The Former Montgomery County Fairgrounds Prior To Demolition And OnMain Revitalization
February 16, 2017
In 2017, I had the chance to photograph the historic Montgomery County Fairgrounds in Dayton, Ohio. Below are my photos of the grandstands and horse racing track, which no longer operate. The grounds remain well maintained, and I hope the University of Dayton and Premier Health continue to care for the property. One place I used to hate as a child—the Coliseum—now stood completely empty. I used to sit through my sister’s 4H events there, bored out of my mind. This time, exploring the dirty, musty locker room underground felt incredibly cool. Decades ago, the University of Dayton men’s basketball team played right there.
onMain’s Future
Shortly after I photographed this property, Premier and UD demolished everything except the 1874 roundhouse. Leaving this intact was part of the deal to purchase this property. Check out my other Dayton commercial photography. To see what the new Fairgrounds looks like, click here.
The Fairgrounds Past
The Montgomery County Ohio Fairgrounds, located in the heart of downtown, was a vibrant and bustling hub of activity at certain times of the year. As one of the premier event venues in the region, it offers a diverse range of experiences for both locals and visitors. From thrilling amusement rides to agricultural displays, there was something for everyone at the fairgrounds. The spacious outdoor grounds provided the perfect setting for concerts, festivals, and large-scale events, while the indoor facilities offered a versatile but antiquated space for trade shows, exhibits, and community gatherings. With its central location, the fairgrounds were easily accessible and contributed to the vibrant energy of downtown and Montgomery County.
Back in the 1980s and 1990s, Bill Goodman’s Gun and Knife Show was periodically held here as well as Montgomery County Fairgrounds events. I remember seeing ads for tractor pulls as well.
Current Status Of The Former Fairgrounds In Dayton
The University of Dayton and Premiere Health now own this property. As of November 2023, no redevelopment has been started. Also, check out The Montgomery County Administration Building Night Photos And The Great Miami River.
Iconic Montgomery County Fairgrounds Before Demolition 2017
Montgomery County Fairgrounds Photos
These are just a few of the photos of the Montgomery County Fairgrounds 2017 before it was all torn down (except the Roundhouse).
In 2017 I had the opportunity to photograph the historic Montgomery County Fairgrounds in Dayton, Ohio. Below are my favorite images of this historic Dayton institution. The photos feature the grandstands and horse racing track that is no longer in use. Everything is still very well maintained. I hope you enjoy my photography in Dayton Ohio as much as I do. Being one of a handful of professional photographers in Dayton Ohio who documents the city on a daily basis is truly a pleasure.
Update October 2, 2018: the University of Dayton and Premier Health have renamed the fairgrounds site to onMain: Dayton’s Imagination District. Check out my other Dayton commercial photography.
Updated March 2024: No visible work has occurred at the old fairgrounds site. The only activity I’ve noticed is parking on the north end. It will take time to fully redevelop this property, but at least a plan exists.
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