Sterling's first fair was held in the year 1855 when the Whiteside Agricultural Society was formed and this was an event which attracted people from the entire area.
At that time the fair grounds was located on the Sanborn farm west of Sterling where "Deacon" W.A. Sanborn, one of the pioneer horsemen of the state, had his Larchwood Stables.
The object of the Whiteside Agricultural Society was to promote agricultural, horticultural and mechanical arts, also domestic manufactures and the breeding and raising of useful animals.
Among the early officers of the Ag Association were Sanborn, Sidney Osmer, (who was the first Sterling fire marshal), Robert M. Smith, W.A. McCune and A.A. Terrill.
Records indicate that Generals Grant and Logan attended the Sterling fair in 1880, a program which attracted thousands of spectators.
