OAAS News – Vankleek Hill Fair
~ August 15th to 18th, 2024 ~
Vankleek Hill Fair: Four Days of Fun-Filled Excitement!
Get ready to mark your calendars because from August 15th to 18th, 2024, the Vankleek Hill Fair is back and better than ever! This annual extravaganza promises something fun every single day, making it a must-visit event for families, friends, and anyone looking to soak up the vibrant spirit of this charming community.
For four days straight, the fairgrounds in Vankleek Hill come alive with a whirlwind of activities, entertainment, and attractions to suit every taste and age group. From thrilling rides that will have adrenaline junkies on the edge of their seats to classic carnival games that offer the chance to win fantastic prizes, there’s no shortage of excitement to be found.
But the Vankleek Hill Fair is about more than just heart-pounding thrills – it’s also a celebration of the region’s rich agricultural heritage. Visitors can stroll through the bustling livestock exhibits, marveling at the beauty and diversity of the animals on display. From prize-winning cattle to adorable farmyard critters, there’s plenty to see and learn about the important role that agriculture plays in the community.
One of the highlights of the Vankleek Hill Fair is the daily lineup of entertainment that keeps the crowds coming back for more. From live music performances by talented local artists to captivating magic shows that will leave audiences spellbound, there’s always something happening on the main stage to keep visitors entertained.
And let’s not forget about the mouth-watering food options that await hungry fairgoers at every turn at the Vankleek Hill Fair. From sizzling barbecue to freshly made funnel cakes, the aroma of delicious treats fills the air, tempting taste buds and satisfying cravings.
But perhaps the best part of the Vankleek Hill Fair is the sense of community and camaraderie that permeates the entire event. Whether you’re catching up with old friends, making new ones, or simply enjoying the festive atmosphere, there’s a palpable sense of warmth and hospitality that makes the fair feel like home.
So mark your calendars and make plans to join in the fun at the Vankleek Hill Fair – four days of excitement await!
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 Vankleek Hill Fair
