OAAS News – Donnybrook Fair
~ September 20th to 22nd, 2024 ~
The Donnybrook Fair, celebrating its 165th anniversary from September 20th to 22nd, 2024, is one of Ontario’s most beloved rural fairs. With a rich history and a variety of fun-filled events, this long-standing community tradition promises to offer something for everyone, from high-octane action to family-friendly entertainment.
A highlight of the Donnybrook Fair weekend is the exciting Demolition Derby, where drivers compete in a thrilling display of crashing cars and battling for victory. It’s an event that always draws a large crowd and keeps everyone on the edge of their seats. Along with the derby, the Truck and Tractor Pull will showcase powerful machines as they compete in pulling competitions that test strength and endurance.
For families, the Donnybrook Fair offers plenty of activities to enjoy. The Baby Show and Kids Costume Contest give the youngest fairgoers a chance to shine, while the Power Wheels Derby lets kids experience their own mini version of the demolition derby in a safe and fun way. Another crowd favorite is the Ice Cream Eating Contest, where participants race to finish their frozen treats, providing laughs and sticky faces for spectators.
Live music throughout the Donnybrook Fair grounds will keep the energy high, while the Beer Garden offers a relaxing spot for adults to enjoy local brews. Car enthusiasts can look forward to the Car Show, which will feature a wide range of classic and modern vehicles for everyone to admire.
With a balance of heart-pounding events like the Demolition Derby and Tractor Pull, along with family-centric activities, the Donnybrook Fair has something for all ages. Its 165th year promises to be a celebration of community spirit, local talent, and the enduring charm of a traditional country fair.
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 Donnybrook Fair
