OAAS News – Markham Fair
~ October 3rd and 6h, 2024 ~
The Markham Fair, celebrating its 180th anniversary, takes place from October 3rd to 6th, 2024. Established in 1844, this historic fair has become one of the largest and most anticipated agricultural events in Ontario, blending tradition, entertainment, and family fun.
A standout Markham Fair attraction is the Newborn Farm Animals display at Old MacDonald’s Barn, where families can meet adorable baby animals and learn about their care. This hands-on experience is perfect for children and anyone interested in farming life. Another educational highlight is the Interactive “Farm to Table” Demonstrations at the Agri-Food Tent, offering insight into the journey food takes from local farms to kitchens. Attendees can engage with farmers and chefs while learning about sustainable food practices.
The Markham Fair also features a wide array of Agricultural and Homecraft Displays and Demonstrations, showcasing the region’s rich agricultural heritage. Visitors can admire prize-winning produce, flowers, handcrafts, and baking that reflect the community’s talents. These Markham Fair exhibits provide a glimpse into the skills and traditions that have been passed down through generations.
For younger attendees, Faircrow’s Farm Park offers endless entertainment with pony rides and various hands-on activities. Families can enjoy rides and attractions designed for all ages. Thrill-seekers will enjoy the exciting Monster Truck Rides, a crowd favorite that brings a dose of adrenaline to the fairgrounds.
Food lovers will be delighted by the diverse selection of fair food and treats from local vendors. Whether you’re craving sweet snacks, hearty meals, or unique gourmet options, the Markham Fair’s commercial concessions have something for everyone.
With its blend of agricultural showcases, family-friendly activities, and great food, the Markham Fair promises a fun-filled experience for all ages, celebrating 180 years of community and tradition.
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 Markham Fair
