OAAS News – Sutton Fair & Horse Show
~ August 8th to 11th, 2024 ~
The Sutton Fair & Horse Show, spanning from August 8th to August 11th, 2024, is a premier event showcasing the vibrant agricultural heritage and community spirit of Sutton, Ontario. With a rich history dating back to 1855, this annual extravaganza brings together locals and visitors alike for four days of wholesome entertainment and family-friendly activities.
At the heart of the Sutton Fair grounds lies the agricultural exhibits, where farmers proudly display their finest livestock, crops, and produce, competing for top honors and celebrating the fruits of their labor. Visitors can marvel at the beauty of prize-winning animals, from sleek horses to fluffy rabbits, and learn about the importance of agriculture in sustaining rural communities.
Beyond the agricultural displays, the Sutton Fair offers an array of attractions to delight attendees of all ages. Thrill-seekers can experience the excitement of midway rides and games, while foodies can indulge in delicious treats from local vendors, ranging from classic fair fare to gourmet delights. Live entertainment, including music performances and interactive shows, adds to the festive atmosphere, ensuring there’s never a dull moment at the fairgrounds.
For equestrian enthusiasts, the Horse Show is a highlight of the event, featuring a variety of competitions showcasing the grace and skill of both horse and rider. From elegant dressage routines to thrilling show jumping courses, spectators can witness the beauty and athleticism of these majestic animals up close.
As dusk falls, the fairgrounds come alive with the spectacle of fireworks lighting up the night sky, marking the culmination of another successful Sutton Fair & Horse Show. Whether you’re a longtime resident or a first-time visitor, this annual tradition offers an unforgettable experience celebrating the best of rural Ontario culture and community camaraderie. Join us from August 8th to August 11th, 2024, and create cherished memories that will last a lifetime at the Sutton Fair & Horse Show.
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 Sutton Fair & Horse Show
