History of the Fair

The Rockton Agricultural Society has come a long way since the first Beverly Agricultural Society Fair was held in October 1852.

According to the information recorded in " The Pioneers of Beverly ", October 20th was a " Glorious Indian Summer Day ". There were 181 members and prize money paid to the exhibitor's was $194.50. Compare this to today's volunteer membership of 500 and prize money of $80, 000 paid to over 1200 exhibitors.

In 1934 the Beverly Agricultural Society became the North Wentworth Agricultural Society and in 1966 the name was changed to the present Rockton Agricultural Society.

In 1878 Andrew Kernighan commented that the fair should be called the "World's Fair" because all of the world comes to it. The next day local newspapers carried an article about the fair entitled "The World's Fair at Rockton".

The Rockton World's Fair has grown tremendously since 1852. There truly is something for everyone. Each year sees new features added, along with the tried and true that have been a part of this great agricultural show for decades.

Today Thanksgiving weekend hosts an attendance of 100,000 people, bringing Urban and Rural together.

Agriculture is the highlight of the fair and education of agriculture is our objective.