OAAS News – Fergus Fall Fair
~ September 13th to 15th, 2024 ~
The Fergus Fall Fair, scheduled from September 13th to 15th, 2024, is a celebration of agriculture, community, and rural traditions. As one of the oldest and most beloved fairs in the region, it offers a wide range of activities and events that highlight the rich farming heritage of the area while providing entertainment for the whole family.
The annual Tractor Pull and Truck Pull are always crowd-pleasers, featuring powerful machines and skilled drivers competing to see who can pull the heaviest load the farthest. These Fergus Fall Fair events are a thrilling showcase of strength and precision, drawing both locals and visitors to witness the action.
A key highlight of the Fergus Fall Fair is the 4-H Achievement Days, where young farmers proudly present their hard work and dedication. The beef and dairy shows, along with competitions for sheep, goats, and poultry, demonstrate the high level of care and expertise that goes into raising these animals. The fair also features impressive displays of Heavy Horses and Western Horses, showcasing the beauty, strength, and versatility of these magnificent animals.
Throughout the weekend, special entertainment will keep visitors engaged and entertained. Whether it’s live music, performances, or interactive demonstrations, there’s always something happening to captivate audiences of all ages. The Fergus Fall Fair Exhibit Hall is another must-see, filled with a variety of displays that highlight the talents and creativity of the local community. From handmade crafts to homegrown produce, the exhibits reflect the pride and passion of those who call Fergus home.
The Fergus Fall Fair is more than just an event; it’s a tradition that brings the community together to celebrate the best of rural life. With its blend of agricultural showcases, exciting competitions, and family-friendly entertainment, this year’s fair promises to be a weekend of fun, learning, and lasting memories. Don’t miss the chance to be part of this vibrant celebration of heritage and community. This tear’s fair theme is “Saddle Up!”
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 Fergus Fall Fair
