Remember the feeling of loading up the family car, rolling the windows down, and heading toward the bright lights of the carnival rides? That specific brand of small-town excitement returns to downtown this week for the annual Cole Camp Fair.
Operating since 1916—with historical pauses only for the Great Depression and World War II—the street festival is much more than a weekend attraction. It serves as a community reunion. Locals affectionately refer to it as "the world's fair," a place where generations gather to celebrate the region's agricultural roots and hometown pride.
The event's signature draw remains the Grand Parade, featuring elaborate floats covered in thousands of handmade tissue-paper flowers. Those displays take local churches, businesses, and families weeks to build, reflecting a deep, hands-on dedication to the town's history. Many share this commitment; having walked these fairgrounds yearly since 1951, watching the rides and food stands update while the core traditions hold strong.
Whether you are returning for the livestock shows, the antique tractors, or just catching up with old friends by the bandstand, the fair offers something for everyone. For a complete look at event times, parade routes, and main stage entertainment, check out the full schedule in the BCE insert or visit www.colecampfair.com.
