At the turn of the 20th century, Liberty was a thriving and growing city with many commercial buildings, hotels, schools, and churches. In April 1909, a devastating fire destroyed much of downtown. As Liberty rebuilt, the Business League proposed a trades day or fair to revive business and strengthen civic pride. On October 30, 1909, the first annual county fair was held at the courthouse, with prizes for best stock, produce, canned goods, art, and handiwork, and a Flower Parade in the afternoon featuring 15 elaborately decorated buggies. Its success led to plans for the next year in City Park, adding a band, fiddlers contest, merry-go-round, tents for agricultural and livestock exhibits, a Grand Ball in the newly completed school building, and the presentation of Miss Myrtle Green as the first Liberty Fair Queen. In 1930, the fair moved to its present location. In 1939, when Chambers County joined the organization, the Liberty County Fair became the Trinity Valley Exposition. An exhibition hall was added, and in 1941 Elmer Boyt of Devers built a rodeo arena. A downtown Baby Parade replaced the Flower Parade and became a popular feature. From these beginnings, the Trinity Valley Exposition grew to include year-long events and, through its popularity and success, enabled its sponsors to award thousands of dollars in scholarships each year to students from area schools.