OAAS News – Dresden Exhibition
~ July 26th & 27th, 2024 ~
The Dresden Agricultural Society would like to extend a warm welcome to exhibitors and patrons of all ages. The membership delegated the Board of Directors to provide the town of Dresden with the 149th Dresden Exhibition. When you come to this year’s Dresden Exhibition, you will notice more new changes to the grounds. We have been busy to give you new and updated facilities. The exhibits will once again be displayed proudly in the old Slot Building. The board along with our community partners hope you enjoy what we’ve been up to. A big thank you to all who are involved in making the 149th year successful. Follow us on social media for a complete list of events. Dresden Agricultural Society
The 149th Dresden Exhibition is a time-honored tradition that beckons with the promise of cherished memories and wholesome fun. Nestled in the quaint town of Dresden, this annual extravaganza is a celebration of community spirit, tradition, and joyous gatherings.
As fairgoers step onto the fairgrounds, they are greeted by a vibrant tapestry of sights, sounds, and aromas that evoke a sense of nostalgia and excitement. The Dresden Exhibition midway comes alive with the glow of colorful lights and the laughter of children, offering an array of classic carnival rides and games that promise thrills for all ages.
Delicious scents waft through the air as families wander past rows of food stalls, indulging in an eclectic array of culinary delights ranging from traditional favorites like cotton candy and corn dogs to gourmet treats and international cuisine.
Live music fills the air, with toe-tapping performances by local bands and musicians adding to the festive atmosphere. From lively folk tunes to soulful ballads, there’s something for every musical taste to enjoy.
The Dresden Exhibition grounds buzz with excitement as families explore the myriad attractions and activities on offer. Children delight in petting zoos, pony rides, and face painting, while adults browse artisanal stalls brimming with handcrafted treasures and unique finds.
At the heart of the Dresden Exhibition lies a deep sense of community and tradition, where neighbors come together to create cherished memories and celebrate shared heritage. Whether it’s reconnecting with old friends, sampling delectable treats, or simply basking in the joy of togetherness, the fair offers an experience that is both timeless and unforgettable.
As the sun sets on another day of festivities, families depart the Dresden Exhibition with hearts full of laughter and memories, eagerly anticipating the next installment of this beloved tradition. For 149 years, the Dresden Exhibition has been a beacon of community spirit and joy, weaving a tapestry of cherished moments and lasting friendships that endure through the ages.
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 Dresden Exhibition
