OAAS News – Acton Fall Fair
~ September 20th to 22nd, 2024 ~
The Acton Fall Fair, known as “The Best Little Fair in Ontario,” returns from September 20th to 22nd, 2024, continuing a beloved tradition that has been part of the community since 1913. With its charm and variety of events, the fair offers something for everyone, from agricultural enthusiasts to families looking for a fun weekend out.
One of the key Acton Fall Fair highlights is the 4H competitions, where young farmers demonstrate their skills and dedication in various categories, from livestock care to agricultural knowledge. These competitions are a proud tradition, showcasing the future of farming in the region. The truck and tractor pulls, always a crowd favorite, will deliver thrilling displays of raw power as drivers push their machines to the limit. For equestrian lovers, the horse shows and heavy horse pulls will be impressive, featuring beautiful horses and their handlers in friendly competition.
The Acton Fall Fair midway offers an array of rides and games, perfect for families and thrill-seekers alike. Whether it’s the classic Ferris wheel or more adventurous rides, the midway provides endless fun. Local vendors will also be on hand, offering a wide variety of goods, from handmade crafts to delicious food, giving visitors the chance to shop and support the local community.
Homecraft entries, another staple of the Acton Fall Fair, will showcase the talents of local artisans and crafters. From quilts and baked goods to preserves and woodworking, these exhibits highlight the creativity and skill within the community. The pigeon and poultry show adds another layer of agricultural appreciation, with top breeders displaying their best birds.
With its wide range of activities, friendly atmosphere, and deep-rooted connection to the community, the Acton Fall Fair continues to be a must-attend event, offering a perfect mix of tradition and excitement.
History of Agricultural Fairs
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, they’re 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.
Ontario 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!
Click HERE to visit the Acton Fall Fair
