The midway is popular at the annual Coe Hill fair, on the last weekend of August. Photo © Kevin Swayze
It’s Coe Hill’s annual candy-coated, deep fried, stomach churning celebration to mark the end of summer.
The Coe Hill Agricultural Fair takes place on the last Friday and Saturday of August, at the fairgrounds along old Highway 620 – now Wollaston Township Road 620 – in the heart of the village.
In 2011, fair dates are Aug. 26 and Aug. 27.
Fair founded in 1882
The Coe Hill Fair was founded in 1882, the society says.
The first fair was held in Salem, about two miles north of Coe Hill. The second fair was held in Coe HIll, with exhibits at the township hall. Horses raced from the hall to the cenotaph and back on the main street.
In the early 1900′s the fair moved to its present location, at the fairgrounds. A grandstand was built prior to 1920. It was partly for the fair and partly to seat fans for the champion Coe Hill baseball team.
The Canadian National railway station building in Coe Hill was saved and moved to the Coe Hill fairgrounds in 1969. Photo © Kevin Swayze
Before cars were commonplace, a special train came to Coe Hill for the fair from Trenton.
Many barns and buildings have been added to the grounds over the years. In 1969, the Coe Hill Canadian National railway station building was moved to the fair grounds and set up to house some of the displays.
The 2011 Coe Hill fair
Admission $6 for adults, $3 for 12 years old and younger.
Fri., Aug. 26, 2011
Hall opens for exhibitors at noon. Judging throughout the afternoon. Hall open to public 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Eastern Ontario Pony Pulls – 4 p.m.
Opening ceremonies – 7 p.m.
Demolition Derby by Xtreme Productions – 7:30 p.m.
Midway opens in the evening, until 11 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 26, 2011
Horse judging starts at 9 a.m.
Exhibit Hall opens at 10 a.m.
Horse pulls are popular at the Coe Hill fair. Photo © Kevin Swayze
Dog show at noon
Livestock judging starts about 10 a.m.
Amateur talent program on platform – noon to 3 p.m.
Western Games 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Live country music by the Charlie Bird Band
Sanctioned light and heavy horse pull about 6 p.m., after Western Games.
Pay your annual $6 membership and get a fall fair book with all the information to enter your handiwork for prizes.
Books are available for sale from:
Albert Vader – 613-337-5504
Marj Davidson – 613-332-2692,
JoAnn Wilson – 613-337-5334
Gordon Wood – 613-473-5596
Wollaston Township Office – 613-337-5731
One price arm bands for the midway on Friday (4 p.m. to 11 p.m.) and Saturday (11 a.m. to 11 p.m.) cost $30 each day.
Buy them in advance for $25:
Coe Hill Country Market – 613-337-8754)
Sears Bancroft – 613-332-2610
Marj Davidson – 613-332-2692
Jo Ann Wilson 613-337-5334
