About the Shelburne Fair
Mission Statement
The purpose of the Shelburne District Agricultural Society is to promote the importance of agriculture generally through educational displays and competitions.
Membership
Membership is open to anyone who pays an annual membership fee and resides within 30 km. of Shelburne.
Directors
The Board of Directors consists of 18 members elected from the membership.
Secretary is appointed by the Society.
Treasurer is a paid position.
Secretary is appointed by the Society.
Treasurer is a paid position.
History
Per John Rose “History of Shelburne”
Since 1867 – oldest continuing organization in Town. Older than the Town itself. Shelburne wasn’t
incorporated as a village until 1879! Canada and Shelburne Fair will both celebrate 150 years in 2017.
1867 – was known as Melancthon Agricultural Society, with John Mills as President
First Fair: October 1868 on the roadside in Masonville - one day event
1892 - The Dufferin Central Exhibition
The Dufferin Central Fair
Shelburne District Agricultural Society
Fair for Shelburne, Amaranth, Melancthon, Mono and Mulmur
October 5, Mid 1880’s – moved to George Charters’ farm , on grounds of Shelburne Turf (horse
racing) Association across the railway tracks from the railway station (not successful - 4 inches of snow
Next year – moved it to the spring
Shelburne Turf Association became Shelburne Driving Club, and granted Fair use of grounds for
1887 – John Jelly (William Jelly’s younger brother) built grandstand for Queen Victoria’s Golden
Jubilee celebrations. Stood until demolished in an aircraft accident in 1922.
1888 Simon Jelly (William Jelly’s older brother – and the first of the Jelly family to settle in
Shelburne) gave 16 acres of his farm to the Driving Club, which is the location of the present
Fairgrounds, although it is smaller now. Contained regulation half-mile racing oval. Agricultural
Society paid $50 a year to use property at Fair time. William Jelly was President of the Ag Society at the time
1889 – horse races, Highland Dancing competition, John Jelly displayed his Mastadon skeleton (Newburg Mastadon) in a tent, Shelburne Citizens’ Band, fireworks
1890 – Agricultural Hall built at cost of $1,100, with electric lights! Very tall building which resembled an old grain elevator. Very large, with 10-12 ft gallery around interior walls. Demolished in 1947 when the CDRC was built.
October 6-7, 1891 Fair – John Jelly displayed and demonstrated first “talking machine” (gramophone) seen around here for 10cents admission, and his second mammoth skeleton (Highgate Mastadon) which was larger than the first, but not complete.
January 1892 – Agricultural Society purchased property from the Driving Club for $1,500
1916 – Horse Stable built – still in use today
1917 - 50th Anniversary – no celebrations due to WWI. Large celebrations for 60th in 1927.
September 20, 1958 – Prime Minister John Diefenbaker and Federal Member Earl Rowe attended
Fair. Mr. Rowe later became Lieutenant-Governor of Ontario, and was a frequent visitor.
1972 – 6 member Executive Board, 30 member Board of Associate Directors, 35 member Ladies’
Board of Associate Directors. 200 entrants. 90 page Prize List.
2013 - Segment of property sold to allow for building of Glenbrook Elementary School.
2014 – 18 member board of Directors. 92 page Prize List. Show barn upgraded to become Exhibit Hall.
2015 - Horse Barn upgraded to become Assembly Hall. New Cattle Pavillion built.
2016 - 100 page Prize List. Floor laid in Assembly Hall.
2017 - Shelburne Fair's Sesquicentennial