OAAS News – Kingston Fall Fair
~ September 12th to 15th, 2024 ~
The Kingston Fall Fair, taking place from September 12th to 15th, 2024, is a cherished event that beautifully blends tradition with creativity, making it a must-visit for those who appreciate the rich cultural and agricultural heritage of the region. Held annually, this fair is a vibrant celebration that offers something for everyone, ensuring a memorable experience for all who attend.
A cornerstone of the Kingston Fall Fair is the impressive array of exhibits in Culinary Arts, Homecrafts, and Handicrafts. Visitors can marvel at the skill and creativity displayed in everything from baking and preserves to quilting and woodworking. The Flowers, Fruits, and Vegetables exhibits further showcase the region’s agricultural bounty, with colorful displays that highlight the talents of local gardeners and farmers.
Photography enthusiasts will find inspiration in the Photography exhibits, where stunning images capture the beauty of Kingston and its surrounding areas. These Kingston Fall Fair exhibits offer a glimpse into the artistic talents of the community, with categories that cater to photographers of all ages and skill levels.
Animal lovers will be drawn to the Livestock and Horse Shows, where the region’s best animals are proudly presented. These Kingston Fall Fair events highlight the dedication and expertise of local farmers and provide an opportunity to see a variety of livestock, from sheep to cattle, up close. The Petting Farm is a favorite among families, allowing children to interact with a variety of friendly animals, while the Sheep Shearing demonstrations offer an educational and fascinating look at this traditional skill.
Artisan Alley is a bustling hub of local crafts, where visitors can explore a wide range of handmade goods, from jewelry to pottery, created by talented artisans from the area. The Midway adds a dose of excitement to the Kingston Fall Fair, with rides and games that provide fun for all ages.
The Kingston Fall Fair is more than just an event; it’s a celebration of community spirit, creativity, and the agricultural roots that define the region. Whether you’re exploring the exhibits, enjoying the rides, or simply soaking in the atmosphere, this fair promises a truly unforgettable experience.
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 Kingston Fall Fair
