2016 marks the 11th year of the Oak Ridges Fair!
Years ago, Oak Ridges and surrounding areas would host a country fair. It was an agriculture-based fair held for many years that was able to bring the small farming communities together.
In the 1950s, as the Fair evolved it was hosted by the Oak Ridges Lions Club. For several years, the Lions Club would bring the community together for 2 or 3 days of fun at the corners of Yonge St. and King Side Road. Old 16mm film from those days is still around showing hundreds of people coming to the Fair to enjoy mechanical rides, midway games, live music and much more. Unfortunately, this vision of the Oak Ridges Fair died away about the time Oak Ridges was amalgamated with the Town of Richmond Hill in 1971.
Fast-forward to October 2003. A resident of Oak Ridges, Chris Stewart, had the idea that he wanted to bring the fair back. Chris’ community commitment met with the vision of fellow resident Sherry Salminen, the sponsorship of Oak Ridges Lions Club as the sponsor, and the Fair was re-born!
Today the fair is organized, operated and led by a volunteer committee. We hope to celebrate not only our heritage, but to bring together the local communities of the present and future to experience local artisans, performers, musicians, our community and businesses in a local, beautiful setting.
Good Memories, New Surprises 