In 2014, the Arnprior Agricultural Society with celebrate the 160th year of the Arnprior Fair. An agricultural society and fair first was established in McNab Township in 1854. The location of the fair moved around the township over the years. In the early 1900's it moved to its present location which was located in the village of Stewarton. Stewarton was annexed by the Town of Arnprior after WWII.
Past Presidents (to 2003) include: John Findlay Sr., Ewart Styles, Frank Boese, Andrew McNab, Wilfred O'Donnell, Ira Smith, James Herrick, Ken Hogan Harvey Young, Duncan Dewar, William Melanson, Milton Symington, Ewart Miller, Elmer Fraser, J.M. MacMillan, Dave Schlievert, Ken Potter, Earl Sadler, Disk Straathof, Louis Laventure, Anne Carmicheal, Brian Majaury, Don Thoms, Jeff Desarmia, Lesa Campbell and Jeffrey Desarmia. In 2013, the Executive includes President Jeffrey Desarmia, 1st Vice President Jeff Schlievert, Treasurer Cathy Wilson, Secretary Diane Swaine. Directors Scott Brum, Tammy Jones, Brian Majaury, Scott Rancourt, Monica Schnob, Martin Straathof, Murray Swain.
The annual summer fair operates through the volunteer efforts of the Arnprior Agricultural Society. Today, fairs start on Thursday night and run through Sunday in August. A demolition derby and live entertainment are major attraction along with the midway rides and games of chance. The agricultural roots of the fair are seen in the displays of arts and crafts, horse pulls and showing of livestock by local 4H clubs. In different years, the society brought in petting zoos, magicians and frog jumping competition in an attempt to offer something for the younger children.Throughout the years the Agricultural Society entered into an agreement with the local Lions Club to take care of the gate.
Acquisition Source
Donated by Mrs. Coleen Schlievert, a member of the Arnprior Agricultural Society Board in July 2009. 1929 Program donated by Cheif Librarian Karen DeLuca in September 2015.
Scope and Content
Fonds consists of minutes (original and copies) of the Arnprior Agricultural Society from 1945-1984 (with gaps), Programs and Prize Lists as well as a small number of news clippings and photographs.
Folders:
1. Minutes 1945-1948
2. Minutes 1958-1961
3. Minutes 1961-1966
4. Minutes 1966-1971
5. Minutes 1984
6. Arnprior Agricultural Society Publications: Programs and Prize Lists: 1929, 1975, 1979, 1982, 1993, 1995-1998, 2001, 2008
7. Newspaper Clippings
8. 12 Photographs of activities at the Arnprior fair including horses, hay bale game, presentations etc. (undated)