Written By Harold Carruthers
Way back in 1848 – even before the Confederation of Canada took place – the Mosa Township hosted its own community fair in various locations, including Strathburn and Wardsville. For nearly 30 years, Mosa and its settling families and friends partook in the fun and festivity of town fairs. Simultaneously, in 1854, the Metcalfe Township began putting on a fair that later was integrated with the Strathroy fair. Not long after, from 1857 to 1876, the nearby township of Ekfrid also held a fair in Appin behind the old Town Hall where the community centre is currently located.
Even 150 years ago, these communities recognized the community- and business-building power inherent within a town fair. Large or small, these gatherings of farmers, craftspeople and exuberant citizens were the perfect way for neighbours to connect, long before FaceTime became something you did on your phone. As early as 1875, Glencoe joined with the Mosa Township to host a joint celebration at the old Town Hall on McKellar Street. While town fairs had already been taking place in the area, this was the first time the Village of Glencoe got in on the hosting festivities.
For the next decade, the Glencoe Fair evolved and, in 1879, Ekfrid partnered with Glencoe and Mosa to expand upon the excitement of their annual fair. This was the same year the racetrack and Glencoe’s first Crystal Palace were built, adding even more vibrancy and liveliness to our incredible region and its community gatherings. In 1891, Mosa and Ekfrid agricultural societies united, bringing us a few steps closer to the official launch of the Glencoe Agricultural Society as we know – and love – it today.
Over the past 100 years, we have continued to build upon the Glencoe Fair’s rich legacy. From the second Crystal Palace through to the grandstand and all the wonderful partnerships that may our community so truly unique, we are so grateful for all the elbow grease and love that has gone into building our Society and its annual festivities.
