It all started in 1940 as a 4-H Achievement Day. In October, on a Saturday morning, on the Eddy County courthouse lawn, the 4-H members entered their projects, watched them being judged, and took part in a livestock sale.
The official Eddy County Junior Livestock Show and Sale began in 1945. The livestock exhibits were on the courthouse lawn with home economics exhibits displayed in the basement. This was the first year the Carlsbad School vocational agriculture department participated with the livestock. The Show and Sale was sponsored by the Carlsbad Farm and Ranch Improvement Association. The numbers increased so dramatically that limits had to be set for the number of animals that could be sold.
Artesia High School opened a new agricultural department, and their students joined in the show in 1948.
In 1950 the Artesia Kiwanis Club joined as a sponsor. It was decided that the sale and show should alternate between Artesia and Carlsbad.
As the Show and Sale grew it became more difficult to find facilities. Some existing locations utilized were the Carlsbad National Guard Armory, Artesia Wool Warehouse, Carlsbad Air Base, and Artesia Livestock Sale Ring. Soon, it became necessary to extend the Show to two- and one-half days. The increasing number of events made it necessary that multiple facilities be used simultaneously.
The Eddy County Fair Association was organized in 1960. It’s primary goal became construction of permanent fairground facilities. Nine acres of land were donated by the Artesia Roping Club. Commercial booths and memberships were sold to individuals and businesses to raise money to build the livestock barn and exhibit hall.
A new incentive for the 4-H members was added in the early 1960’s – a cake was to be auctioned during the livestock sale. This The was open to any 4-H member.
The Artesia Kiwanis operated the snack bar in the Exhibit Hall, donation the profits to the Fair Association for improvements to the fairgrounds. Most of the improvements have been completed by volunteers making this a genuine community fair.
In the late 60’s major changes began. The show was moved to August, giving greater emphasis to the junior home economics division and adding the adult home economics division. The Eddy County Commissioners became part of the Junior Show by making funds and various services available.
Public interest became an important issue. Many ideas were tried such as a “Sheep to Shawl,” “Richard the Magician,” “a puppet show,” and the “Queen” contest. A pet show was added in 1973 and is still a big attraction.
Exploration into the possibility of combining all the efforts of the Fair Association, Carlsbad Farm and Ranch Association and the Artesia Kiwanis Club into one organization was initiated in 1974. After several months of discussion, the Eddy County Fair Association was developed.
The Association members paid an annual membership fee of $5.00. They elected a Board of Directors from different geographical areas of the county. Meetings are held monthly, alternating between Artesia and Carlsbad.
In 1978 the first Fair Book cover contest was held. There were 39 entries. To get more interest in all areas of the community, Lead Class competition was introduced by the Wool Growers Association. It is still a big favorite of the kids and well as the general public.
The buyer's list was added to the Fair Book in 1980. There were 20 steers, 24 lambs, 24 hogs, 10 capons, 3 rabbits and 1 cake sold. Sixty-four buyers participated.
In 1984, need for more expansion became apparent. A fund was set up for the steer barn. It was built by volunteers and a good community spirit drawing Carlsbad and Artesia together.
The next few years brought major changes. In 1988 the auction was increased to 20 steers, 35 lambs, 32 hogs, 10 chickens, 5 rabbits and a cake. The carnival was added in 1989. This increased the public interest and the need to expand was again felt. The plans began for a new exhibit barn. With increased interest in 4-H projects, the adult home economics section, addition of the garden show and commercial booths it has become necessary to start a new building fund. Eddy County continues to add to the fund every year with the aspiration and hope that the Fair will continue to grow and bring enjoyment to the people of Eddy County and Southeastern New Mexico.
In 2024, after several years of planning the Eddy County Fair Board Association started planning an expansion of the fairgrounds. In January they broke ground to a nearly 80,000 square foot livestock barn to house all the livestock.