History of the Fair

In 1850 the present Ancaster Agricultural Society was organized. The fair was then centered around the corner of Wilson and Academy Streets. In 1876 a drill hall was built behind the township hall, this was then the location of the annual fair. In 1885 the fairground was located 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 Garner Road site of the fairgrounds was purchased. The first fair on this site took place in 1950. Some of the buildings from the old location were moved to the new fairgrounds.

In February of 2004, our Board of Directors set the wheels in motion for a possible relocation of the fairgrounds.  Our membership, in November 2005, gave approval to conduct a relocation feasibility study and on June 26th, 2006 an overwhelming "yes" vote launced our society on a new and exciting course.  After 59 Fairs at the Garner Road location the Ancaster Fair again has a new home.

Many changes have taken place since the first fair took place 159 years ago however, the mandate of the fair continues to be “to encourage an awareness of agriculture”.