Aylmer Fair

Agricultural Society



In 1846, the Aylmer and East Elgin Agricultural Society. formally known as the Malahide Agricultural Society up until 1860, began its annual exhibitions of agriculture and livestock to the people in and around the Aylmer area.  In 30 years the fair grew from a few dozen exhibits in the 1850s to over 1700 in 1876. The Aylmer fair also expanded from an afternoon show to a two day event and membership to the Society has grown to over 200 members.

Women join the fun

It was not until 1865 that ladies' exhibitions were included in the fair.  Stock and wheat became uninteresting and was not likely to attract exhibitors and visitors.  “Women’s Work” was an essential, interesting and an attracting element in the success of the fair.  In 1874, 523 entries (1/6^th of the exhibits) were based largely on Women’s Work.

Changes Through Time

Throughout the early years the fair travelled and was held in many locations, but found its permanent location in 1875 in Aylmer, where 8 acres of land was purchased.  In this year the fair held its first opening day, surrounded by a high well built board fence, charging $.10 for admission into the fair. 

Fair Grounds 1876

Fair Grounds 1982

Names of the fair 1846-1982

 

The Aylmer Fair entered the 20^th Century with unparalleled success.  Business men supported it eagerly through donations and participation and

even helped decorate the town for the fair days.  It was known as “Aylmer’s Greatest Fair,” with a train excursion that travelled from Hamilton, London and St. Thomas with passengers wanting to see the fair.  However, after issues of agricultural exhibits versus expensive attractions by business men, in 1910 the fair was cancelled.  Farmers and others complained that throughout the preceding years, the extravagant attractions that were created leveled the significance that agriculture and livestock was given.  It was a struggle to get the fair up and running again with many problems each year including funding issues and low admission rates until 1924.  A turnover in personnel and the government granted more funding.  This turning point created major changes in attractions and promotions over the next six years.

War Efforts

During the 1940s, the war effort was a major theme of the fair.  In 1941, admission costs, membership fees and 50% of the profits were given to the Red Cross and a war bond was purchased with the remaining 50%.  The fair held its Centennial in 1956, celebrating its 100 year ammiversary and the achievements it had developed.  From 1945-1965 was the greatest period in the fair's history.  No period prior had sustained such growth in all aspects of the fair: in buildings, attendance, growth of exhibits and in general participation.  It has continued to grow.  1977 created a new record in attendance of 47,000 people present at the two day event.  It continues to grow every year, with great attractions including agriculture, family activities and midway events.  2011 marks the 155^th year at the Aylmer Fair.