OAAS News – Zurich Country Fair
~ July 26th, 27th & 28th, 2024 ~
The Zurich Country Fair is coming soon! Fun for the whole family!
Get ready for a berry-filled extravaganza at the Zurich Country Fair, happening from July 26 to 28, 2024. Aptly themed “Very Berry Extraordinary,” this year’s fair promises an abundance of fruity fun and excitement for all ages.
As you step onto the fairgrounds, you’ll be greeted by the sweet aroma of freshly picked berries, setting the tone for a delightful experience ahead. The Zurich Country Fair showcases the region’s finest produce, with an emphasis on all things berry-related. From succulent strawberries to juicy blueberries and everything in between, indulge your taste buds in a variety of berry treats crafted by local vendors.
Embark on a culinary journey through the Berry Bazaar, where you can sample an array of berry-infused delights, including pies, jams, smoothies, and decadent desserts. Don’t miss the opportunity to watch live cooking demonstrations featuring innovative ways to incorporate berries into your favorite dishes.
For those craving some adrenaline-pumping action, the Zurich Country Fair offers a plethora of thrilling rides and games at the Berry Adventure Park. From classic carnival rides to exciting challenges, there’s something for thrill-seekers of all ages.
Music lovers will be serenaded by live performances from local bands and musicians at the Berry Beats stage. Dance the night away under the starlit sky as you enjoy a diverse lineup of musical talents, spanning various genres to cater to every taste.
Families can bond over interactive activities and games at the Berry Family Fun Zone, where laughter and joy abound. From face painting to sack races and treasure hunts, there’s no shortage of entertainment for the little ones at the Zurich Country Fair.
As the sun sets, the Zurich Country Fair grounds come alive with the glow of twinkling lights and the sound of laughter echoing through the air. Take a leisurely stroll through the Berry Gardens, illuminated by enchanting fairy lights, and marvel at the beauty of nature’s bounty.
With its vibrant atmosphere and endless delights, the Zurich Country Fair promises to be a berry extravaganza like no other. Come join in the festivities and celebrate the magic of berries in all their glory!
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 Zurich Country Fair website.
