Historical Notes

Established in 1830, Delta Fair is one of Ontario’s oldest continuously operating Agricultural Fairs. The fair’s first president was the Honourable Charles Jones, Member of the Upper Canada Legislative Council. Until 1866, the fair rotated between Delta, Farmersville (now Athens) and Gananoque before settling in Delta on land owned by the Thomas Morris family. The grounds were leased until 1911, when the Board purchased the land at a cost of $1,600.00  Originally incorporated at the “South Leeds Agricultural Society”, the members opted to change the name to the present “Delta Agricultural Society” following the fair’s 100th Anniversary celebrations in 1930.  Now held annually in July, the fair, also known as the “People’s Holiday” has also taken place in September and August.

A photograph of a Women's Institute float in the Delta Fair parade of 1920

A photograph of a Delta Fair Float for Robin Hood Flour

from the Delta Mill, circa 1937.

Delta Fair Board, circa 1890.

Portland Band performing at the Delta Fair, circa 1909.

Oddfellows Lodge float in the Delta Fair parade, circa 1939