Brampton Fall Fair - History of The Fair

History of The Fair

In the early 1830s, farmers from the 212 farms of Chinguacousy Township came to Martin Salisbury's Tavern in biannual fairs.

As the Industrial Revolution and other influences changed society, agriculture morphed from a subsistence process to an actual industry, followed by an increase in demand for equipment, supplies, and power. The government created an act in 1853, to enable and assist counties to form agricultural boards. The resultant government funded organization was the County of Peel Agricultural Society.

In 1853, a small agricultural fair was set up by the organization, held at the corner of Main and Queen streets. Modest overall, but an important step in the right direction, horses and cattle were lined up for show, while grains, produce, roots, and dairy products were displayed for sale. One could even suggest this was the indirect precursor of today's Brampton Farmers' Market. This agricultural fair eventually became the modern Brampton Fall Fair.

The first official fairgrounds were bought in 1871, consisting of 7 acres (28,000 m2) at Wellington and Main streets, for a sum of $1235. This eventually was sold to make way for the County Jail and Court, now the Peel Heritage Complex museum and art gallery. In 1871, the fair moved to Wellington and Mary, and in 1884 to 13 acres (53,000 m2) on Elliot Street. According to Brampton: An Illustrated History, the Elliot Street location land was sold to the Agricultural Society by William McConnell, owner of the Brampton Driving Park.

Once a highlight for farmers, draft horse competitions were replaced in the 1920s by tractor demonstrations. Still, many of the Fair's picks for top riding horses on display went on to subsequently winning at the Canadian National Exhibition and Royal Winter Fair.

The Brampton Fall Fair Elliot Street grounds erected the Junior Farmers Building and the Memorial Arena in 1950, and the Brampton Curling Club in 1951. Because of its unique all-wood roof structure, Memorial has recently been used for a Tim Hortons Timbits hockey ad. The Canadian curling-themed feature film Men with Brooms (2002), starring Paul Gross and Leslie Nielsen, was partially filmed at the Memorial and the Brampton Curling Club. A lacrosse box was added to the ground in 1971.

Most residents associate the Brampton Fall Fair as a place for midway rides and games, more than agriculture and handicrafts. This association began in 1975, with the addition of Campbell Amusements. The 1980s brought antique car shows to the fair, whereas the 1990s brought demolition derbies.