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In August 1894, W.D. Lovering was elected as the first president of the Matchedash/Coldwater Agricultural Society, with Tay Township joining later.
The first exhibition was held at 'Manning Hall' on Thursday and Friday, September 27th and 28th. Horse racing was a popular drawing card.
In 1950, the name was changed to the Huronia Fall Fair and a school fair was included.
Children from three local public schools march in costume in the Friday afternoon parade, while all public school children are invited to enter in the various youth competitions.
The fall fair has had several homes, but now resides at the Village-owned fair grounds, next to the community centre in the heart of the Village.
In 1967, an agreement was signed between the Village of Coldwater and the Agricultural Society, governing the use of the Village fairgrounds, by the Society, for a period of 99 years. The society is entitled to free use of the fairgrounds and community centre for a period of 15 days per annum.
Following the restructuring of the Village and surrounding townships to become the Township of Severn, a new agreement was signed in 1992 with the period established at 75 years.
With more activities added each year, the number of fair days was increased to 3 in the early 1980's and the horse racing was discontinued.
A major fund-raising drive to improve the fairgrounds has enabled the Fair Directors to build a large cow barn and pavilion, as well as provide a basketball court for the youth of the area.
When you visit the Fair, now known as the Coldwater & District Agricultural Society, you will find something to interest everyone.
There are cattle and horse shows, goats, rabbits and sheep, as well as tractor pulls and horse pulls. Crafts fill the arena while a bountiful flower show adds colour. There are approximately 50 different classes.
The Directors of the Society strive to keep in touch and aware of the Village and our Agricultural Heritage.
(If anyone has anything else to add, please contact Margaret at 705 538-2111 or coldwaterfallfair@yahoo.ca)
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