The Greater Gulf State Fair has a storied past beginning in 1955 when a group of members of the Mobile Junior Chamber of Commerce, now known as the Mobile Jaycees, incorporated the Greater Gulf State Fair.

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They began their new project with the stated purpose: “To promote the civic welfare and betterment of Mobile County, South Alabama, Northwest Florida and Southeast Mississippi, which area collectively is known as the Greater Gulf State, through the promotion and operation of a Greater Gulf State Fair or other like endeavors; to promote, encourage, foster, stimulate and maintain interest in agriculture, labor, industry, recreation, civic affairs, education, scientific research, business, commerce, trade-both foreign and domestic and governmental functions or any other civic function or interest by the exhibition method or otherwise; and to cooperate with other citizens and groups interested in the same or similar objects and purposes."