On October 20, 1997, the Bell County Fair and Exhibition Board, Inc. was formed by the Bell County Agriculture Council and B.L.A.S.T. members.  Its purpose, to promote in the development of agricultural and Appalachian culture through educational and exhibition activities for Bell and surrounding counties.

One of the activities that the Board decided to do on an annual basis was the Bell County Fair.  Beginning in 1998, the first fair was held and has continued since then.  With the initial location of the Donnie King property, just off Highway 92 in Fourmile, KY, the fair was held July 31st - August 2nd.  The first carnival was the "Great Sutton Amusements."

The very next year, 1999, a Rodeo was added to the activities.  This event took place on May 22nd & 23rd.  The Fair was held July 20th - 25th.  The BellCounty "Fairest of the Fair" Pageant was added that year.  "Carousel Amusements" was the carnival for 1999.

In the year 2000, the Fair moved to Middlesboro, and took place at the Middlesboro National Guard Armory.  Held from August 3rd - 5th with several new activities. 
The fourth Fair was held again at the Middlesboro National Guard Armory from August 14th - 18th, 2001.  The "Little Miss & Mister" pageant was added to the list of events for the first time.  "Carousel Amusements" was the carnival for that year.

In 2002, the Fair was moved to the Kitty Lee Warren Davis property, located just off 25E at Fourmile, KY.  From July 23rd - 27th, the Coca-Cola Talent Classic was added to the annual list of events.  The carnival entertainment for that year was brought by "Summer Seasons Amusements."

2003 saw a move back to the original site of the "King" property.  This year, along with our usual line up of events, the "Great Sutton Amusements" once again provided the carnival.

The second year back on the "King" property in 2004 saw an increase in events added to the schedule.  The Fair hosted the "Battle of the Bands".  Also added were motorsports, a rodeo, and plenty of stage entertainment.

The 2005 Fair was August 23rd - 27th, and was once again on the "King" property at Fourmile, KY.  The schedule of events was the largest one yet and the attendance topped 4,000.  There was a two day rodeo, ATV pull, Demo Derby, Truck & Tractor Pull, plenty of stage entertainment, and many other on-ground attractions.  The "Jules & Beck Carnival" was also on hand.