KAWARTHA LAKES-The fair is one of the oldest events in the village. To nineteenth century families it was not only one of the most exciting gatherings of the year, but by exhibiting crops, animals and handiwork, it provided an opportunity to learn better ways to make ends meet. The first fair was held jointly with Fenelon in 1860. Four years later the townships began hosting separate fairs. Over the years, Bobcaygeon’s fair has been hosted in various locations, including the market square, before settling at the present day fairgrounds. At one time, “the horse races were done on King Street, between where the Bank of Commerce is and the fairgrounds.”
This photo is of “the Bobcaygeon Fair parade on September 27-28, 1906. The parade is coming along Canal Street and is ready to turn onto the swing bridge. It is going to the market square. The team of black horses belonged to the Ventress family at Nogies Creek.” The Ventresses were the first farm at Nogies Creek on the left-hand side, when you go on Nogies Creek Road. Later Mr. Smith he married one of the daughters, and it was the Smith farm, but it started out at the Ventress farm.”
At the turn of the century, the Bobcaygeon Fair was a huge event that brought visitors from all around—as can be seen from the crowd watching the parade. In the background, past the locks and grist mill, the Steamer Ogemah is stopped at the Lower Wharf, where it docked to bring passengers from Burleigh Falls and Buckhorn.
This story is part of our partnership with Maryboro Lodge, The Fenelon Falls Museum and was written by Glenn Walker.
If you want to make a donation to the museum, you can e-transfer to: [email protected] or mail a cheque to :
Maryboro Lodge Museum
Box 179
50 Oak Street
Fenelon Falls, ON
K0M 1N0
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