This land first housed a Collin County Fair in 1858, and the fair was held each year, usually in autumn, except during the Civil War years. In 1883, the Ex-Confederate-Old Settlers Picnic Association began holding its annual picnic across the street from the old fair grounds, and the group continued to meet on this site, buying the land in 1912 and 1924. The County Fair showcased agriculture, livestock, handicrafts, and culinary delights, while riding competitions were held in the grandstand, where Frank James is said to have once won first prize. In the 1910s and 1920s, as many as 15,000 people a day visited the picnics, many camping around the park, with political speakers scheduled all day and contests including three-legged races and storytelling. Early attractions included balloon ascensions, and later an air show astonished the crowds, while the picnic, like the fair, also featured a midway of rides and games. The last picnic was held in 1941, when the last Confederate veterans in Collin County were too old to attend, and the last County Fair was held in 1965; the park continues to serve the community as part of the McKinney Parks and Recreation Department.