Champlain Valley Exposition Inc., is located in Essex Junction, Vermont. 
It was established as a fairground and exposition in 1922.
It continues 87 years later as one of the top special events
centers in Northern New England.

In 1922, it was decided to expand and relocate the Fair in a more accessible location. The Champlain Valley Exposition (CVE) is a result of this decision and in 1923 the first Fair, as we now know it, was held. Capital stock was issued and 1,132 shares were sold to raise $56,000 which allowed for land and building development on Pearl Street. There are now 1,489 shares outstanding with a book value of $50 per share.

More than 15,000 people attended the four-day fair and a profit was made in the first year. In 1923, the fairgrounds was dedicated on Sept. 11 with U.S. Sen. Frank Green as master of ceremonies. Attendance of the 1923 Fair was 56,997 and a profit of $7,357 was recorded.

CVE is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization serving the people of the Champlain Valley and Northeast region to promote education, agriculture, commerce and entertainment.

We believe a combination of agricultural education, entertainment, and commerce to be a special blend of excitement for the annual fair. Homemaking, art, fruits, vegetables, cattle, horses, carnival, clowns, poultry, sheep, etc., all have something to do with sustaining life and maintaining good living standards for us to follow.

The Exposition feels that its annual late summer celebration is in keeping with the idea of giving thanks and appreciation for all the good fortune that agriculture has to offer its fellowman.

While the core components are similar, operations and size have grown considerably. The Exposition’s land has tripled since 1922, the structures and facilities improved and while the annual Champlain Valley Fair remains similar, the biggest change has been in the non-fair business.

 In 1922-23, the only event held was the Fair; In 1989, there were approximately 10 non-fair events; and now in 2007, more than 100 events are held at the Exposition that are either promoted or co-promoted by the CVE, or the facilities are rented to promoters. Premium and prize monies of approximately $75,000 are offered. Small financial assistance from the State of Vermont is received annually from its Department of Agriculture Stipend Fund.

The governing body of the Champlain Valley Exposition, Inc., is a board of 15 unpaid Directors. The Board meets on a regular basis and formulates policy for the Exposition and annual Fair. The emphasis on maintaining a strong agricultural influence, and presenting top quality entertainment are philosophies that the board supports.