The History of the Kyle Fair

Communities all over celebrate their history and anniversary of formation with special events. Some call these events "Founders Day" or "Festivals". Kyle has been calling their's Kyle Fair for over 100 years.

The town of Kyle was platted and the first lots were auctioned off on Friday, October 15, 1880. We assume that the person that bought that first lot was happy and felt like dancing. Every year since, the 3rd weekend of October was the time Kyle acknowledged the first lot sold with a fair.

The City Square Park was platted in 1880 as well. From the very beginning of Kyle, the park was a gathering place for citizens, merchants and music-makers. Records going back to the very first organized event are not available, but records and even some photos of downtown Kyle show large crowds on the park dating back to the early 1900's.

Before WWII, records indicate that the Kyle Fair showcased plays, musicians, carnivals, merchant vendors and even a parade. Beauty contests were held, including the "most beautiful baby contest". The records of that beauty contest go back to 1917. Parades have been a part of the Kyle Fair from horse and buggy days. The wagons and buggies were decorated with flags and went through downtown by the park.

Kyle even had it's own band, the Kyle City Band, which was composed of men and boys of the community. They would play at the Kyle Fair and performed in the old city hall and local schools.

Vendors have been a part of the Kyle Fair from the very beginning. Kyle was a resting point for merchants, or "drummers" as they were called, from all over the state. They would get off the train, walk to the square and set up their wares. The crowds at the Kyle Fair would flock in to see the new products being offered from all over.

Today, as in the beginning of Kyle, the Kyle Fair is held the 3rd weekend of October, there is a parade, musicians play and vendors sell items from all over. There are still carnivals, beauty contests and crowds celebrating the founding of this great community - Kyle.