The Durham Fair is staffed entirely by volunteers; in fact, it is the second largest fair in North America without paid management or employees. In addition to the members of the Durham Agricultural Fair Association and other volunteers, local organizations such as schools, churches, clubs, civic groups, and more, participate in the fair to help raise funds for their organizations.
There was no fair in 1917–18, 1942–45 & 2020.
Pulling contests
Pulling contests are events that involve the use of oxen, draft horses and tractors to pull concrete weights to determine the best contestant in each event. They are well received as a show of strength between farmers who believe that their oxen, horses or tractors are the strongest in terms of pulling weight. Monetary awards provide additional motivation for all competitors.
Use of Durham Fairgrounds
The Durham Fairgrounds have been used for several other festivals including B.O.M.B. Fest 2010.[2]
In May 2012, the fairgrounds hosted the 1st annual Construction Pro RODEO featuring an EXPO, careers in construction day for high school kids and a skills competition.
