This ongoing series from Barrie Historical Archive curator Deb Exel shows old photos from the collection and one from the present day, as well as the story behind them.
The Barrie Fair
It used to be a fall fair.
For many years, kids were given a pass to the annual Barrie Fair when they returned to school in September. Usually held at the end of that month, and even with at least one cold, wet, windy day during its run, the fair was still an exciting autumn ritual not to be missed.
The Simcoe County Agricultural Society organized fairs in Barrie as early as 1840, held at Market Square and featured plowing matches held at nearby farms. The Society went by various names over the years: North Simcoe, South Simcoe, West Simcoe until the Barrie Agricultural Society was established in 1911.
The Barrie exhibition relocated to a sprawling property at Elizabeth Street (now Dunlop Street West) and Eccles Street. An enormous agricultural hall (used as a rink in the winter), a grandstand and a racetrack were among the structures built at the Agricultural Park.
Over time, however, the Agricultural Society’s land holdings began to diminish: when the Barrie Collegiate on Blake Street burned in 1916, a portion of the fairgrounds facing Bradford Street became the new home of the Barrie Collegiate Institute.
When land was needed along Bradford Street for the new Canadian General Electric plant, the Society sold the property and purchased 50 acres on Essa Road in Allandale, the former Dyment stock farm, for a new fairground.
Throughout all the moves, the Barrie Fair stayed true to its agricultural roots: the livestock, produce and farming-inspired competitions and exhibits remained at the very heart of the event.
The first Barrie Fair at the new Essa Road fairgrounds was held in 1948. The last one was held 60 years later in 2008.
Enjoy some Barrie Fair nostalgia!
