The predecessor to the North Texas State Fair and Rodeo was reported in
the October 15, 1885, Denton Doings as consisting of horse races
sponsored by the Denton County Fair and Blooded Stock Association
(DCFBSA). The next mention was 1890, when the association stockholders
had the opportunity to purchase shares of the fairgrounds, thus ending
the fair until five years later. The DCFBSA was reorganized in 1895 to
host a fair and horse race near North Texas Normal College. The next
race was held in 1896, and the association was incorporated. The fair
has operated continuously since except for the years during World War
II. These early events evolved into one of the largest fairs and rodeos
in Texas, drawing more than 150,000 fairgoers annually.