The Erin Agricultural Society (EAS) has been a strong citizen, a pillar—or shall we say farm fence post, of the Erin and area community since 1850. Originally sponsored and fostered by the Canadian government in the 1840s and 1850s, the intent of agricultural societies was to educate farmers in new agricultural techniques with the goal of raising prosperity within the agricultural sector.
Today, the goal and mandate of the Erin Agricultural Society is to create awareness and to foster education about agriculture, farming and country life. The Erin Fair is proud to be in the heart of the Erin community and in the heart (and country soul) of locals who have supported and partnered with the E.A.S. over 166 years. The result of the long term friendship has resulted in the building of one of the very best Fairs around, and Ontario’s preview to the Royal Winter Fair in Toronto. Newspaper articles from the 1930’s commented that first time visitors would sometimes ask: How do they do it? Or it’s a miniature CNE (Canadian National Exhibition).
Since it’s beginning days (which in 1850 drew up to 3,500 visitors), local businesses, town residents, farmers and agri-based organizations have backed the Fair. By providing services, hard goods, sweat-equity (work!) and cash donations which is then reinvested into the EAS to host the Fair and to maintain the property and buildings.
The Erin Fair is wonderful patchwork of kids, chickens, goats, sheep and quilts. On Thanksgiving Weekend, volunteers and farmers make their way to the Fairgrounds just as the sun is rising to prepare their show cattle, compete with their horses and to bake apple dumplings.
Other events include the Demo Derby and renting the grounds, horse rings and buildings, out for special events, horse competitions, sheep and cattle shows just to name a few.