OAAS News – Ramona Fall Fair
~ September 13th and 14th, 2024 ~
The Ramona Fall Fair, set for September 13th and 14th, 2024, is a vibrant community event that epitomizes the spirit of friendship and neighborliness with this year’s theme, “Come as a Neighbour… Leave as a Friend“. This two-day celebration brings together the best of traditional fair activities and community spirit, providing an ideal setting for making new friends and enjoying the company of old ones.
A standout feature of the Ramona Fall Fair is the Horseshoe Tournament, a popular event that attracts both competitive players and those looking to try their hand at this classic game. The tournament is a perfect example of the fair’s friendly and inclusive atmosphere, offering a fun challenge amidst the cheers and encouragement of fellow fairgoers.
For families, the Ramona Fall Fair provides a delightful array of Games for Kids, where children of all ages can participate in fun and engaging activities. These games are not only entertaining but are designed to be inclusive and interactive, allowing kids to learn new skills, meet other children, and create joyful memories in a safe and welcoming environment.
The Ramona Fall Fair Beer Garden is a favored gathering spot for adults, offering a relaxed atmosphere where friends and neighbors can unwind, enjoy a selection of local brews, and catch up over good conversation. This space epitomizes the fair’s theme, turning casual acquaintances into lasting friendships.
The Horse Pull event is another highlight, showcasing the power and grace of these magnificent animals. Teams of horses compete to pull heavy weights, demonstrating not only their incredible strength but also the skill and dedication of their handlers. This event is a crowd-pleaser and a testament to the agricultural roots of the Ramona community.
The Ramona Fall Fair is more than just an event; it’s a celebration of community and camaraderie. With its engaging activities, welcoming atmosphere, and the promise of new friendships, the fair invites everyone to come as neighbors and leave as friends, embodying the true spirit of community. Whether you’re competing in the horseshoe tournament, enjoying the games, or relaxing in the beer garden, the Ramona Fall Fair offers a memorable experience for all.
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 Ramona Fall Fair
