Make sure you check out the Fair!

September 11, 2013 · 0 Comments

Tractors and Tailgates is going to be the theme, and a lot of the usual fun is going to be in evidence next weekend.
The Albion and Bolton Agricultural Society is getting ready to put on its biggest event of the year, the annual Bolton Fall Fair.
Held, as usual, at the Bolton Fairgrounds, things will be starting next Thursday night (Sept. 19), and run all weekend, closing down late Sunday afternoon. and during that time, fairgoers will be able to see cows milked, sheep sheered, cars wrecked and a host of other entertaining, fun and informative activities.
The history of this fair reflects the richness of the community’s past.
This is the be the 155th edition of the Fair. The Agricultural Society was formed in 1857, but there are some indications that Fairs had been held prior to that.
According to the Agricultural Society’s website, fairs were held in various places around the village, such as in hotel yards or along King Street. And there was one year (1862) when the Fair was actually held in Sandhill.
The permanent home for the Fair was found in 1868, when two and a half acres were purchased from a Mr. Stork for $250.
A hall was built on the grounds in 1872. And inflation was something people had to put up with even in those days. The following year, the price of admission jumped from 10 to 15 cents.
There have been a number of changes to the site over the years, as more land was added and new buildings constructed. By 1900, there was a roofed grandstand and a racetrack. The Poultry Palace (which still stands) was built in 1935. Old MacDonald’s Farm was added in 1965. The President’s Building was opened in 1990.
To this day, the agricultural component of the Fair is very important.
As usual, this year’s Fair is going to include an Agricultural Learning Centre, complete with interactive, hands-on daily activities throughout the weekend. They will include a tractor table, games, information, crafts draws, stories and a scavenger hunt.
Naturally, the type of equipment used on farms, both these days and in times that have gone before, attract a lot of attention. There will be an antique tractor and equipment display, which is sure to attract farm machinery enthusiasts from far and wide, as they take in the active and restored tractors and implements. All vintage tractors, machinery, small engines and other agricultural equipment are welcomed.
There will also be a parade of these tractors Sunday at 2:30 p.m on the track.
And there will be a Garden Tractor Pull starting at 3:30 p.m. Saturday.
There will be no shortage of livestock at the Fair.
The Dairy Show will go Saturday morning at 10 a.m. in the arena. The Poultry Show will start at noon Saturday in the Poultry Building. The Sheep Show is set to start at 1 p.m.
Sunday will see the Goat Show starting at 11 a.m. and the Beef Show in the arena starting at 1 p.m.
The Fair is also a place to go and be entertained.
In that regard, the Battle of the Bands is set to get going at 6 p.m. Friday.
Other sources of entertainment are going to include the Caledon Cruisers Car Show Saturday afternoon, as well as the popular Baby Show Sunday morning.
And crowds are sure to be out Friday night for the Demolition Derby, which will start on the track at 7:30 p.m., rain or shine.
As well, there will be the Midway, entertainers and lots of food, including a lot of the traditional fair fare.
The Fairgrounds will be open Friday from 6 to 10:30 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Admission Friday will be $12 for adults and $5 for children younger than 12. It will be $10 for adults Saturday and $5 for children, and the cost Sunday will be $7 for adults and $2 for children.
See you at the Fair!