OAAS News – Comber Fair
~ August 9th, 10th and 11th, 2024 ~
The Comber Fair, a beloved tradition in the heart of Essex County, Ontario, is set to return on August 9th, 10th, and 11th, 2024, promising three days packed with fun, entertainment, and community spirit. This annual event, cherished by locals and visitors alike, showcases the vibrant agricultural heritage and lively atmosphere of the region.
At the heart of the Comber Fair is its deep-rooted connection to agriculture. Attendees can immerse themselves in the world of farming through a variety of exhibits, demonstrations, and competitions. From prized livestock displays to impressive crop showcases, the fair celebrates the hard work and dedication of local farmers while offering educational insights into the agricultural industry.
But the Comber Fair isn’t just about agriculture—it’s a celebration of community. Families flock to the fairgrounds to enjoy a plethora of entertainment options suitable for all ages. From thrilling amusement rides to captivating live performances, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. The fairgrounds buzz with excitement as attendees indulge in delicious fair food, browse vendor stalls showcasing handmade crafts and local products, and engage in friendly competitions and games.
One of the highlights of the Comber Fair is its lineup of entertaining events and competitions. Visitors can cheer on participants in traditional fair contests such as pie-eating contests, pet parades, and talent shows. Meanwhile, the annual demolition derby promises heart-pounding action and adrenaline-fueled excitement for spectators.
Moreover, the Comber Fair serves as a platform for local talent to shine. Musicians, dancers, and performers from the community take to the stage, showcasing their skills and adding to the festive atmosphere. Whether it’s a toe-tapping musical performance or a mesmerizing dance routine, the fair’s entertainment lineup never fails to impress.
As the sun sets on another memorable day at the Comber Fair, attendees depart with cherished memories and a renewed sense of community spirit. With its blend of agricultural showcases, thrilling entertainment, and community camaraderie, the Comber Fair continues to be a highlight of summer in Essex County, drawing visitors back year after year.
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 Comber Fair
