Later fairs, held in October, were in then called Marshall (M'town) and Marietta.

1858-Marshall-October 14-16
1859-Albion-October 11-12 (premiums & expenses totaled $275)
1860-Marietta-September10-21

   On November 10, 1860, the fair society became incorporated.  Ten acres of land from Novill Gillespie was purchased-between Main & Boone streets, west of sixth street.  The society was to fence & care for the land during fair week.  Some sheds and stalls were built. 

1861-Marshall-September 11-12
Civil War lowered attendance at the fairs.
  The society reorganized in 1864.  Stock in the organization sold for $10. 
  From 1864 to 1869, the fairs were held at Finkle Park. 

  Horse racing meets with roulette wheels and gambling took over agricultural part of fair.

   In June of 1906, Marshall County Fair Association was organized to reestablish the fair as an agricultural exposition.  I.S. Finkle land on east Main received rent of $1000 per year with an option to purchase the property for $11,000, rent applying to purchase price.

   The first fair under this management was held September 18-20, 1906.  Total receipts amounted to $10,277 and $1,100 paid in premiums to 253 entries.

   The Wallace Farmer of September 25, 1908 says "The county fair that comes next in importance to the state fair in respect to its exhibits and especially its educational features, is undoubtedly the Marshall County Fair……"

   1912--Marshall County Fair report:  "We allude to the admission of side shows and open performances of questionable character, as beer stands, lotteries, roulette wheels, fortune tellers, unbecoming & immodest behavior of actors in side shows or on the public stand any of which help to make of the fair a carnival and keep some of our best citizens away."

   By 1925, the premiums paid had climbed to $6,862 and exhibitors numbered 1,100.

   In 1926, the Articles of Incorporation expired and new articles named the corporation the Central Iowa Fair, including Hardin, Grundy, Tama, Story, Poweshiek and Jasper counties.

  The old wooden grandstand burned in the late 30's.

  In 1937, negotiations began with the WPA for the construction of a grandstand financed in part by WPA.  Work was slow, abandoned during WWII.  After the war, the plans were altered and the structure was partially completed with structural steel and had a seating capacity of 3,100. 

   By 1949, it was the first and largest covered county fair grandstand in the nation.

   In 1954, the grandstand was enclosed--15 years after the job was commenced.

   Harold Peterson was county agent from 1932-March 1942.  During his involvement with the Central Iowa Fair, the beef increased to a point where more calves were entered in Marshalltown than were shown at the state fair.  More than 500 calves were shown one year.  (In those days, the state fair was before the county fair)

   Early 4-H books were small, blue and sent to Ames to be graded and returned.

   In 1952, the Central Iowa Fair ranked 2nd in the state in value of premiums awarded to 4-H members.

   On December 28, 1962, Marshalltown Industrial Park Org. bought 25 acres of land from Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth Knudson to present to the fair association for the new Central Iowa Fair grounds.