Who Are We?
The Feversham Fall Fair was incorporated in 1867 and is a member in good standing with the Ontario Association of Agricultural Societies. There are 18 Directors on the Board from which the Executive is elected. A large number of Associate Directors assist with the planning and organization of a number of events the highlight being the annual Fall Fair. Being a non-profit organization means a number of fund raising efforts take place over the year. Choirfest, Trivia Nights and a very successful Ladies’ Night are among the current ways we strengthen our funds.
Feversham Fall Fair is a true country fair that showcases the rural roots of the area. It is held annually on the third weekend of September. It takes place at the Osprey Recreation Centre off Grey County Road #2 in the Municipality of Grey Highlands. It is currently a three day event. Friday sees the entry of exhibits, an evening concert and a Junior and Senior Ambassador Competition. Saturday is the time to view exhibits and take part in the various activities offered for all ages. The day begins with a large parade from the Feversham Park to the Osprey Rec Centre. For the younger generation the Kid’s Zone provides a number of fun activities. Games, face painting and an ice cream eating contest are some of the fun things to do. For teenagers and the young at heart there is a variety of games such as bale stacking and log sawing. Everyone enjoys the antique tractor pulls. A strong 4H Beef Cattle Show is another main attraction for Saturday. Sunday is devoted to farm tractor and truck pulls. These pulling events have become a main attraction for all ages.
History
For a number of years the Feversham Fall Fair was known as the Osprey Fair and travelled from village to village in Osprey Township. In the 1890’s a parcel of land was donated to the Agricultural Society by Mr. John Paul. That site is now the Feversham Ball Park on the south bank of the Beaver River at the end of Wellington St. in Feversham. This land was turned over to the Municipality in 1967 with the agreement that the Agricultural Society would have the use of the site and buildings annually, free of charge, for the Fall Fair. This agreement has been adapted to include the Osprey Recreation Centre and is still in place with the Municipality of Grey Highlands.
In 1965 a letter from OMAFRA requested that the Fair name be changed to the place where the Fair was held and hence the Osprey Fall Fair became the Feversham Fall Fair. In 1967 the Agricultural Society initiated the erection of Centennial Gates at the entrance to the Feversham Park to celebrate 100 years of service to the community. These gates remain as a recognition and celebrations of agriculture in the community.
Over the years there have been some memorable events. In 1958 a pick pocket visited the Fair. Police were called and an investigation was held but no thief was found. Gordon Lightfoot performed for one of the concerts when he first started out in the 1960’s. The Leahy Family also performed in their early years.
One of the reasons for success of this Fair is the generations of support the event receives. Currently four and five generations of some families have been involved over time. Today the Board is made up of a variety of age groups. We value the new ideas of youth and the experienced background of the older members. This combined with the generous support of the community creates a successful organization and Fall Fair.
