OAAS News – Drayton Fair
~ August 9th, to 11th, 2024 ~
Tipping the Scales with Bushels and Bales: The Drayton Fair 2024
Get ready for a weekend of agricultural excitement as the Drayton Fair returns from August 9th to the 11th, promising fun, thrills, and a celebration of rural life. This year, the fair embraces the theme “Tipping the Scales with Bushels and Bales,” inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the bounty of the countryside. From thrilling rides to agricultural exhibits, this annual event offers something for everyone.
Celebrating Agriculture:
At the heart of the Drayton Fair is a celebration of agriculture. Visitors can expect to see magnificent displays of livestock, showcasing the region’s finest cattle, sheep, goats, and poultry. Agricultural exhibits will educate attendees about modern farming practices, sustainability, and the importance of agriculture in our daily lives.
Entertainment Galore:
From traditional fair attractions to modern entertainment, the Drayton Fair has it all. Thrill-seekers can enjoy adrenaline-pumping rides, while families can explore the various games and activities scattered throughout the fairgrounds. Live music performances will keep the atmosphere lively, with local bands and artists taking the stage to entertain the crowds.
Delicious Delights:
No fair experience is complete without indulging in delicious treats, and the Drayton Fair does not disappoint. From classic fair fare like cotton candy and funnel cakes to savory delights such as corn dogs and fresh kettle corn, there’s something to satisfy every craving. And for those looking for a taste of local flavor, vendors will be serving up farm-fresh produce and homemade goodies.
Community Spirit:
More than just a gathering of attractions, the Drayton Fair is a celebration of community spirit. Local artisans and craftsmen will showcase their talents, offering handmade goods and unique treasures for visitors to peruse. Agricultural competitions will bring together farmers and growers from the area, fostering a sense of camaraderie and friendly competition.
Educational Opportunities:
In addition to entertainment and excitement, the Drayton Fair provides valuable educational opportunities for attendees of all ages. Agricultural workshops and demonstrations will offer insights into farming techniques, animal husbandry, and sustainable practices. Children can participate in hands-on activities designed to teach them about the importance of agriculture and the natural world.
Preserving Tradition:
As one of the oldest fairs in the region, the Drayton Fair is steeped in tradition. Generations of families have attended this beloved event, passing down cherished memories from one year to the next. By preserving and honoring these traditions, the fair ensures that the spirit of rural life continues to thrive for years to come.
Join the Fun:
Whether you’re a longtime resident or a first-time visitor, the Drayton Fair offers an unforgettable experience for all. So, mark your calendars for August 9th to the 11th and come join the fun! Celebrate the beauty of the countryside, the bounty of the harvest, and the joy of community at the Drayton Fair, where we’re “Tipping the Scales With Bushels And Bales” in 2024!
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 Drayton Fair
