OAAS News – New Hamburg Fall Fair
~ September 12th to 15th, 2024 ~
The New Hamburg Fall Fair, running from September 12th to 15th, 2024, is a vibrant and family-friendly event that showcases the rich agricultural heritage and dynamic spirit of the community. Held annually, this fair is a highlight of the fall season, offering a diverse array of events and activities that cater to all ages and interests.
One of the main New Hamburg Fall Fair attractions is the Draft Horse Pull, where powerful horses demonstrate their strength and teamwork in a thrilling competition. This event is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the handlers and their magnificent animals. Horse enthusiasts will also enjoy the Hunter and Jumper Show, which features skilled riders and their horses navigating challenging courses with precision and grace. The Light Horse and Pony Show further adds to the equestrian excitement, offering something for everyone who appreciates the beauty and agility of these animals.
For those seeking high-octane entertainment, the ProRider FMX shows are a must-see. These performances showcase daring motocross stunts that will leave the audience on the edge of their seats. It’s an exhilarating addition to the New Hamburg Fall Fair that promises plenty of thrills.
The New Hamburg Fall Fair also offers a range of family-oriented events, including the Baby Show and Junior Pet Show, where the youngest members of the community take center stage. The Tiny Farmer Cattle Show and the 4-H Dairy and Beef Shows highlight the talents and dedication of local youth involved in agriculture, offering a glimpse into the future of farming in the region.
Animal lovers won’t want to miss the Ultimutts Dog Show, featuring incredible canine talents in a variety of fun and engaging performances. Additionally, the Waterloo 4-H Beef Show is a key New Hamburg Fall Fair event that underscores the importance of agriculture to the community, with young farmers proudly presenting their best livestock.
The New Hamburg Fall Fair also includes a Spelling Bee, offering a chance for participants to showcase their language skills in a friendly competition. With so much to see and do, this fair is a true celebration of community, tradition, and fun, making it an unmissable event for everyone in the area.
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 New Hamburg Fall Fair
