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A Short History of Missions' Agricultural Fairs

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The back of Strawberry Festival brochure.
1 July 1948
Mission Museum

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This page and the next are the brochure/program for the 1948 strawberry festival.

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Front of Strawberry Festival brochure.
1 July 1948
Mission Museum

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Throughout the years, fairs have been an important part of life in Mission. As people gathered together to showcase local talent and industry, they often attracted crowds from far and wide. Fairs are closely related to agriculture, as many of the celebrations have developed with agricultural themes. The following is a look at some of the biggest and best-known fairs to grace the scene in Mission over the years.

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Mr. Wren Presided over the first Fall Fair Sept. 1894.
11 October 1967
Mission, BC

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The Agricultural Association held the first Fall Fair,in Mission City on September 24, 1894. It was a great opportunity for residents to come together and take a much-deserved rest from their labours. John Wren presided over the fair, which officially opened at 1:00 pm. There was something for everyone, from sporting events to food and livestock competitions. Women brought their baking, and the people of the community used the time to socialize with their friends and neighbours.

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Agriculture Fair
1910
1910 Fairgrounds, Alexandra Park at 7th & Grand, Mission BC
TEXT ATTACHMENT


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In 1910 the fair was held at Alexandra Park for the first time, and it has been held there ever since. By 1912, Alexandra Park had become commonly known as the Fair Grounds, the name we still use today.

The fair added many new events and games over the years, often to the delight of spectators. In 1899 there was even a horse race, which attracted media attention. The Vancouver World reported the event, saying that it was probably unique as far as fall fairs go.

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Windebank's stall at the Fall Fair.
23 September 1912
Mission, BC

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In 1925 Miss Annie Elliot was crowned the first Queen of the Fair, having sold more ticket books than any other girl. Carnival rides made their debut in 1926, and the 1933 fair advertised the first Caledonian games. By 1934 contests were popular, as people competed in log sawing, log chopping, Japanese wrestling, climbing greased poles, catching greased pigs and pillow fights.

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Fairgrounds.
1920
1910 Fairgrounds, Alexandra Park at 7th & Grand, Mission BC

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A slow auto race was added in 1936 and the first pet parade was held in 1941. Another popular attraction in 1941 was Mr. Routledge's train. It ran on a two hundred yard stretch of track with a two-ton steam locomotive and carried four children at a time. In 1956 the first baby contest was held. The first dog show was in 1972, and a casino was added in 1982. These attractions became an important part of the fair, as they added excitement while keeping up attendance.

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Fall Fair.
1920
1910 Fairgrounds, Alexandra Park at 7th & Grand, Mission BC