Nevada had been a state for less than ten years and Reno was a newly established railroad town when what would become the Nevada State Fair was first held on a warm Fall afternoon in 1874.

Far on the other side of Nevada, the first classes were being held at the new University of Nevada, one of the few other entities that can trace its roots so deeply in the history of the Silver State.

And while it was a far cry from the bright lights and crowds of the 2007 Nevada State Fair, scheduled August 22 - 26, it still had a number of things in common with today's expositions.

Organized by the Nevada State Agricultural, Mining and Mechanical Society, the first fair was held in a location well south of Reno, near what is now the busy intersection of Plumb Lane and South Virginia Street. Back then, it was the one main road linking Reno with Carson City and Virginia City and you can be sure that families came from miles around to enjoy the festivities.

 In fact, that first fair had many things in common with what you might see at the 2008 Nevada State Fair, including exhibits of locally grown produce, livestock and homemade items ranging from knitwear to jams and jellies.

Just like today's there was musical entertainment, including a joint concert featuring the Winnemucca Brass Band and the Reno Cornet Band. There was also a marksmanship competition between local militia organizations such as the Emmet Guard from Virginia City and Company C of the Reno Guard.

In addition, the Women's Christian Temperance Union had a "Temple of Temperance" on display and Sacramento furniture dealer John Breuner made the arduous journey over the Sierras with a large exhibit of his wares.