28 Feb 2024
2013
Dave White is Chairman of the Board. Jimmy Curtis was hired as President & CEO.
28 Feb 2024
2012
Jeff Taylor was Chairman of the Board. Dwight Duncan retired and Eliot Rester was hired in June as President & CEO. Lisa Norris was hired following the fair as Administrative Assistant. The fairgrounds had imrpovements to the Restroom Facilities in the Entertainment Center, and received a grant to imrpvoe restrooms in the fairgrounds area with the assistance of State Representative Prissy Hickerson. We also had signs errected on Interstate 30 stating FOUR STATES FAIRGROUNDS NEXT EXIT. The tin in the Entertainment Center was completed from 8ft to ceiliing. This was made possible by awards received from the Arkansas A & P Commission. An additonal 100 horse stalls were also awarded in this funding, as well as funding for a new Livestock / Equine Facility between the Equine Center and Livestock Center. Constrcution was completed prior to the 2012 fair.
28 Feb 2024
2011
Jeff Taylor was Chairman of the Board. This year improvements were: additional lighitng on the grounds, and parking areas. Constructed an Ag Building to display Farm Projects and such from area FFA & 4H Chapters. Constructed a privacy fence at the South Gate to enclose mantineance areas, added 16 permanent RV Spaces for long-term (monthly) parking. Royal West Amusements and Inland Empire Shows presented our carnival for one year, and then we disolved the contract due to the lack of equipment promised and not being up to the standards promised to us during negotiations, the second year of their contract was cancelled.
28 Feb 2024
2010
Jimmy Curtis was Chairman of the Board. Massive electrical upgrades to our RV Circle/Concession areas to accomodate not only the larger RV’s, but also the food trailers during the fair. We made our first addition to the Four States Equine Center, and added an additional 100 stalls. The utilization of our facilities incresed to at least 3 weekends a month. We changed our annual bull riding to a CBR Bull Riding, and hosted the American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life as well as Susan G. Komen’s Race for a Cure. The Ag Learning Center won IAFE John Deere Award for Newly Established or Developed at your Fair to Promote Agriculture. First Place in Agriculture Photo Series, and Second Place for Non- Fair Agriculture Event or Program as well as the Best of Division Award. We also had another record breaking fair with Gold Star Amusements. Classic Pro Rodeo continued to present our annual rodeo.
28 Feb 2024
2009
Jimmy Curtis was Chairman of the Board. Dwight Duncan was President & CEO. Construction was completed on the Equine Center with 210 horse stalls, and the ground-breaking was held in March. At the time the facility officially opened we had already booked over ten events scheudled to take place there. Our first large event in this facility was Runnin WJ Barrel Race. The Four States Fair facilities were utilized more this year than ever before. We completed the brick overlay on the benches around the circle and the seating for the Outdoor Stage. The Ag Lerning Center won the 2009 First Place IAFE John Deere Award of Excellence on printed material developed and produced by the fair to promote agricultural programs, First Place Fair / Sponsors Joint Exhibit Program. 2009 was our largest grossing fair to date with Gold Star Amusements presenting our Carnival for the ten day fair, and Scotty Lovelace’s Classic Pro Rodeo presented our rodeo. We also co-promoted the Demolition Derby for the first time this year.
28 Feb 2024
2008
Jimmy Curtis was Chairman of the Board. Dwight Duncan was President & CEO. The Four States Fair was awarded the 2008 Arkansas Governor’s Tourism Henry Award for Grand Old Classic Event for the state of Arkansas. We lost Finley’s Barnyard to a fire, and reconstructed the barnyard with a metal building and half side walls. We began massive ground improvements during this year; including but not limited to, cleraing the area east side of the Entertainment Center for parking. We added handicapped accessible restrooms in th Entertainment Center with money approved by the A & P Commission we also added additional laides restrooms. The first annual Sparks in the Park was held here in conjunction with the City of Texarkana, AR and TownSquare Media.We also held our first annual bull riding promoted by FSF in the spring. A & P Commission also approved funding the Four States Equine Center adjacent to the Entertainment Center. Constrcution began following the fair. The Ag Learning Center won the First Place IAFE John Deere Award for Non-Fair Agricultual Event or Program. This year a hurricane hit during our annual fair and rodeo so with the help of Gold Star Amusements we extended our 9 day fair to a 10 day fair to assist us in making up for lost revenue on Saturday. The Commerical Tent and Ag Tent were totally destroyed during this fair.
28 Feb 2024
2007
Brent Langdon was Chairman of the Board. Dwight Duncan was hired as Interim President & CEO. Restruction of staff took place: Lisa Barr-Vice President, Brian Adkins-Maintenance Director, Jennifer Cowling-Ag Learning Center Director- Debbie Kyles-Finance Director, Kimber Mackey-Office Manager. There was a new vision to redirect the Four States Fair facilities to Livestock Facilities in anticipation of Minton’s Sportsplex facilities and convention area planned for the Arkansas side. Ag Learning Center won its first IAFE John Deere Award of Excellence for Special or Specific Agricultural event, exhibit, or program for the fair going public, and Award of Excellence for printed material developed and produced by the fair to promote agriculture programs. Second place AOE for Overall Agriculture Program for the Non Agricutural fair goers. The bottom half of the Entertainment Center walls were covered in tin, and the Ida Lou Ames Home Arts Building was constructed and opened for the 2008 fair.
28 Feb 2024
2006
Brent Langdon was Chairman of the Board. Ag Learning Center is being constrcuted with plans to open for 2006 fair. Plans are underway for several grounds improvments including a 5 year plan. Gold Star Amusements will present our carnival for the 62nd Annual Fair, and Scotty Lovelace will present our PRCA Rodeo.
28 Feb 2024
2005
Chad Dowd was Chairman of the Board. Texakana Bandits returned for their 6th season. Michael Donovan was hired as President & CEO. Plans continue for the new Ag Learning Center on the fairgrounds funded by the Southeast Dairy Assocition. Gold Star Amusements presented our carnival, and Neal Gay produced our annual rodeo.
28 Feb 2024
2004
Chad Dowd was Chairman of the Board. The Texarkana Bandits returned for their 5th season of hockey. Improvements were made to Finley’s Barnyard, and plans for PROJECT AG !The Southeast Dairy Associations funded Dairy Education facility. Changes and improvments are being made all over the grounds. Gold Star Amusements reutnred as carnvial and Neal Gay produced the annual rodeo.
28 Feb 2024
2003
Kelly Tidwell was Chairman of the Board. Texarkana Bandits with new investors returned to play another season making this the 4th year for Hockey in the Entertainment Center. A new restroom facility with dressing rooms and an office was constructed next to the Marion Reed Livestock Center, and additional lighting added to the Show Ring. A ventilation system was installed in the Entertainment Center, and two AC Units were replaced. The rodeo panels and equipment were improved with an investment to replace damaged or worn out equipment. The fair donated $4,000 to the Antique Car Club for their building downtown Texarkana. The Southeast Dairy Assocition approved funding for the development of a Dairy Education program and facility. Gold Star Amusements from Minnesota was the new carnvial for the 59th Annual Fair, and Neal Gay produced the annual rodeo. The 2003 Fair & Rodeo was the most successful fair with record breaking attendance.
28 Feb 2024
2002
Kelly Tidwell was Chairman of the Board. The final payment on the note to Regions Bank was paid in April seven months before due date. A Livestock Building campaign was undertaken and a 120 ft. X 100 ft. addition to the exisiting Livestock Center was completed. The Texarkana Bandits continued to play hockey in the Entertainment Center. A 2002 Ford Tarus was purchased. The Oasis was painted and a golf cart was purchased. Funding from the Texarkana Texas Hotel and Motel taxes increased. Texarkana Arkansas A & P Commission approved a grant for improvements to Finley’s Barnyard, and the Marion Reed Livestock Center Restroom upgrades. Tip Top Shows returned for the 58th Annual Fair, and Neal Gay produced the annual rodeo.
28 Feb 2024
2001
Robert Sanderson was Chairman of the Board. The Border City Bandits, owned by Texarkana Professional Hockey, experienced financial difficulties and did not complete the season. Games were played through mid February with the assistance of the Four States Fair. A locally owned team, Texarkana Bandits, was formed and began their season in mid October. Improvements to the Entertainment Center were: adding additional speakers, upgrading the sound system, renovating bathrooms, purchasing equipment for the concessions and repairing and maintaining the roof. Improvements to the Fine Arts Building included installing a linoleum floor and updating kitchen and restrooms. Tip Top Shows returned for the 57th annual fair and Neal Gay produced the annual rodeo.
28 Feb 2024
2000
Robert Sanderson was Chairman of the Board. George Coker served as Director of Hockey Operations handling negotiations and overseeing renovations to the Entertainment Center. A Central Hockey League Team, the Border City Bandits, started their finrst season in October. Improvements to the Entertainment Center included: Constrtuction of storeage areas, press box, expansion of the dressing rooms, installation of ice floor, awnings on front of Entertainment Center, new carpet in VIP Room, new sound system. Also the fair purchased a new John Deere 5210 tractor. Tip Top Shows presented the Carnvail and Neal Gay produced the annual rodeo. Betty Nix retired from full time work with the fair.
28 Feb 2024
1999
George Coker was hired as Chairman of the Board. Improvements include: Incresing the lighting and electricity on the fairgrounds, purchasing 700 Chairs, 10 cash registers, and repairing and repainting the Concessions on the fairgrounds, expanding and painting Finley’s Barnyard, purchasing new dirt for the Entertainment Center. Tip Top Shows retruned as the carnvial and Neal Gay presented the annual rodeo. The 55th Annual 9 day fair was a success.
28 Feb 2024
1998
George Coker was Chairman of the Board. Board Members served on Finance Board Groups, Fairgrounds Board Groups, and Entertainment Center Group. Lisa Barr was hired as Office Manager. The annual fair was changed from a ten day fair to an eight day fair with a preview night. Tip Top Shows provided the Carnvial for the 1998 Fair, and Auger Rodeo Company presented the annual rodeo.
28 Feb 2024
1997
Sonja Hubbard was Chairman of the Board. The Barbara Gleboff Fine Arts Building was constructed and used for the art displays in the 1997 Four States Fair & Rodeo. Meri Smith was hired as President & CEO. Auger Rodeo Company purchsed Don Gay’s All Star Rodeo, and presented our 1997 Rodeo. Matt Armstrong Show’s provided the carnvial for the Fair.
28 Feb 2024
1996
Sonja Hubbard was Chariman of the Board. Settled lawsuit with BIll Dillard Carnival. Contracted with Matt Armstrong Shows for the 1996 Fair. Began accepting overnight RV Parking. Underpinned bleachers in the Entertainment Center. Began Four States Fair Art Center Campaign (Which was later named the Barbara Gleboff Fine Arts Building) with donation of a house by Barbara “Bobbie” Gleboff.
28 Feb 2024
1995
Utah Vardell was President. (A title which later this year became known as the Chairman of the Board.) Organization structure completely reogranzied. Executive Director was given a five-year contract. Committees were eliminated. Cherrie Curtis was hired as Livestock Director. Soft Drink Contract was awarded to Coca-Cola.
28 Feb 2024
1994
Utah Vardell was President. Changed the General Membership meeting to the summer during the annual fish fry. 50th Anniversary of the Four States Fair. Sign on Loop 245 was erected.
28 Feb 2024
1993
Neal Cortney was President.
28 Feb 2024
1992
Jeff Shirley was President. Dressing rooms were built at the south end of the Entertainment Center. Blacktoped the membership parking area on the East side of the Entertainment Center. Additions made to the Livestock Office, a new road on the west side of the fairgrounds. Texas High Booster Club made improvements to N.B. Finley’s Barnyard, and the first ten (10) day fair was held this year.
28 Feb 2024
1991
Neal Courtney was President. Ten day fair was approved. Air-conditioning was installed in the Entertainment Center, computers were purchased for the offices, and a space added for an accountants office. New carnival contract was made this year with Bill Dillard Show. The Livestock Center had a new sign installed naming it the Marion Reed Livestock Center.
28 Feb 2024
1990
Jeff Shirley was President. A sound room was added to house the new sound system purchased for the Entertainment Center. Exhaust fans were installed in the South wall of the Entertainment Center, and insulation was installed. Arkansas Livestock & Poultry Commission Premium and Construction fund money was approved. Porky’s Island was completed.
28 Feb 2024
1989
Neal Courtney was President. Proposal for Porky’s Island. Kiwanis Club built a multi-purpose building. Show ring in the Livestock Center, Restrooms on East Side were built. Fair was 7 days with success. Parking lot in front of the office was completed. Concrete floor and heating was added in the Entertainment Center, and the Beautification Program was started.
28 Feb 2024
1988
Phillip Purifoy was President. Asphalt pads for tents were completed. Cover on front of the building was donated by George Coker. By-laws were ammended regarding President postion.
28 Feb 2024
1987
Phillip Purifoy was President. Contract with Buchanan Bottling Company for 10 years. Amended by-laws for our year to run a calendar year from January to December. Livestock Building was erected President’s photos to be displayed in the Fair office.
28 Feb 2024
1986
Phillips Purifoy was President. An alarm system was purchased. There is now 104 acre fairgrounds, a graveled parking lot, and an Entertainment Center. Sale of the train didnt work. American Railroad Historal Foundation is intereseted. SWEPCO agreed they would light the parking lot and the Northwest and Southwest sides of the Entertainment Center every ight for set amount per month. We had a mini fair spring break. New memberships are $35, $50 couple, and lifetime $350 and Commercial $500. The West Side of the restrooms were built. Ralph Shoptaw was Executive Director.
28 Feb 2024
1985
Ralph Shoptaw was President. Blair Dear was Executive Director. Lease exprired in June on the old fairgrounds (Texarkana, Texas Spring Lake Park site) Authorization was given to the Executive Committee to proceed with bids, etc., to get started on whatever site preparations needed to be made in order to move the Fair to the new location in Texarkana, AR, with the new multi-purpose building not to exceed one million dollars. The city would maintain and control the wind energy generator. Property was annexed into the city. Auciton September 6th for whatever was not needed for the new site. The train was sold. Grand opening of the Fair – George Jones, Grandpa Jones, Justin Tubb, Louise Morgan, Virginia Seely, Stonewall Jackson, Jack Greene, Charlie Walker, Ronnie Milsap and Tammy Wynette. City gave the Fair $50,000 for Parking Lot. Ribbon Cutting for grounds.
28 Feb 2024
1984
Dwight M. Duncan was President. Contributions for the move totaled over $90,000. Membership would be increased from $25 to $35.00. Membership cards would be used as gate passes for the fair. We postponed the move of the fairgrounds and bids were put out for the new fairgrounds site.
28 Feb 2024
1983
Dwight M. Duncan was President. One price gate admission plus all carnival rides and side shows was approved for one night of the fair. We are scheduled to move in 1984.
28 Feb 2024
1982
Dwight M. Duncan was President. Ground breaking for the new fairgrounds on Loop 245.
28 Feb 2024
1981
Henry Earl Fagan was President. A Mark VI 1982 Model was given away at a drawing on November 1981. The resolution and warranty deed for 87.4 acres of land was read to the board. Approval to purchse 20 acres, and this acreage will split the 84 acres in two.
28 Feb 2024
1980
Henry Earl Fagan was President. Several meetings were held this year in reference to moving the fairgrounds. Grants awarded were EDA 304 Funds. The Fair would need to come up with matching monies.
28 Feb 2024
1979
Henry Earl Fagan was President. The Piney Woods Rendezvous was June 9th and 10th. Mayor Bobby Ferguson made a special presentation to the Board of Directors. There was approximatley 104 acres of land located on the West side of Loop 245 & South of I-30, a 20 acre parking lot area and 88 acres that would be deeded to the Four States Fair for relocation at no cost. The Board accepted their proposal. A planning and layout committee was appointed. An EDA grant was applied for. New tables and typewriters were purchased.
28 Feb 2024
1978
Henry Earl Fagan was President. Restrooms were built with one side for the Livestock Barn and one side for the midway showers on the Livestock side. Permanent cover over the KS Steam Engine. Another office was added on the fairgrounds. Repair fencing in the rodeo arena. Belly Dancing acts were approved for the Outdoor Stage.
28 Feb 2024
1977
Norman C. Rochell was President. The Livestock Barn was doubled in size. A storm blew out the West end of the Commercial Building and it was replaced. The Rodeo bleachers were painted and two culverts were installed. There were new Showcases built for the Antiques Building. The Anheuser-Busch Clydesdale Horses were here for the parade and performances in the Arena. Roofs of the Ag Building, Fine Arts Building, and Home Arts Building was repaired by the Tri State Sheet & Metal Company. Bill Hames Shows presented our Carnival.
28 Feb 2024
1976
Norman C. Rochell was President.
28 Feb 2024
1975
Norman C. Rochell was President.
28 Feb 2024
1974
John C. Meadors was Presdient. There was dirt and tree work, sewer and water lines to trailer park, rewiring of all buildings and Livestock Barn. A directional sign on Interstate 30 was added, and two typewriters were purchased.
28 Feb 2024
1973
John C. Meadors was President. Replaced 6 sets of Bleachers in the Rodeo Arena. Updated all electrical facilities, new quartz lighting in the arena, showers in ladies restroom, new fence between Livestock Barn & Carnival Area. Incresed the fairgrounds by 2 1/2 acres, pegboard in the Fine Arts Building, landscaped the office areas, purchased golf cart, and fountains for the entrance, walk at the front entrance to Commercial Building were all improvements made this year.
28 Feb 2024
1972
John C. Meadors was President. New offices and Director’s room was furnished, a mimeograph machine, 820 John Deere Tractor, weed eater and mower were purchased. The old horse barn was rebuilt.
28 Feb 2024
1971
John C. Meadors was President. Betty Nix began working in the Office. The Ag Buillding was enclosed, sidewalks were added in the Livestock Building and the Rodeo pens were completed.
28 Feb 2024
1970
John C. Meadors was President. A dump truck was purchased. The parameter fence was completed. A new transformer was purchased and one half of the Rodeo pens were completed.
28 Feb 2024
1969
Mannie Stevens was President. Marion Davenport Reed was hired as Executive Director. Swere line, 8 Sit Down Concessions, septic tank for concessions, loading ramp, and new Livestock Barn with tie rails, cyclone fence and horse stalls were all additions and improvemnts made.
28 Feb 2024
1968
J. N. Shoptaw was President. Awnings, Office Equipement, Overhead Door, Metal Doors, Air Conditioner and Fences were installed at the Fairgrounds Office.
28 Feb 2024
1967
J. N. Shoptaw was President.
28 Feb 2024
1966
J. N. Shoptaw was President.
28 Feb 2024
1965
J. N. Shoptaw was President. The weather slowed things down this year and it was a time to tighten up on improvements. Bunki Ashley was named Executive Director.
28 Feb 2024
1964
Ben Mizell was President.
28 Feb 2024
1963
Ben Mizell was President. Improvements made included a new sound system for the Rodeo Arena, Grand Stands were painted and parking lot was improved.
28 Feb 2024
1962
Ben Mizell was President.
28 Feb 2024
1961
Ben Mizell was President. New Furniture was purchased was brought for the fair offices located in the new Chamber of Commerce bulding. Gas was piped to the Concessions.
28 Feb 2024
1960
Ben Mizell was President. The construction of a new Livestock Facility was completed along with additional seating in the Rodeo Arena.
28 Feb 2024
1959
Ben Mizell was President. Natural Gas brought onto the Fairgrounds to the Fine Arts Building. Fountain purchased for the Fine Arts Building. Old horse drawn hearse was purchased from Eddie Blackmon.
28 Feb 2024
1958
Ben Mizell was President. Improvements made included showers and restrooms, incubator for the barnyard, backdrops for the Merchant’s Building, Shadow Boxes, Horticulture Shelves, Power Plant additions, PA Systems Swine Pens, turnstiles and stage.
28 Feb 2024
1957
Ben Mizell was President. Plans are still being made to repair Grandstands, Chutes, and Announcer’s Stand, of the Rodeo Arena. Evelyn Keys was the Executive Director.
28 Feb 2024
1956
Ben Mizell was President. Plans are being made to repair Grandstands, Chutes, and Announcer’s Stand of the Rodeo Arena.
28 Feb 2024
1955
J. Ralston Crowder was President. Emmett Williams was hired as Secretary – Manager.
28 Feb 2024
1954
J. Ralston Crowder was President. The 1956 Fair would be six days with five day rodeo.
28 Feb 2024
1953
J. Ralston Crowder was President. Concrete was approved by the Board of Directors to be put in the arena measuring 50 X 75 feet for the Jimmy and Tommy Dorsey Show.
28 Feb 2024
1952
J. Ralston Crowder was President. Improvements were cattle shed, and two restrooms. Plans were being made to annex the Merchants Building. Fine Arts Building was completed. Asphalt streets, curbs, and gutters were built.
28 Feb 2024
1951
J. Ralston Croder was President. The foundation for the Fine Arts Building was laid. Quarter Horse Show was approved.
28 Feb 2024
1950
J. Ralston Crowder was President. Merchant building was completed. Ticket offices were built at the entrance of the Fairgrounds.
28 Feb 2024
1949
Judge E. Harold Beck was President. L.E. Gilliand, Manager, asked exhibitors in the Merchant’s building to asisst the Fair in financing a permanent building.
28 Feb 2024
1948
J.A. Whyte was President.
28 Feb 2024
1947
J.A. Whyte was President.
28 Feb 2024
1946
Judge E. Harold Beck was President.
28 Feb 2024
1945
Judge E. Harold Beck was President. The Four States Fair was orgnaized in March 6, 1945. The Assets of the Four States Fair Livestock Show in the amount of $2,525.54 were trasnferred over to the Four States Fair. Over $35,000 in contributions were receiceived. The Charter was dated August 14, 1945, and Fair Memberships were $25.00.