Milton Fall Fair News – The Fair and Its History
~ September 27th, 28th and 29th, 2024 ~
.Milton, ON – Milton Fall Fair planning is all but done, and there’s a lot of information to be shared! Below is more about this year’s fair and about its history,
Come to Milton Fall Fair
Falling for the fair Milton Fall Fair is a celebration of rural life and you’re invited to the party
There was a time when the local fall fair was the highlight of the year, a time when country and city folk got together for some fun and friendly competition.
Fall Fairs have a lot of competition these days but they continue to thrive thanks to their unique ability to bring farm life to the city in a way that everyone can enjoy. Where else can you see perfectly groomed calves being proudly paraded by 4-H Club members or Pinterest worthy crafts and baked goods vying for prize ribbons and cash rewards?
With roots reaching back to 1853, the concept of the Milton Fall Fair has remained relatively unchanged despite massive changes in the community and society in general. The annual event has been held on the same 26- acre parcel of land off Robert Street since 1864, when the fair turned a profit of $427.
Nestled in an older residential area, the fairgrounds become a showplace for all things rural for three days every September. It’s a lively celebration featuring traditional fall fair competitions like equestrian events, kids’ pet show, baby contest, truck and tractor pulls and the smashing demolition derby.
Follow your nose and the sweet smell of freshly spun candy-floss to the midway, complete with thrill rides and games. Such is the flow of the fair, from exhilarating spins on the Scrambler to an unhurried stroll through the exhibitor barns for an intimate visit with farm animals.
The fair comes to town from September 27th to 29th this year, beginning with Youth Day on Friday. Fair organizers consider this special preview of the agricultural fair for children extremely important in helping to build a relationship between farmers and consumers.
It’s a chance for children to learn where their food comes from as the farmland around the town where they live continues to be eaten up by development.
Children are often awe-struck, perhaps seeing farm animals up close for the first time or learning where milk actually comes from and how a cow is milked. All weekend long there are kid-friendly events including dog agility shows, the 4-H Club’s rabbit hopping agility course, children’s pedal tractor pull, and pet show along with displays of children’s art, crafts and photography. Horse events and shows run each of the three days providing a showcase for jumpers, barrel racers and more.
The display areas are packed with entries in various categories from fruits and vegetables, needlecraft, baking and preserves to antiques and collectables and winning examples of flowers and plants. The creative entries might inspire fair goers to tackle similar projects. This publication includes everything you need to enter any of the competitions.
Many of the Milton Fall Fair home craft entries come from urban residents who try their hand at making pies from scratch or explore their abilities as photographers, crafters or gardeners. Only the judges are allowed to sample the food items but there is plenty to eat at the fair including fall fair staples like corndogs, back bacon-on-a-bun and decadent waffles, candy apples and Beaver Tails.
This year’s Milton Fall Fair will also feature live bands Friday and Saturday evenings, a classic car show, commercial exhibits, vendors and more. It all comes together to make Milton Fall Fair a unique way to celebrate and connect with rural life with a serving of education and entertainment on the side.
Come see us at the Milton Fall Fair!
Click HERE for the Milton Fall Fair website
History of the Milton Fair
Halton Agricultural Society formed in March 1853 with Thomas Douglas as the first President
Fall Fairs had been held in the 4 townships of Esquesing, Nassagaweya, Trafalgar and Nelson, but there was a feeling a County Fair was needed to provide an opportunity to compete at a larger scale
The first County fair, held in October 1854 on Martin Street behind what is now the Millside Restaurant – the Society boasted 100 members
Heavy horses and ponies were shown on Main Street, Light horses and road classes were shown on the First Line (known today as Bronte St.) and exhibits of butter, eggs, baked goods, fruits, etc. were housed in an old wooden work shop across from the fair site
In 1856, fair moved to land adjacent to the present Milton Town Hall
In 1864, moved to an 8-acre parcel of land at 136 Robert Street, where it is still held today – in 1864, the fair committee reported receipts of $427 and prize money of $225
In 1864, the first building was opened at the new location
In 1947, the ladies formed the Homecraft Division with Mae Crawford serving as the first President
In 1959, the current Grandstand was built, with a capacity of 750 For several years, Horse racing dominated the entertainment lineup – today the main attractions include the demolition derbies, truck & tractor pulls, lawn mower racing as well as several horse shows
In 1991, fire gutted the fair office 3 days before that year’s fair, destroying valuable memorabilia, as well as all the ribbons and entries for that year’s fair
In 2003, the 150th Milton Fall Fair was celebrated with special events such as a baby show, a Decorated Bale contest, and a Commemorative Fair Poster, along with their regular events
Today, the Milton Fair is a 3-day event and continues to be staged on the weekend of the 4th Saturday in September
