History of the Kirkton Agricultural Society
A long standing tradition rooted by agriculture and community spirit
In 1985, the fair expanded to a three day event.
1985
Since 1971, the fair was been held on the second weekend of September.
1971
By the 1880's, the fall fair was traditionally a two day event in late September or early October. The days of the week the fair was held varied over time, but it was consistently held during the week to allow the schools to participate. The fair was first held on a weekend in 1969.
1969
The timing and length of the Kirkton Fair has evolved over time. For the first 25 years, both a spring and fall fair were held annually on a weekday in April and October. The last spring fair was held in 1893.
1893
WHEN IS THE KIRKTON FAIR?
In 1889, the Agricultural Society decided that it would be in their best interests to procure larger grounds as the fair was expanding each year. They purchased 8 acres, which form the present fairgrounds and home of the Kirkton-Woodham Community Centre, from John McGregor for $1,200.
1889
Over the Kirkton Fair's lifetime, it has been held in three different locations within the village of Kirkton. From the fair's humble beginnings on the farm of Alexander Kirk, the fair moved across the road in 1882 to an area known as Beatrice Park, which was owned by Samuel Doupe.
1882
CHANGING LOCATIONS
The first fair in Kirkton organized by the Blanshard Agricultural Society (later renamed Kirkton Agricultural Society) was held later that year on Wednesday, October 13, 1869. Alexander Kirk charged the Society $1 for the use of a portion of his farm which was located directly behind the Templar's Hall (later Aberdeen Hall).
Items exhibited were typical of fairs, including homegrown fruits and vegetables, homemade clothing, baked goods, canning, livestock and locally manufactured farm equipment and machinery. Overall, there were 103 exhibitors and 397 entries. At the end of the day, the financial breakdown indicated that the first ever Kirkton Fair was a success with a profit of $14.98.
OCTOBER 1869
"there should be a fair held at Kirkton in connection with the Agricultural Society in October and April in each year, to be held on Alexander Kirk's farm."
The first meeting for the purposes of organizing an agricultural society in Kirkton was held in June 1869. At this meeting, a motion was made that...
JUNE 1869
THE FIRST FAIR
From humble beginnings in 1869, the Kirkton Agricultural Society and the Kirkton Fair have evolved and adapted over the past 150+ years. We would have not got to this point without resilience, strong community support and volunteers dedicated to our passion - our little fair with big heart.
Through the years...
4-H CLUBS
4-H CLUBS
LIVESTOCK
LIVESTOCK
HORSE SHOWS
HORSE SHOWS
CLICK on the topics below TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THESE AGRICULTURAL EVENTS AT THE KIRKTON FAIR
In the early years of Kirkton Fair, the livestock shows were the heart of the fair and brought the community together for some friendly competition. Horse, cattle, sheep, hog and poultry classes were commonplace for many years. Early Kirkton Fairs also had classes for farm implements, including carriages, buies and ploughs.
An Agricultural Showcase
An Agricultural Showcase
CLICK on the topics below TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THESE AGRICULTURAL EVENTS AT THE KIRKTON FAIR
In the early years of Kirkton Fair, the livestock shows were the heart of the fair and brought the community together for some friendly competition. Horse, cattle, sheep, hog and poultry classes were commonplace for many years. Early Kirkton Fairs also had classes for farm implements, including carriages, buggies and ploughs.
Kirkton Fair developed a reputation for consistently having a great showing of horses and it was repeatedly reported that the horse ring was the centre of attention and the animals exhibited were of superior quality.
The year 1973 was the last time that a horse show was held as part of the Kirkton Fair.
HORSE SHOWS
The livestock shows evolved over the years. A 4-H dairy and beef show was added to the schedule of events in the 1950's. This new event was well received and grew significantly in the years to follow, with other clubs including sheep and swine also participating.
LIVESTOCK
LIVESTOCK
The Kirkton 4-H Dairy Club still hosts their achievement day show annually at Kirkton Fair. In 1958, a new pole barn was built on the fairgrounds which was used to house livestock for the 4-H shows. In 2017, the Kirkton 4-H Dairy Club fundraised to build a new pavilion on the fairgrounds to meet the needs of the growing club.
4-H CLUBS
4-H CLUBS
Kirkton Fair developed a reputation for consistently having a great showing of horses and it was repeatedly reported that the horse ring was the centre of attention and the animals exhibited were of superior quality.
The year 1973 was the last time that a horse show was held as part of the Kirkton Fair.
HORSE SHOWS
The livestock shows evolved over the years. A 4-H dairy and beef show was added to the schedule of events in the 1950's. This new event was well received and grew significantly in the years to follow, with other clubs including sheep and swine also participating.
LIVESTOCK
The Kirkton 4-H Dairy Club still hosts their achievement day show annually at Kirkton Fair. In 1958, a new pole barn was built on the fairgrounds which was used to house livestock for the 4-H shows. In 2017, the Kirkton 4-H Dairy Club fundraised to build a new pavilion on the fairgrounds to meet the needs of the growing club.
4-H CLUBS
The indoor exhibits have always been an integral part of the Kirkton Fair. While the selection of categories and quantity of exhibits shown have varied over time, there is typically a vast assortment of homecraft and baking articles (or ladies fancy work and domestic science as it was also referred to as), fruits, vegetables, roots and flowers on display. A children's department was added in 1914 and has continued ever since.
In the early years of the fair, the Templar's Hall (later Aberdeen Hall) was used as an indoor display area. When the fair moved to the current grounds, two buildings were erected on the southeast corner, close to where the current community centre building is situated. The smaller building was used as the fair office, including the gate to the grounds and where prize winners collected their winnings. The larger building was used for displaying exhibits.
In 1973, the office and the display hall were demolished and the current Kirkton-Woodham Community Centre was built. The Community Centre remains the hub of the Kirkton Fair and is home to a variety of displays and friendly competition throughout the fair.
INDOOR EXHIBITS
It Wouldn't be a Fair Without a Parade
The tradition of the parade continues today with many community floats, antique tractors and cars participating.
TODAY
Beginning in the 1920's, during the second day of the fair, the area school children participated in a parade from the village to the fairgrounds, led by an invited band. Prizes were awarded for best march and drill.
1920s
Following the closure of the one room schools in 1967, the tradition of the parade continued, but it developed soon after into what was referred to as a 'monster' parade', which invited community groups or families to participate.
1967
