The Union Agricultural Society of Barkhamsted, Colebrook and Hartland, Inc. was organized in September 1909 and incorporated on October 8, 1909 for the purpose of holding an agricultural fair in Riverton each year.
The first fair was held on the schoolhouse grounds on October 12, 1909 with an estimated attendance of 3000. Livestock and crops were exhibited and judged, drum corps and bands provided entertainment, games were played, and a tradition began.
In 1947 it was voted to expand the fair from just Columbus Day to a two-day event.
A meeting was held on August 28 of …