CALEDON AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY
Registered Name: CALEDON AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY
Business No: 118822865RR0001
This organization is designated by Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) as a registered charity. They comply with the CRA's requirements and have been issued a charitable registration number.
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Planning For The Next Generation We improve the community's quality of life by providing educational opportunities and engagements.
The purpose of the Caledon Agricultural Society and of the Caledon Fair, is to preserve and enhance the agricultural, natural, and historical legacies, and the beauty of Caledon Ontario. The Caledon Fair, held annually, is intended to promote and showcase our community’s agricultural traditions, talents, diversity and heritage. The Caledon Fair strives to help to improve the quality of life of the community by providing educational opportunities, competitions and engagement with members of the community, and linking with other community organizations to learn the needs of the community in order to be as effective as possible in these goals.
Some Information re: History of Caledon Fair that I have garnered during my 60 years involvement with the Society.
Caledon Fair began in 1860 with the first Fair and possibly the second Fair being held in Mono Mills area. The Fair then moved to the Caledon Village Area (the Dynes property which was north of 15 Sideroad (now Charleston Sideroad) on Hurontario St. or Highway #10.
The Fair then moved to 15 Sideroad (Charleston Sideroad), West of (Highway 10) Hurontario Street and then moved to the present location which was rented for two years and purchased in 1926 from Albert B. Smith. Many local residents and farmers paid small amounts to enable the Society to make the purchase
The Heritage Hall was moved from one location to its current location. The Heritage Hall has been used as an Exhibits Hall and was also used as a skating rink in the winter. It was never used as a barn. The Building gained some notoriety in the 70’s when it was used in a Television Series, “The White Oaks of Jalna”.
Horse Racing was a popular event at Caledon Fair for several years. It was discontinued in 1986. Livestock Shows were held with the intent to improve the quality of Livestock through competition, and have included Beef, Dairy, Horse, Welsh Pony, Heavy Horse Pull, Sheep, Goat, Rabbit and Cavy. The Hunter Jumper Show began in 1935 and ran for several years.
It is interesting to note that in 1938 admission was reduced to 25 cents.
1961 was the last Caledon Township Fair. 1962 was the first Fair to be called Caledon Fair.
1977 was the first year to have a Woman Director on the General Board, Jean Kelloway. Jean is currently one of our only 2 life Members of the Society and was active in the Fair until her 92nd birthday.
1986 our First Constitution was adopted.
Caledon, Ontario (July 9, 2024) – The Caledon Agricultural Society (CAS) have launched a $3-million capital campaign to expand facilities on the existing fairgrounds, home of the Caledon Fair in June and the July 1st Caledon Canada Day and Strawberry Festival held each year.
“We are planning for the next generations and we want to ensure we can provide the opportunities and the facilities to meet the ever-growing demands of our community,” says Ed Taccone, Caledon Agricultural Society president.
This ambitious campaign represents a major milestone for the volunteer-run organization and is the realization of a decades-long dream for many volunteers.
“I have relentlessly maintained a vision to have a building on the Caledon Fairgrounds—not only for our Caledon Agricultural Society use—but as a much-needed community centre in northwest Caledon,” says Taccone.
The first Caledon Fair was held in 1860 and since that time the CAS has been a foundational part of the Caledon Village community. This new build will improve the fairground offerings while creating a functional space anchoring a strong and thriving community hub where residents can use or rent the building for a variety of purposes.
“I would like to congratulate the Caledon Agricultural Society for launching this ambitious plan to build a new building on their site to host expanded community events in Caledon Village,” says the Honourable Sylvia Jones, Ontario’s Deputy Premier and Dufferin-Caledon MPP, who was on hand for the campaign launch announcement.
Taccone says the new building’s architectural design has been specifically chosen to complement the existing Heritage Hall and to maintain the rural character of the fairgrounds while adding much-needed modern improvements. The building will be located in the north-portion of the fairgrounds, near the existing gazebo.
The new 15,000-square-foot building will have a 6000-square foot convertible banquet hall and multi- purpose space; a commercial kitchen with walk-in storage, refrigeration and a bar area; accessible washrooms; two large garage-style doors for easy equipment access; and much-needed office space for the Agricultural Society’s administration team.
The fairgrounds are advantageously situated within the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and organizers are optimistic the enhanced facility upgrades will make the fairgrounds an attractive consideration for many outside event organizers and generate a positive economic impact for the community.
Taccone says when you believe in your dream and your vision, it begins to attract its own resources. “I believe and have the confidence in our team to make this happen,” he says.
“But to make this project a reality we need your help,” he says.
The CAS is calling upon the generosity and support of community members, local businesses and philanthropic organizations and asking them to consider how they can contribute to this legacy community project.
Organizers are now focused on fundraising and hopeful enough support will be received that construction could begin in 2026.
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