OAAS 2024 News – Season Ends
~ Agricultural Fair Season Ends, with Hope for the Future! !
As the 2024 Ontario Agricultural Fair season draws to a close, communities across the province are celebrating a record-breaking year of fun, family, and tradition. From the sprawling midways and vibrant parades to the agricultural exhibits showcasing local talent and farm life, this year’s fairs saw an incredible turnout. Many fairs reported record attendance, a testament to the continued popularity and relevance of these time-honored events. Whether it was cheering on the demolition derbies, enjoying a slice of homemade pie from the baking competitions, or marveling at the 4-H livestock shows, visitors were reminded of the important role agricultural fairs play in bringing communities together.
Norwood Fall Fair
But while the last rides are packed away and the final ribbons are handed out, the work for the 2025 season is already beginning. Fair boards across Ontario are rolling up their sleeves and getting to work, planning what promises to be another fantastic year of fairs. They’re looking for new members, volunteers, and ideas to ensure that next year’s fairs are bigger and better than ever before. (Season Ends)
Murillo Fair
Building the Future of Ontario Fairs
Agricultural fairs have long been a cornerstone of rural Ontario life, offering not only entertainment but also a platform to showcase the province’s rich agricultural heritage. However, the success of these events relies heavily on the dedicated efforts of local volunteers and fair board members, who work tirelessly behind the scenes to make everything run smoothly.
Milton Fall Fair
As planning for 2025 kicks off, fair boards are putting out the call for more community involvement. They are actively seeking new members to join their ranks, from board positions to general volunteers. These roles are vital in organizing everything from vendor coordination and livestock competitions to entertainment and fairground logistics. Fresh perspectives are always welcome, as innovative ideas can breathe new life into these longstanding traditions. (Season Ends)
Great Northern Exhibition
Fair organizers are particularly keen on hearing from individuals who have creative visions for new attractions, contests, and entertainment. Whether it’s incorporating more modern agricultural technologies into the exhibits, introducing eco-friendly initiatives, or adding innovative events like farm-to-table cooking demonstrations or interactive educational zones for children, there’s no shortage of opportunities to bring something fresh to the table. (Season Ends)
Thorndale Fall Fair
Growing the Fair Community
Beyond seeking volunteers, Ontario’s fairs are also looking for greater involvement from local businesses and organizations. Sponsorship and donations play a crucial role in keeping fairs affordable for families and ensuring that there’s a wide range of attractions and activities available. Local businesses can benefit from the exposure and community goodwill that comes with being associated with these beloved events. Many fairs are also eager to partner with educational institutions, agricultural groups, and other community organizations to expand the reach and impact of their events. (Season Ends)
Roseneath Fair
By fostering stronger connections with local stakeholders, fairs can continue to grow and adapt to the changing needs and interests of their communities. More involvement means a more diverse and engaging experience for all who attend, and it ensures the future sustainability of these cherished events. (Season Ends)
South Mountain Fair
The Road Ahead: Ontario Association of Agricultural Societies Annual Convention
As part of their efforts to ensure the continued success of Ontario’s fairs, the Ontario Association of Agricultural Societies (OAAS) is gearing up for its Annual Convention, to be held in Markham this coming February. This convention serves as a vital gathering of fair organizers, volunteers, and agricultural enthusiasts from across the province. It provides an opportunity for networking, sharing best practices, and attending workshops on everything from fair management to agricultural trends and innovations.
Stormont County Fair
The convention is also a key event for discussing the future of fairs in Ontario, with a focus on embracing new ideas while maintaining the traditions that make these events so special. It’s an exciting time for those involved in the fair community, as they work together to ensure that fairs remain relevant and enjoyable for future generations. (Season Ends)
Powassan Fall Fair
Get Involved
As the curtain closes on the 2024 fair season, now is the perfect time to get involved in shaping the future of Ontario’s agricultural fairs. Whether you’re interested in volunteering, joining a fair board, providing sponsorship, or simply sharing your ideas, your contribution can make a difference. These fairs are a testament to the strength and spirit of Ontario’s communities, and with your help, they will continue to thrive for years to come.
Uxbridge Fall Fair
Be sure to mark your calendars for the OAAS Annual Convention in February and join the conversation about the future of Ontario’s agricultural fairs! (Season Ends) (Season Ends)
Warkworth Fall Fair
History of Agricultural Fairs
By Guy Scott, OAAS Past President
Fairs are almost as old as recorded history. There were two types of ancient fairs: trade shows and festivals. From the biblical “Fairs of Tyre” to Sturbridge Fair in medieval England, fairs were used as market places and carnivals. In the 1700’s the British crossed the agricultural improvement society with the traditional trade fair/carnival and agricultural fairs were born.
These agricultural fairs were transplanted to the colonies by the earliest British settlers. The concept of fairs soon flourished in agrarian North America. In Canada, the first agricultural society was formed in 1765 in Nova Scotia. Ontario followed suit in 1792 with the Agricultural Society of Upper Canada based at Niagara on the Lake. From the Ontario strongholds, the concept of agricultural fairs spread west with the first settlers.
After a few false starts, the system of agricultural societies and their fairs spread all over Ontario in the 1800’s. They were organized by county and township and at one time numbered over 500 in Ontario alone. While agricultural societies used many methods (of varying success) to improve agriculture and the rural lifestyle, their most enduring and endearing legacy was the agricultural fair. Industrial exhibitions and festivals came and went, but the fairs just carried on. Fairs soon became an ingrained part of Ontario’s (and indeed Canada’s) culture. They still are, in our society.
Fairs have changed since their inception, but they still carry on their mandate of promoting agriculture and the rural lifestyle.
Want to see modern tradition meet the modern world? Attend a fair!
