Murillo Fair

“August 15 – 17, 2025 – Celebrating 135 Years of Tradition, Agriculture, and Fun!“

Join us for an exciting weekend of family-friendly entertainment, agricultural showcases, and thrilling competitions at the 2025 Murillo Fair, happening from August 15th to 17th, 2025! Established in 1890, this fair has been a beloved community event for 135 years, bringing together farmers, families, and fairgoers to celebrate rural traditions and exciting entertainment.

Whether you’re drawn to agricultural exhibits, motorsports action, or classic fair attractions, the Murillo Fair has something for everyone!

Equestrian Events & Natural Horsemanship

The Murillo Fair is known for its impressive equestrian events, and this year’s lineup is sure to thrill horse lovers of all ages:

• Natural Horse Demonstration – Watch as expert trainers showcase the power of natural horsemanship, using gentle, effective techniques to communicate with horses.
• Natural Horse Show – Featuring beautifully trained horses and their riders, demonstrating skill, agility, and the bond between horse and rider.
• Barrel Racing – A high-speed, high-energy competition, where skilled riders and their horses race against the clock in tight, thrilling turns around barrels.
• Pony Rides – A favorite for young fairgoers, offering a fun and gentle first riding experience for kids.

Agricultural & Farming Showcases

As a celebration of rural life and farming traditions, the Murillo Fair features some of the best agricultural events in the region:

• Beef Cow Show – Farmers and ranchers present top-quality beef cattle, competing for best-in-show honors.
• Tractor Demonstration – A fascinating look at modern and antique tractors, where visitors can learn about farming machinery and its evolution over the years.

Motorsports & High-Speed Thrills

For those who love fast-paced action, the Murillo Fair delivers exciting motorsports competitions:

• Lawn Mower Racing – A crowd-favorite event, where souped-up lawn mowers race to the finish line in an unexpected and hilarious motorsports showdown!

Midway, Homecrafts & Live Music

The Midway is packed with thrilling rides, carnival games, and delicious fair treats, ensuring fun for kids and thrill-seekers alike.

Inside the Homecrafts Exhibit, fairgoers can admire handmade quilts, baked goods, preserves, woodworking, and arts and crafts, showcasing local creativity and craftsmanship.

Throughout the weekend, enjoy Live Music performances featuring local bands, country artists, and festival-style entertainment, bringing a lively atmosphere to the fairgrounds.

A Celebration of 135 Years of Tradition & Community

With its perfect blend of agriculture, equestrian showcases, motorsports action, and family-friendly fun, the 2025 Murillo Fair is shaping up to be one of the most exciting fairs of the year. Whether you come for the natural horse demonstrations, tractor showcases, lawn mower races, or midway rides, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Mark your calendars for August 15th to 17th, 2025, and come celebrate 135 years of rural heritage, tradition, and fair fun at the Murillo Fair!

History of the Murillo Fair

Founding of the Oliver Agricultural Society  (Murillo Fair)

The first meeting of the Oliver Agricultural Society (OAS) was held on January 9, 1890, with R. McKenzie elected as president. The Society started with only $73 in membership money, no land, and no buildings.

1891

First Fair

The OAS raised an additional $52 in membership fees and received a $140 grant. The first fair was held in October. The Society also approached the council of Oliver and secured a rental agreement for $50.

1892

Land Purchase & Fair Expansion

The OAS purchased its first piece of land. A municipal grant of $100 helped expand the fair and introduce prizes.

1905

Women’s Participation & Race Track

Women were invited to help prepare the prize list for the first time. The Society purchased new land and sold the old lot. A fundraising effort began for a race track, and W.D. Dalton presented a cup to the race winner.

1909

Grandstand Plans

Plans were drawn up for a grandstand to be built the following year.

1911

Cow Shed & Fair Growth

A cow shed was built, and the fair received 91 entries that year.

1915

Horse Racing Controversy

The Women’s Institute threatened to withdraw support if horse racing continued. The Trotting Association offered a $300 loan to keep the races, but it was refused. The racetrack was later improved to allow for car racing as well.

1920

First Women Directors & Fair Expansion

Women were elected to the board for the first time. Membership grew to 109, and finances improved with a balance of $988. A special train brought visitors from the city to attend the fair.

1922

Water Well Drilled

The OAS and the municipal council worked together to drill a well, improving fairground facilities.

1924

Visit from the Prime Minister

Prime Minister W.L.M. King attended the fair.

1952-1953

Formation of the Community Center

The OAS joined with the Recreation Association to create a community center. In February 1953, a piece of property was deeded to the municipality for $1. The current Oliver Community Complex sits on the original fairgrounds from 1891.

1984

Lil’ Everett Exhibit Hall

The Lil’ Everett Exhibit Hall (aka the Blue Building) was constructed on OAS property.

1992-1996

Barn Expansions

A light horse barn was built in 1992. Between 1995 and 1996, the cattle barn, poultry/rabbit barn, and heavy horse barn were added.

1997-1998

Grandstand Rebuilt & Rodeo Ring

The township condemned the original grandstands. Volunteers helped install new grandstands in their place. A new ring and grandstands were added in 1998 to host rodeos, which ran in 1999, 2000, and resumed in 2012.

2006

New Entertainment Stage

A new stage was built to host performances and events.

2010-2012

Horse Arena Expansion

A second horse arena was built in 2010, and the main arena was expanded in 2012.

2016

Fairgrounds Redesign

The main arena was expanded again. The smaller horse arena was dismantled to allow space for music festivals and additional parking.

2021-2022

Kitchen & Office Addition

A new kitchen and office were constructed at the southern end of the Blue Building.