For the Dublin Free Fall Fair of 1956, the plan was to move the gymnasium located at Alexander to the Dublin Fair Grounds. The gymnasium was originally built for the Alexander School until school consolidation closed that school and made those students attend class in Dublin. At the FairGrounds, located in the City Park, workmen were putting the hardwood floors from the gymnasium down for a dance scheduled for July 11. That dance was a Fall Fair fundraiser sponsored by the Veterans of Foreign Wars chapter #219.
Events on July 4th were also a fundraiser for the Fall Fair. At the new Dublin community swimming pool, a bathing beauty contest was held. Lynda Kiker of Greens Creek was judged first place, Martha Hancock of Purvis was judged second place and Miss Ann Hudson of Cow Creek was judged third place.
The new Fair Building at the park, was to house the community exhibits that were originally housed in one of the outside pole barns. With that extra barn space, Fair officials expanded the showing of animals.
The first Fall Fair Queens Contest was held in 1959. It took place around the new Dublin swimming pool.
Seating for an extra 300 people was created for those wanting to see the contest.
The first Dublin Free Fall Fair Queen was Jackie Jordan, daughter of Dr. Carl Jordan. She was crowned by Dublin Fair Association President, Dr. Joe Pate in coronation ceremonies September 24 in the Exhibit Hall. Dublin High School senior Charles Eoff was her escort. Runner-up and new Miss Dublin was Luine Heizer, daughter of Mr.and Mrs. Bill Heizer. Her escort was Kenneth Vauthier. Both winners and escorts were awarded an all-expense paid weekend trip to a nearby resort city. Judges for the event were movie producers from Dallas who didn’t know the contestants or families. The judges were Bill Bond representing Columbia Pictures, Ralph Fry representing Paramount and Mr. Alexander representing Twentieth Century Fox.
Today we continue the tradition that began in 1959 of having a Dublin Queen who can serve as an ambassador for the city and be a gracious host when we have special guests in town.