OAAS News – Tweed Fair
~ July 5th to 7th, 2024 ~
The Tweed Fair welcomes you back in 2024!
Get ready to kick off the summer in style at the Tweed Fair, happening from July 5 to 7, 2024. As the biggest event of the season in Tweed, this fair promises three days packed with excitement, entertainment, and community spirit.
Nestled in the charming town of Tweed, this annual Tweed Fair is a beloved tradition that brings together locals and visitors alike for a weekend of fun-filled activities. From thrilling rides to captivating exhibits, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
As you step onto the Tweed Fair grounds, you’ll be greeted by the vibrant sights and sounds of bustling activity. The aroma of freshly popped popcorn and sizzling barbecue fills the air, tempting you to indulge in a variety of delicious treats from local vendors.
Thrill-seekers will delight in the array of rides and attractions at the Tweed Fair Midway, where adrenaline-pumping adventures await. From classic carnival rides to heart-stopping roller coasters, there’s no shortage of excitement for those seeking an exhilarating experience.
For those with a love of all things agricultural, the Tweed Fair offers a chance to explore the rich heritage of the region. Marvel at prize-winning livestock, browse through displays of farm equipment, and learn about the importance of agriculture in the community.
Live entertainment takes center stage throughout the weekend, with performances by talented musicians, dancers, and entertainers. From toe-tapping live music to mesmerizing magic shows, there’s never a dull moment at the Tweed Fair.
Families will delight in the array of activities and attractions specially designed for kids of all ages. From pony rides to face painting and interactive games, there’s endless fun to be had for the little ones.
As the sun sets on another day of festivities, gather with friends and family to enjoy fireworks lighting up the night sky, creating a magical end to a perfect day at the fair.
With its blend of tradition, community spirit, and summer fun, the Tweed Fair is an event not to be missed. Come join us as we kick off the summer in style and celebrate everything that makes Tweed a special place to call home.
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 Tweed Fair website.
