“Fabulous Family Fun!” ~ Ancaster Fairgrounds Scoop

Kathy Smith, Manager
Ancaster Agricultural Society ~ Ancaster Fairgrounds
with Ontario Visited Judi McWilliams

The Fair – “The Fair is a great community to volunteer in.” …“The Ancaster Fair is all about “Fabulous Family Fun!”

THE INSIDE SCOOP presents Kathy Smith, Manager

Ancaster Agricultural Society and Ancaster Fairgrounds

For many of our INSIDE SCOOP articles, I like have a discussion with a leader, organizer, expert in the field of presenting fairs, festivals, events and shows across the Province. This time, however, Kathy Smith, Manager of the Ancaster Agricultural Society and Ancaster Fairgrounds was very clear, concise and informative when responding to my initial questions. I found that Kathy’s responses to our INSIDE SCOOP questions reads best as is. I hope you enjoy this SCOOP article as much as I have learned and gained valuable knowledge by reading Kathy’s responses.

The Growth and Journey of the Ancaster Agricultural Society:

“History - In 1850 the present Ancaster Agricultural Society was organized.  At this time the fair was located behind the township hall in the Town of Ancaster.  In 1876 a drill hall was built and this was used for the annual fair.  In 1885 the fairgrounds were relocated to the east of the old Academy Street School with the drill hall still used for the inside exhibits.  In 1902 “Lady Directors” were appointed for the first time.  In 1937 the Medical Health Office ordered that the fair be canceled because a case of Infantile Paralysis had been discovered in the township, this is the only year since 1850 that the fair was not held.  In 1949 the 625 Garner Rd. site of the fairgrounds was purchased.  The first fair took place here in 1950.  Some of the buildings from the old location were moved to this fairground. 

In the early 2000’s a group of dedicated volunteers realized that the fairgrounds was surrounded by development and that we should start looking at a possible relocation site.  This group, with the cooperation of the membership, purchased and planned the new 100 acre Ancaster Fairgrounds. In 2009 the Ancaster Fair moved to its fourth location at 630 Trinity Rd. Many changes have taken place since the first fair took place 157 years ago however; the mandate of the fair continues to be “to encourage an awareness of agriculture”.  

Stay tuned for more with Kathy Smith, Manager of the Ancaster Agricultural Society and Ancaster Fairgrounds and don’t forget to check out their website at http://www.ancasteragriculturalsociety.ca/. … Next SCOOP: the Importance of the Fair and Facilities.