OAAS News – Burford Fair
~ October 12th and 14th, 2024 ~
The Burford Fair, running from October 12th to 14th, 2024, is a classic fall celebration with roots dating back to 1858. This family-friendly event offers a wide range of activities for all ages, ensuring fun and excitement throughout the weekend.
One of the Burford Fair highlights is Cope Amusements, bringing thrilling rides and games to the midway, alongside the Princess/Superhero Party, where children can meet their favorite characters. Kids will love the Power Wheels Derby, Pumpkin Carving/Painting, and Kids Pedal Pull, while competitive spirits can enjoy the Chainsaw Competition, Toilet Bowl Races, and the Kids Roping Competition.
For automotive enthusiasts, the Classic Car Show and the adrenaline-pumping Demolition Derby are must-sees, as is the OTTPA Tractor Pull. Tractor Racing adds to the excitement, offering a unique and fast-paced event.
Entertainment abounds with the Captain Corbin Magic Show, RC Crawler Trials, and the whimsical Little Ray’s Reptiles display. Music lovers can enjoy the Battle of the Bands, while younger children can participate in the Baby Show or Stuffed Animal Competition.
Other Burford Fair favorites include the Thanksgiving Pancake Breakfast, Petting Zoo, Pony Rides, Face Painting, and the ever-popular Escape Room. Whether you’re there to marvel at the horse show or try your luck in one of the many competitions, there’s something for everyone.
With over 160 years of tradition, the Burford Fair continues to be a beloved fall event, bringing the community together for a memorable weekend of fun, food, and festivities.
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 Burford Fair
