OAAS News – Woodbridge Fall Fair
~ October 12th and 14th, 2024 ~
The Woodbridge Fall Fair, celebrating its 177th anniversary from October 12th to 14th, 2024, is a beloved tradition that blends local culture, agriculture, and entertainment. Established in 1847, the fair offers something for everyone, with a rich lineup of events that promises a weekend filled with fun and community spirit.
On Saturday, Woodbridge Fall Fair visitors can enjoy the GPC Giant Pumpkin & Vegetable Contest, showcasing impressive produce, along with the Classic Car Show, perfect for vintage car enthusiasts. New this year is the thrilling Lumberjack Show, happening both Saturday and Sunday, which brings a dose of rugged excitement to the fairgrounds. On Sunday, Reptilia Vaughan will provide an exciting live animal display, while Monday offers a Mini Tractor Pull sure to delight families.
All weekend long, guests can enjoy the Gable Midway, Horse & Wagon Rides, and interactive experiences at the Children’s, Pioneer, and Community Buildings. The Farm-tastic Kids Area, featuring a fun Farmer’s Challenge and plenty of animals, is perfect for younger fairgoers. Live music and entertainment keep the atmosphere lively, while Doo Doo the Clown brings smiles to children of all ages.
The Woodbridge Fall Fair also offers a variety of engaging displays, including Vegetable, Baking, Flower, Crafts, Antique, and Photo Exhibits, along with school exhibits, showcasing the talents of the local community. Pioneer Cooking Demonstrations and a Working Blacksmith offer a glimpse into the area’s rich heritage.
With a free hourly turkey draw, a wide selection of food vendors, and plenty of other vendors offering unique items, the Woodbridge Fall Fair is a must-visit destination for families and friends looking to enjoy the fall season in a festive, community-focused environment.
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 Woodbridge Fall Fair
