May 23 to 26, 2024Year
174 Fair Theme: From Farm To Table
May 23 to 26, 2024174 Fair Theme: From Farm To TableMay 23 to 26, 2024The Schomberg Agricultural Fair is a heart-warming (and fun!) local tradition that has been upheld for 174 years. Every May, rain or shine, Schomberg plays host to a colourful celebration of local agriculture, art, and talent.
In the weeks leading up to the second last weekend in May, the atmosphere in our normally peaceful small town is decidedly different. Children peer excitedly down into the fairgrounds as the midway and games are slowly set up. Derby cars are being built and painted in preparation for the Demolition Derby. Tractors are being polished to spotless for their appearance in the Parade. With the preparation that goes into the Fair each year is no small wonder that the fair is the largest event in King Township.
Held at the Schomberg Fairgrounds, which are nestled in the heart of downtown Schomberg, the fair offers not only ample room for parking, but also a sprawling array of fun activities. Year after year, the midway, carnival games and food carts are a big attraction.
On the quieter side of the fairgrounds one would find the more agricultural endeavours which are the namesake for this wide-ranging celebration. These events have deep roots in the community, and showcase the importance of spreading awareness of agriculture. They include the local art show in the arena, local craft vendors, petting zoos, as well as countless livestock competitions.
The daily contests offer something of interest for everyone – from the cutest baby to the ATV pull to the infamous Demolition Derby! On Friday night, the unmistakeable smell of car exhaust is mixed with the sound of revving engines and cheering spectators. Hollowed-out and safety-inspected demolition cars built by competitors are rammed into each other countless times in each round, until a victor from each category arises from the wreckage. The Derby draws crowds of people from far and wide to witness this adrenaline-filled event.
The Fair’s importance is obvious due to its scope, as well as its long-standing role as a local tradition since its establishment in 1850. The mandate of the Agricultural Society is to encourage an awareness of agriculture, and to promote improvements in the quality of life of persons living in an agricultural community.
Our beloved fair does exactly that, and more.
Here are a few points of agricultural pride the public can experience at the fair every year:
And a little bit more information about the continuing excellence of our Fair:
The Schomberg and Aurora Railway (S&AR, also nicknamed the “Annie Roonie“) was a 36 km long railway running from the town of Schomberg to Oak Ridges, just south of Aurora. It connected Schomberg to the Toronto and York Radial Railway (T&YRR) tram service running along Yonge Street. With the introduction of the train, the Market in Schomberg and the annual Fair became much more popular. The service ran for 25 years between 1902 and 1927; the rails were pulled up shortly thereafter.