OUR HISTORY
North Dorchester Agricultural Society Mission Statement
The mission of the North Dorchester Agricultural Society shall be the preservation of the past, promotion of the present and education on the future of agriculture; horticulture and rural and domestic economy.
The Society shall hold and promote an Agricultural Fair each year to serve as its primary medium to achieve its mission. The primary focus of the Agricultural Fair is to, first and foremost, serve as a showcase of the talents of the youth of the community by providing a means of education, exhibit and competition of the various livestock and non-livestock projects the your are involved in. The Society will also use the Agricultural Fair to highlight the heritage of the community, and its ties to agriculture and businesses that are the backbone of the community.
The Society shall also host and promote no-fair events that will aid in sustaining the Society, while keeping in focus the overall mission of the Society. It will use its own Board members, as well as volunteers from community organizations and civic clubs as well as individuals to make up the necessary manpower and expertise that is needed to insure the Society fulfills its mission.
President's Message
WELCOME TO THE 154th DORCHESTER FAIR
This year, the North Dorchester Agricultural Society ("Fair Board") presents "How Green Can You Be?" on the Thanksgiving weekend (October 9 - 12). We are trying to be more environmentally friendly by using less paper, therefore no printed fair book. However, there will be a printed Schedule of Events in the Signpost and available at the gate as you enter. We hope you will join us in being "Greener".
The Fair Board volunteers have arranged many entertaining events for this year's Fair (see Schedule of Events):
- Agricultural Awareness Day - Thursday, October 8
for area grade 3 students - Friday, October 9 - Midway opens at 4:00 p.m.
- Saturday, October 10 - Gates open at 10:00
with a Horse Show and the parade starts at 10:30 a.m. - Don't forget the Demo Derby at 2:00 p.m.
- Sunday, October 11 - Horseshow at 9:00 a.m.
and Fair Opens at 10:00 a.m. - Monday, October 12 - Fair Opens at 10:00 a.m.
There will be Rascal the Clown, Fiddle & Friends, competitions,
agricultural shows, rides and games, 4-H show demonstrations...
and so much more... something for all ages.
The Dorchester Fair helps to bring everyone together on the Thanksgiving Weekend for fun with family and friends, from near and far. It's a wonderful weekend to spend time visiting and reminiscing of memories gone by, and to build on new memories for the future. You can buy a "weekend pass" so that you can come back throughout the funfilled weekend.
Special thanks are extended to all the participants, sponsors, volunteers, Fair Board members, and all of you attending this year's Dorchester Fair. Enjoy the Fair as you learn, have fun, and visit with family and friends.
On behalf of all the volunteers and our Board of Directors,
I hope you thoroughly enjoy the 154th Dorchester Fair.
See you at the Fair!
Darrell Kington
President
North Dorchester Agricultural Society
Our History
In 1855, a group of gentleman farmers met for the purpose of forming the
North Dorchester Agricultural Society (NDAS). The first agricultural show
was held on October 18, 1855 in a lot beside the Huffman Tavern in the
village of Dorchester. At that time, men entered their work horses, carriage
horses, cattle and swine. Other entries included handmade crafts such as
cotton shirts from homemade material and knitted socks - made by men only!
By 1900 the "Fair" site had changed many times, but was always held during
the month of October. In 1977, the last Fair was held in the village of Dorchester
when the Society sold its property to the Township in order to build the local
Community Centre and Arena.
In 1978, the Board of Directors purchased the now "Dorchester Fair Grounds"
from Mr. Bert E. Langford, and the Fair has been expanding since.