OAAS News – Lombardy Fair
~ August 2nd to 4th, 2024 ~
The 158th Lombardy Fair, a quintessential celebration of community spirit and agricultural heritage, is set to enchant visitors from August 2nd to August 4th, 2024. Nestled amidst the picturesque landscapes of Lombardy County, this annual event promises three days filled with vibrant festivities, showcasing the rich tapestry of rural life and modern entertainment.
At the heart of the fairgrounds lies an array of attractions catering to all ages and interests. For the agricultural enthusiasts, the fair boasts sprawling exhibition halls where local farmers proudly display their prized livestock, bountiful harvests, and cutting-edge agricultural technology. Visitors can immerse themselves in the sights and sounds of the farming world, gaining insights into the region’s agrarian traditions and innovations.
Beyond agriculture, the Lombardy Fair offers a diverse spectrum of entertainment and activities. From exhilarating amusement rides to captivating live performances by talented musicians and dancers, there’s never a dull moment on the fairgrounds. Families can indulge in delectable treats from a plethora of food vendors, savoring everything from classic fair fare to gourmet delicacies crafted from locally sourced ingredients.
For those seeking a taste of nostalgia, the fair features a charming vintage carousel and a heritage village where artisans demonstrate traditional crafts such as quilting, blacksmithing, and woodworking. History buffs can delve into the region’s past through engaging exhibits and interactive displays celebrating Lombardy’s storied heritage.
Moreover, the Lombardy Fair prides itself on fostering a sense of community spirit, with opportunities for local organizations and businesses to showcase their talents and contributions. Whether participating in friendly competitions, browsing artisanal wares at the craft market, or simply connecting with neighbors old and new, attendees are sure to experience the warmth and camaraderie that define small-town charm.
As the sun sets on each unforgettable day, the fairgrounds come alive with dazzling fireworks displays, casting a radiant glow over the festivities below. With its blend of tradition, innovation, and hospitality, the 158th Lombardy Fair promises an unforgettable experience for all who attend, creating cherished memories to last a lifetime.
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 Lombardy Fair
