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 156th DORCHESTER FAIR
I want to welcome everyone to this year’s Dorchester Fair. It takes many dedicated volunteers to make this event happen and I want to thank all of them for their hard work and dedication.
This year’s theme: Barnyard Boogie holds true to our mission statement.
The North Dorchester Agricultural Society’s mission is the preservation of the past; promotion of the present and education on the future of agriculture, horticulture and rural and domestic economy.
Please take the time to experience everything we have to offer this Thanksgiving weekend and make it a point to stop and catch up with a neighbor. Explore the agricultural building; the petting zoo; take in the home craft building and all its exhibits and classes of competition; the entertainment in the Donnybrook Hall and of course the many selections of fair food.
We have put an extra effort forward to provide more excitement on the track throughout the entire weekend. Thrill Show Productions is returning Saturday with the demolition derby, Sunday’s lineup includes an ATV Obstacle course/race. Have you ever wanted to ride on a Monster Truck? Well - Monday boasts monster truck rides and death defying stunts of High Air Insanity FMX Bikes.
North Dorchester Agricultural Society encourages you to find some time over this busy Thanksgiving weekend to visit your local fair and experience all the fun that happens between the farm gate and your dinner plate.
Mark Williams
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.