In 1942, operation of the fair was transferred to the YMBL (Young Men's Business League), a local non-profit civic improvement organization.

The YMBL states that this was in part on request from the US military as an attempt to improve morale of soldiers stationed in and near the Beaumont area.

The 2005 fair was cancelled due to the extensive damage that Hurricane Rita inflicted on the region; It returned in 2006.

The fair resumed in March 2009, marking a permanent schedule change from fall to spring.

Reasons stated for the change included better weather, lack of competition from football, and a better fit for midway ride provider Bill Hames Shows.