History

2019 – 2023

On March 17, 2020 the Province declared a State of Emergency due to the COVID-19 pandemic, canceling the Rockton Dinner and World’s Fair for the first time, creating a unique time for the Society, and our community over the next two years. During the pandemic, the Society created unique opportunities to engage and support our …

2019 – 2023 Read More »

2013 – 2018

2014: The last year of the Ladies Division. They turned over their financials, etc. to the general board. 2015: Solar panel construction completed in December. 2017: Canada’s 150th anniversary and RAS 165th anniversary Annual Membership Fee $15.00 General Admission Fee to the Fair $15.00

2003 – 2012

2004: Organization of an education program to bring students from nearby schools to the fairgrounds: Agricultural Education Program. First appearance of the Fair mascot Mr. Gobbles 2006: Completion of the new show rings and reception of names Beverly Heritage and North Wentworth Heritage. 2007: New grandstand construction completed before the Fair. Membership Fee $12.00 General Admission Fee …

2003 – 2012 Read More »

1993 – 2002

1994: Fair became sanctioned by the “Great Pumpkin Association” as an official weigh-in site. 1995: First year Rockton World’s Fair was a qualifying show for the North American Six Horse Hitch Classic Series. 1998: New Eight Horse Hitch Display 2000: RAS Board hired Renate Intini to paint a mural on the Farm and Home Building in celebration of …

1993 – 2002 Read More »

1983 – 1992

1983: The Women’s Division introduced “The Meeting Place” where visitors could enjoy home-made pies and musical guests. 1984: RAS built a new pavilion for judging cattle: the Agridome. 1985: Ag-Alive started as demonstrations with farm animals and speakers on agricultural topics in the “Blue Building.” 1987: Membership Fee $4.00 General Admission Fee to the Fair $3.50 1990: First Antique and …

1983 – 1992 Read More »

1973 – 1982

1973: General Admission Fee $2.00 1975: Jeanette Jamieson elected President, marking this the first time a female member became President of the RAS Board. 1976: Construction of a new chain link fence and a new five window ticket booth at the east entrance. 1977: 125th Anniversary Membership Fee $2.00 General Admission Fee to the Fair $2.50 1978: First Dinner …

1973 – 1982 Read More »

1963 – 1972

1963: General Admission Fee 75¢. 1966: The Society, once again, changed its name to Rockton Agricultural Society (RAS). They joined the Canadian Association of Fairs and Exhibitions (CAFE) The first Fair Queen competition and they crowned Carolyn McDonald the winner. 1968: The first Pet Show 1969: Rockton World’s Fair awarded the status of a Class “A” Fair 1970: The Society …

1963 – 1972 Read More »

1953 – 1962

1954: The Society constructed a new exhibition hall (later named the D. A. Campbell Building). 1959: The Society purchased the Charles McCormick property and used the land for parking during the Fair. 1960: The Board of Directors welcomed the President and Vice-President of the Ladies’ Division as members of the Board. 1961: The Society oversaw construction of another new …

1953 – 1962 Read More »

1943 – 1952

1943-1944: Society members organized a Ladies’ Division. Twelve “Lady Directors” including Sarah Thompson, Dorothy Jamieson, Rosetta Jackson, Cecelia Whetham, and Grace Harris. In April 1944, they selected Bella McDonough as President, Janet Shellard as Vice-President, and Agnes McKnight as Secretary. 1944: The Society purchased the Brousse and Miller properties, and the Elsie Henderson’s portion of property. 1945: Grandstand …

1943 – 1952 Read More »

1933 – 1942

1934: The name of the Society changed to the “North Wentworth Agricultural Society” Construction of new gates, new entrances, and new Secretary’s office. 1935: The Society paid the $2.00 affiliation fee and joined the Ontario Association of Agricultural Societies (OAAS). 1936: The Women’s Institute started a display competition open to Women’s Institutes of North Wentworth. The display required, …

1933 – 1942 Read More »

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