History

The true old style country fair is almost a thing of the past, but for the hundreds who each year, attend the Priddis and Millarville Fair, it is very much alive.

This big little fair is different from most country fairs in that it has remained strictly agricultural. In fact, it is one of the few truly agricultural shows that is left.

The directors of the fair have kept out commercial entertainment and side shows.

The Priddis and Millarville fair was started in 1907 and was held in Priddis until 1915. Then it was held in Millarville.

For many years it alternated between the two sites. Then it was held at Fordville about halfway between the two places. After this friendly tug of war it was finally agreed in 1946 to make a permanent home for it at the Millarville Race Track. Since then it has blossomed in its beautiful foothills setting.

The beauty of this fair is that it is a family enterprise as well as a community effort.

Everyone from Junior to Grandad wants to get into the act.

There is art, handicraft, baking and needlework, grains and grasses, flowers and vegetables, poultry of all kinds, sheep and swine, cattle, horses, and even floppy eared rabbits.

The full day of horse show events includes everything from Western and English classes to cutting horse and jumping competitions. All breeds of cattle both beef and dairy are groomed to perfection.

This is the kind of fair where competition is keen but friendly.

You can sit on the grandstand and watch Junior show his pony while the loudspeaker tells you that Grandad got first with his peas.

However, as soon as the doors open to the various buildings housing the displays you must go and see for yourself.

The mouthwatering lemon pies, and chocolate cakes, the homemade bread, the beautiful floral arrangements, and the vast array of garden vegetables all give you the feeling that we are fortunate to live in this part of the world.

The 104th Annual Priddis and Millarville Fair welcomes you August 20, 2011.