Guess what? The Greater Gulf States Fair is right around the corner — better reserve some time for it now because I hear it promises to be the best yet.
An excerpt from the October 19, 1973, issue of the Mobile Press Register
The Greater Gulf State Fair began in 1955 and was started by the Junior Mobile Chamber of Commerce, now known as the Mobile Jaycees. This photo, taken by photographer Larry Bell, shows the fair in the early 70s. By this time, the fair had moved from its first location at Blakeley Island to Hartwell Field. It was also hosted one year at Ladd Stadium.
Dubbed “The Fun Event of the Year” in newspaper ads, the fair featured a variety of carnival rides alongside fair food, informational booths, agriculture and home economics competitions, a livestock show and more attractions under the bright lights. 1971 was the first year that the fair featured a petting zoo — complete with 53 animals — with a newspaper saying “no longer will the small fry feel frustrated when not allowed to pet animals in the Fair’s regular livestock show.” The selection of that year’s Azalea Trail Maid court was a popular event at Hartwell Field’s grandstand arena. The fair is still held in Mobile every fall. greatergulfstatefair.com
The Early 1970s Greater Gulf State Fairs by the Numbers
132,577
This attendance record at the time was set by the 1971 Greater Gulf State Fair. That year, fair president Ed Spurling was given a gold engraved watch by the fair executive committee for his role in setting the record.
4 and 7:30 p.m.
The times for fairgoers to catch free shows at the Hartwell Field grandstands.
150
The approximate number of exhibits each Greater Gulf State Fair had in the early 70s, ranging from art, civic, educational, military and more.
50 cents
The advance admission price for children going to the Greater Gulf State Fair in the early 70s. Adults advance tickets were $1.50.
1975
The year that the Greater Gulf State Fair moved to The Grounds. The large site was purchased completely with proceeds raised from the annual fair.
2 years old
The age of the twin St. Bernards, Brandi and Barrel, who gave rides to the kids as a part of the fair attractions. The dogs would pull the children in a cart behind them.
1971
The first year the Greater Gulf State Fair held a pageant, titled “The Fairest of the Fair.” The contest chose a young lady ages 17 to 20 to reign over the fair’s activities that year.
$18,262.50
The amount in premiums that the 1973 Greater Gulf State Fair gave out in its competitions. That year, fairgoers were also eligible for cash prizes from exhibitors.
