Following the official naming of the village of Emo in 1899, a cooperative group of merchants and farmers joined together to promote better farming in the district.
The Rainy River Valley Agricultural Society was organized by 1900 and later that year became a member of the Ontario Association of Agricultural Societies.
The first fair was held on Main Street in Emo in September, 1901 with exhibits being displayed in the lower part of a grist mill, the largest building in town!
The Rainy River Valley Agricultural Society is continuing to thrive with the purpose of enhancing the quality of life for people living in the agricultural community. This year it is celebrating its 100th Annual Fair!
Enthusiasts are invited to celebrate this special anniversary Thursday through Sunday, August 17, 18, 19 and 20, 2000. The Year 2000 Board of Directors has initiated several changes for this year’s special occasion and fair.
Fair participants, workers, exhibitors, members, vendors and directors will pay $2 for admission to the grounds on Friday and Saturday with no exceptions. Admission to the fair grounds is free on Thursday and Sunday.
Parking is free. The availability is on a first come first served basis. No vehicles will be permitted to part on the grounds. Only emergency and delivery vehicles will be allowed to enter the grounds as necessary.
The usual no parking areas will be posted.
Advance midway ride coupons will be sold for the price of $16 each until August 2, 2000. The coupon offers free gate admission and unlimited rides on any one day of the fair. Wrist bands are available on the grounds to anyone not purchasing coupons in advance. The cost is $18 per wristband and can be purchased at the midway ticket booth.
Watch for the publication of the Rainy River Valley Fair’s 100th Anniversary schedule of events to be published soon. Some event times and days have been changed.
Some of these changes are outlined as follows:
The Year 2000 Rainy River Valley Agricultural Fair Queen will be crowned on Thursday, August 17. This momentous event will take place at the Donald Young School Auditorium.
A Parade of Beef cattle in front of the grandstand is scheduled for Friday at 6:30 p.m. before the feature event.
In celebration of its 100th Anniversary the Rainy River Valley Agricultural Society is hosting the exciting action of a rodeo. Bullseye Rodeo Productions is featuring the exhilarating events of bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, bull riding, steer wrestling, calf roping, team roping and barrel racing.
Tickets will be on sale during the fair for the price of $10 per seat, under 7 years of age free. The non-stop action of the rodeo will be held on Friday, August 18, between 7-9:30 p.m., and again, Saturday, August 19, between 1-3:30 p.m.
If you wish to be a rodeo competitor or want entry information you may contact the M.R.C.A. office 204-637-3068. To register call Linda Brown at 204-368-2287. Deadline for entry is August 9, 2000.
A special cake cutting ceremony is scheduled to take place on Saturday afternoon. Be prepared to sing “Happy Anniversary!” Balloons will be dispensed and cake distributed to commemorate one hundred years of the Rainy River Valley Agricultural Society.
Sunday events begin with the Light Horse Show gymkana events and a pancake breakfast.
The annual fair parade procession will be held in front of the grandstand beginning at 12 noon.
Fans and drivers are welcome to return to the grandstand and speedway at 2 p.m. The fast-paced and exciting action of the Mini-Sprint, Street and Modified classes will keep you entertained and on edge as you cheer for your favourite car and driver.
Other featured events include the following: the Loggers’ Safety Show and Competition; “Name that Tune” competition; Local Band performances; Mini King and Mini Queen Crowning; Equipment Displays; Open Beef Show; 4-H Beef Show; Light and Draft Horse Show; Herd Dog Demonstration; Farm Progress Building; Friday and Saturday night dances in the arena; Stock car races on Saturday, evening and Sunday afternoon, and Select Shows Midway.
If you are an exhibitor, the exhibition hall will be open between 4 and 8 p.m. on Wednesday, August 16, to receive your entries. Please complete your entry forms and tag your entries prior to your arrival. If you wish to exhibit you must be a member. Exhibits can only be picked up between the hours of 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. on Sunday or 10 a.m. and 12 noon on Monday, August 21, 2000.
You may contact Sarah Halvorsen, Secretary, at 487-9973 if you wish to purchase a membership, require entry tags and/or entry forms want to inquire about ground space availability, or if you want more information about the fair held in Emo, Ontario.
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