the VIP Room and Ribbon Cutting.

1986 - Philip Purifoy was President.  After several break-in's an alarm system was installed.  There is now 104-acre 

            fairgrounds, a graveled parking lot, an Entertainment Center.  Sale of the train with JJR & B did not work.  

            American Railroad Historical Foundation is interested.  SWEPCO agreed they would light the parking lot and the 

            Northwest and Southwest sides of the Entertainment Center every night for set amount per month.  This was done.  

            Spring Break '86 a mini fair.  New membership rates $35 for single, $50 for a Commercial with lifetime 

            memberships now $350.00 and $500.00.  The West Side of the restrooms was built.  Ralph Shoptaw was 

            Executive Director.    

1987 -  Philip Purifoy was President. Contract with Buchanan Bottling Company for 10 years.  Amended by-laws for our 

            year to run a calendar year from January to December.  Livestock Building was erected Presidents' pictures to be 

            displayed in the fair office.

1988 - Philip Purifoy was President.  Asphalt pads for tents completed.  Cover on front of building donated by George 

           Coker.  By-laws amended regarding President position.

1989 - Neal Courtney was President.  Proposal presented for Porky's Island.  Kiwanis Club built a multi purpose building.  

            Show ring in the Livestock Center, restrooms on East Side were built.  Fair was 7 day s with success. Parking lot in 

            front of office, Concrete in Entertainment Center, Heating in Entertainment Center, and Beautification Program was 

            started.  

1990 - Jeff Shirley was President.  A new sound system was installed.  A sound room was added to house the new 

           equipment.  Fans were installed in the Entertainment Center and it was insulated.  Arkansas Premium money and 

           construction money was approved.  Porky's Island was completed.  

1991 - Neal Courtney was President. Ten day fair was approved.  Air-conditioning installed in the Entertainment Center, 

           computers purchased and a space for accountant's office.  New carnival contract with the Bill Dillard Shows, new 

           Livestock Center Sign naming facility in honor of Marion Reed.

1992 - Jeff Shirley was President.  Dressing rooms were built for the Entertainment Center.  Parking lot next to the 

            Entertainment Center was blacktop.  Addition was made to the Livestock Office, built road on West side of 

            Fairgrounds; Texas High Ag Boosters made improvements to N.B. Finley's Barnyard.  The first ten day fair was 

            held this year.  

1993 - Neal Courtney was President.  

1994 - Utah Vardell was President.  Changed the General Membership meeting to the summer during the annual fish fry.  

            50th Anniversary of the Four States Fair.  Sign on Loop 245 was erected.

1995 - Utah Vardell was President.  (A title which later this year became known as the Chairman on the Board)  

            Organization structure completely reorganized.  Executive Director was given a five-year contract.  Committees 

            were eliminated.  Livestock Director was hired.  Soft drink contract awarded to Coke for 3 years.  

1996 - Sonja Hubbard was the Chairman of the Board.  Settled lawsuit with Bill Dillard Carnival.  Contracted with Matt 

           Armstrong Shows for the 1996 Fair.  Began accepting overnight RV parking.  Underpinned bleachers.  Began Four 

           States Fair Art Center Campaign (which will later be named Barbara Gleboff Fine Arts Building) with donation of 

           house by Bobbie Gleboff.

1997 - Sonja Hubbard was Chairman of the Board.  The Barbara Gleboff Fine Arts Building was constructed and used for 

           the first time for the 1997 Four States Fair Fine Arts Display.  Meri Smith was hired as President & CEO.  Auger   

           Rodeo Company purchased Don Gay's All Star Rodeo, and presented the Four States Fair Rodeo.  Matt  

           Armstrong Shows provided the carnival for the Fair.  

1998 - George Coker was Chairman of the Board.  Board members served on Finance Board Groups, Fairgrounds Board 

           Group, and Entertainment Center Board Group.  The annual Fair was changed from a ten day fair to an eight day fair 

           with a preview night.  Tip Top Shows provided the carnival for the 1998 Fair, and Auger Rodeo Company 

           presented the annual rodeo.

1999 - George Coker was Chairman of the Board.  Board members continued to serve on Finance Board Group, 

            Fairgrounds Board Group, and Entertainment Center Board Group.  Improvements include:  Painting the Livestock 

            Center, increasing the lighting on the fairgrounds, improving and increasing the electrical service on the fairgrounds, 

            purchasing 700 chairs and 7 chair racks, purchasing 10 cash registers for concessions, repairing and repainting the 

            concessions on the fairgrounds, expanding and painting Finley's Barnyard, and purchasing new dirt to be used in the 

            Entertainment Center for livestock events.  Also, trees were trimmed on the fairgrounds and a new air conditioning 

            system was installed at the oasis.  Tip Top Shows returned with their carnival for the 55th annual fair, and Neal Gay 

            produced the rodeo.  The nine day event was a success. 

2000 - Robert Sanderson was Chairman of the Board.  Board members continued to serve on the Finance Board Group, 

            Fairgrounds Board Group, and Entertainment Center Board Group.  George Coker served as Director of Hockey 

            operations, handling negotiations and overseeing the construction and renovations to accommodate hockey.  A 

            Central Hockey League team, the Border City Bandits, started their first season in October.  Improvements to the   

            Entertainment Center include:  construction of a storage room and press box, expansion of the dressing rooms, 

            installation of an ice floor, installation of awnings on the front of the building, increased electrical power, new carpet 

            and flooring in the VIP Room, a new sound system in the Entertainment Center and the VIP Room, and a concrete 

            pad for chiller equipment.  Also, the Fair purchased a new 5210 John Deere tractor and equipment for preparing 

            dirt used for Rodeos.  New light fixtures with fans were installed at the Oasis. Tip Top Shows returned with their 

            carnival for the 56th annual fair in September, and Neal Gay produced the annual PRCA rodeo.

2001 - Robert Sanderson was Chairman of the Board.  The Border City Bandits, owned by Texarkana Professional 

           Hockey, experienced financial difficulties and did not complete the season.  Games were played through mid 

           February with the assistance of the Four States Fair.  A locally owned team, the Texarkana Bandits, was formed and 

           began their season in mid October. Improvements to the Entertainment Center include: converting the power from 

           natural gas to electricity for the air conditioning system, adding additional speakers and upgrades to the sound  

           system, renovating the bathrooms, purchasing equipment for the concessions and repairing and maintaining the roof.  

           Improvements to the Fine Arts Building include:  installation of a linoleum floor and improvements to the kitchen and 

           bathrooms.  Tip Top Shows returned to the 57th annual fair in September, and Neal Gay produced the annual 

           PRCA rodeo.

2002 - Kelly Tidwell was Chairman of the Board.  The final payment on the note to Regions Bank was paid in April seven 

           months before it was due.  A Livestock Building campaign was undertaken and a 120 ft. X 100 ft. addition to the 

           existing Livestock Center was completed.  Improvements were made to the wash racks and the road into the 

           livestock area.  The Texarkana Bandits continued to play in the Entertainment Center for a second season.  A 2002 

           Ford Taurus was purchased.  The Oasis was pained and a golf cart was purchased.  Funding from the Texarkana, 

           Texas Hotel and Motel taxes increased.  Texarkana A & P Commission approved a grant for improvements to 

           Finley's Barnyard and the Marion Reed Livestock Center's Restrooms.  The fair began providing health insurance for 

           employees. Tip Top Shows returned to the 58th annual fair in September, and Neal Gay produced the annual PRCA 

           rodeo.

2003 - Kelly Tidwell was Chairman of the Board. The Texarkana Bandits with new investors returned to play another 

           season making this the 4th year for hockey in the Entertainment Center.  A new restroom facility with dressing rooms 

           and an office was constructed next to the Livestock Center, and was completed before the fair, also additional 

           lighting was added to the show ring.  A ventilation system was installed in the Entertainment Center, and two air 

           conditioning units were replaced.  The rodeo panels and equipment were improved with an investment to replace 

           damaged or worn out equipment.  The Fair donated $4,000.00 to the Antique Car Club for their building fund.  The   

           Southeast Dairy Assoc. approved funding for the development of a milk education program and facility.  Gold Star 

           Amusements from Minnesota was the new carnival for the 59th annual Fair, and Neal Gay produced the annual 

           PRCA rodeo.  The 2003 Fair & Rodeo was the most successful fair in the history of the fair with record attendance 

           totaling 109,148. 

2004 - Chad Dowd was Chairman of the Board.  The Texarkana Bandits returned for their 5th year of hockey in the 

            Entertainment Center.  Improvements were made in Finley's Barnyard, and plans for Project AG ~ the Southeast 

            Dairy Association funded Milk Education Facility is underway.  Changes and improvements are being made all over 

            the fairgrounds.  Gold Star Amusements returned for the 60th annual Fair, and Neal Gay presented our PRCA 

            rodeo.  

2005 - Chad Dowd was Chairman of the Board.  The Texarkana Bandits returned for their 6th year of hockey in the   

            Entertainment Center.  Michael Donovan was hired as President & CEO.  Plans continue for a new Ag Learning  

            Center on the fairgrounds, funded by the Southeast Dairy Association Milk Education Program.  Gold Star 

            Amusements presented the carnival for the 60th annual fair, and Neal Gay presented our PRCA rodeo.

2006 - Brent Langdon was Chairman of the Board.  Agriculture Learning Center is being constructed with plans to open for 

           the 2006 fair.  Plans are underway for several grounds improvements including a five-year plan.  Gold Star 

           Amusements will present our carnival for the 62nd Annual fair, and Scotty Lovelace will present our PRCA rodeo.