OAAS News – Merrickville Fair
~ August 9th, to 11th, 2024 ~
The Merrickville Fair, a beloved annual event, is set to return with a bang from August 9th to 11th, 2024. This eagerly anticipated celebration promises three days filled with fun, entertainment, and community spirit. Located in the picturesque town of Merrickville, Ontario, this year’s fair is expected to draw crowds from near and far, showcasing the very best of rural Canadian culture.
One of the highlights of the Merrickville Fair is its rich agricultural heritage. Visitors can immerse themselves in the world of farming through livestock exhibits, agricultural competitions, and demonstrations. From prize-winning cattle to beautiful farm produce, attendees will have the opportunity to witness the hard work and dedication of local farmers firsthand. Agricultural enthusiasts will delight in exploring the various displays and learning about the latest advancements in farming practices.
In addition to its agricultural focus, the Merrickville Fair offers a wide array of entertainment options for all ages. From thrilling amusement rides to live music performances, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Families can bond over classic fair activities like face painting, carnival games, and delicious fair food. Meanwhile, adults can relax and unwind in the beer garden, sampling local brews while soaking in the lively atmosphere.
Community involvement is at the heart of the Merrickville Fair, with volunteers playing a crucial role in its success. From organizing events to ensuring everything runs smoothly, the dedication of volunteers is evident in every aspect of the fair. Their hard work and commitment contribute to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment where memories are made and friendships are forged.
As the sun sets on another memorable day at the Merrickville Fair, attendees can reflect on the sense of unity and camaraderie that defines this annual tradition. Whether you’re a longtime resident or a first-time visitor, the Merrickville Fair offers a unique opportunity to celebrate the vibrant spirit of rural life and create lasting memories with friends and family. So, mark your calendars and join in the festivities from August 9th to 11th for a weekend of wholesome fun and community spirit at the Merrickville Fair.
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 Merrickville Fair
