Barnesville also had a movie theater up until the late 1970's. The Clay County Fair first came to Barnesville in 1914, when a group of Barnesville men formed the Clay Country Fair and Agricultural Association. Over the years the fair has added many attractions, one of the most popular being the Demolition Derby which was started in 1968. Barnesville has come through many eras with its great resources and adaptability. Over the past decade Barnesville has positioned itself as a bedroom community for the Fargo-Moorhead metropolitan area.
Many local businesses continue to provide a wide variety of goods and services to the residents.
Agriculture remains as a major part of the local economy. Today, Barnesville, with a population of over 2,100 continues with many great traditions, but also looks to the future for all the possibilities to come.