Norwood Fall Fair News – 2024 Fair Boasts Record Saturday Attendance
NORWOOD, ON – The 2024 edition of the Norwood Fall Fair saw record-breaking, one-day attendance on Saturday, October 12, where 23,718 people came through the gates to enjoy the various attractions, shows and entertainment.
Overall, the fair saw its three-day attendance hit 45,524. This year’s theme, “Country Roads Take Me Home”, celebrated the fair’s agricultural roots with all
roads leading home to make memories with family and friends over the Thanksgiving weekend.
“The fair was a tremendous success,” said Paul Quinlan, Norwood Fair General Manager. “We want to thank our fairgoers, exhibitors, vendors and volunteers.”
“Country roads truly take you home to the Norwood Fair – a tradition since 1868.”
This year’s event featured the popular heavy and light horse shows, poultry show, steer show and sale, sheepdog demonstrations, 4-H Beef, Goat and Dairy Calf and Junior Shows, antique tractor display and show, lawnmower races, musical entertainment, vendors, school fair and homecrafts, Antique Classic Car Show and midway. It also featured the new Junior Fair Ambassador Competition, which was a success.
While this year’s fair is now wrapped up, the countless volunteers who help make this event a success and reality are now looking ahead to the 2025 edition of the fair.
Click HERE to visit the Norwood Fall Fair
Our History
The Norwood Fall Fair has been a Thanksgiving tradition since 1868. We invite you to take a look back with us to memorable events over these past decades.
Moments in History
1880 – Norwood Village granted The Agricultural Society $15 to rent the field which is now known as the Fairgrounds.
1887 – The Society changed its name to East Peterborough Agricultural Society.
1907 – Portable ticket booths were added to the Fair.
1911 – A water well was drilled to 157 feet a $2 per foot!
1916 – Ten country school fairs in the area were invited to compete at the Norwood Fair. The school fair was subsequently replaced with other events.
1923 – Admission fee was raised to 35 cents for adults and 20 cents for children.
1927 – Subscriptions were sold to raise money for the Fair.
1936 – The first parade! The Havelock Band was hired for $12 to march from King’s Hotel to the Fairgrounds.
1939 – The Norwood Fair was cancelled due to “present world conditions” (World War 2 was declared that autumn).
1947 – The Norwood Fair is back with the return of the School Fair and a beauty contest for girls.
1953 – The Norwood Fair becomes a two-day event.
1954 – A Baby Show was added. 13 babies, but no spectators!
1955 – The gate receipts total was an Ontario record for a two day fair.
1958 – The Poultry and Horse sheds were destroyed by fire.
1959 – The G.A. Brethen Coliseum (local arena) was built.
1964 – New stands and bleachers were added to the Fair Grounds.
1966 – The Armouries were purchased.
1977 – New Curling Club was built.
1978 – The first Steer Show and Auction held at the Fair.
1979 – Ten acres of land was purchased for parking.
1981 – The Norwood Thanksgiving Weekend Fair is now a Class “A” Fair.
1986 – The first Old McDonalds Farm for children was added to the Fair.
1987 – The Norwood Agricultural Society gets its own constitution.
1989 – A new horse barn was built.
1990 – The “Future Farmers” beef show was introduced.
1993 – Addition of a new horse ring and poultry barn.
1996 – Blue Box recycling program instituted at the Fair.
1997 – New gates and fencing. 14 acres are purchased from the Cuthbertsons for a new recreation complex.
2000 – Portable stage built to house outdoor entertainment. Antique car show moves to high school field.
2002 – www.Norwoodfair.com web site is launched. All Agricultural Society buildings are now smoke free. 89 Antique tractors compete in Demonstration Pull.
2003 – New $3.9 million complex on land donated by the Agricultural Society.
2004 – “Cuthbertson Ring” build on east end of fairgrounds at a cost of $25,0000.00
2005 – “Stevenson Ring enlarged.
2006 – New furnace installed in the Exhibition Building. Former ball booth converted to showers and washrooms.
2007 – New Webmaster & new web site. ATM’s preview at our fair.
2008 – Norwood Fair Logo incorporated on to Norwood Post Office cancellation stamp.
New “Home of the Norwood Fair” grounds sign installed facing Alma St.
2009 – School Fair Prize Money increased. KIDZ Koral makes debut in Millennium Room.
2010 – New washrooms constructed at a cost of $200,000.00
