HISTORY OF BROME FAIR

-In the early 1900s model farms and exhibits of weeds and grasses from the Experimental Farm in Ottawa were set up at fair time, to show local farmers and fairgoers some of the current and best practices in agriculture.

-In 1906 the BCAS directors were the first in the county to inaugurate a three-day fair. The society bought ten more acres of land; new stalls, cattle sheds and a good ½ mile track along with an enlarged grandstand, an extension to the sheep shed and a new poultry barn were built.

-In 1909 Brome Fair had its own merry go round. They had previously been renting one but because they noticed that it “brought in a fair sum of money”, they decided to buy one. The receipts were $300 for the three days of fair!

-In 1909 foot-racing (running) and other athletic events were popular at the fair.

-In 1911 the directors boasted that there had never been a year when the full prize money had not been paid to winners; according to a local newspaper report, they attributed their secret to never contracting any expenses they did not have the “where with all” to pay.

-In 1911 BCAS ran the dining hall and it brought in money for the society. It was reported that Brome had the best cooks! They continued running it until about 1940 when they ‘’procured good management’’.

– In the late 1920s Brome Fair was able to operate after dusk because electric lights had been installed.

-Newspaper articles from the 1910s through to the 1930s tell the story of local constables who ensured that the “games “ in the midway were not fixed; no gambling or drinking or disorderly conduct was allowed on the fairgrounds!

-There was a special train service during the fair.

-The 1930s-40s were a time of growth-a new main building, a new grandstand, hay barn, and workshop building were built. The fair had become popular as a social gathering place; attendance rose to about 10000, up to 1100 meals were served in the dining hall, the parade of animals, the horse races, and the midway shows were very popular.

-The late 30s-40s, particularly the war years saw some new features at the fair. Soldiers from the military training camp came to the fair; soldiers were free in 1940. Military units gave demonstrations, war savings stamps and certificates were sold, and a military band performed.

-In the 1950s a new entrance to Brome Fair was built.

-At this same time Brome Fair became a four-day fair and BCAS began a business association with Gaston Auger, an entertainment promoter; for many years he provided the popular Gastoni Attractions at Brome Fair. Gaston also began providing an advertising poster for Brome Fair.

-The “pulling contest” (horse pull) became a popular crowd pleaser.

-Buildings on the grounds were repaired, updated and some new ones were built.

-In April 1952, a fire destroyed three large cattle barns on the fairgrounds. The barns were rebuilt. The fair continued as usual with the cattle judge commenting that “the new barns were a wonderful addition”.

– The 50s saw Brome Fair benefit from excellent direction from the BCAS, a large attendance, a variety of entertainment offerings and huge community support as evidenced by the amount of advertising in local newspapers and the Brome Fair Prize List Book.

-In 1964 Brome Fair became a three-day fair and continued until 1987 when once again it was a four-day event. (To date no explanation has been found.)

-In the 60s BCAS bought more land, continued to offer Gastoni Attractions, and began discussing building an indoor arena. The price of admission continued to be-members of BCAS, $2, nonmembers, $1, automotive vehicles & teams, 50 cents, children under 10, free, grandstand, $1 and reserved seating on the grandstand, $1.50

-In 1970s new barns were built.

-The dining room was closed and turned into an exhibition hall.

-Government grants were lower than in previous times which caused some angst for BCAS.

-The Carlton Showband entertained on the stage in front of the grandstand! The audience loved them and they provided entertainment more than 12 times over the years.

-During the 1980s more space was added to the office, giving more room to the Hort Society and a new sheep barn was built. Renovations were made to the bandstand; in particular, a backstage bathroom and dressing rooms.

-In 1984 there was a one price admission – midway rides were free with the purchase of a ticket.

-In 1986 the restaurants under the grandstand were moved because of safety and health issues and an arena was built. To help pay for the paving inside the arena, and to act as a preliminary celebration before the fair, it was decided to hold a community BBQ. The BBQ became a yearly event with a team of volunteers serving upwards of 400 people.

-In 1987 the directors began organizing a four-day fair and a four-day pass cost $12.

-Back in 1892 there was a competitive class for steers and oxen. In more recent times, the only oxen that Brome Fairgoers saw was the yoke of oxen owned by ‘’Uncle’’ Frank Cousens from Bolton Glen.

-In 1990 the directors approved Pari-mutual betting on horse races for the first time. Many sponsors provided horse coolers to the winners.

-In 1992 Diana Frizzle became the first woman president of BCAS. Since then, four other women, Karen Crandall Allnut, Sophie Giroux, Jean Royea, and Lisa Payne have held that position.

-That same year the Board approved, for the first and only time, having an onsite casino.

-In 1995 a record attendance of 49,000, over four days, was recorded.

-A Youth Talent Competition, started in 2000, continues to attract creative, talented young performers as well as an enthusiastic crowd of supporters!

-In 2001 a beef barn collapsed under snow load but it was rebuilt. It was higher, had better lighting and ventilation, and had moveable walls.

-In 2002, BCAS purchased an adjacent property belonging to Ken Miller and used it temporarily as office space.

-It was in 2002 that BCAS began using bracelets at the ticket booths, in place of paper tickets. Now in 2025 Brome Fair visitors can purchase tickets and passes online or pay electronically at the entrances during fair time.

-In 2004 the directors bought the former Brome Hotel with the thought that it would become a reception hall, the main office for BCAS staff, and a meeting space for the Board and committees.

-In 2006, BCAS celebrated its 150th anniversary; special events were held throughout the year. Also in 2006, despite some opposition, BCAS sold beer on the grounds for the first time.

-Beginning about 2007, BCAS took steps towards ensuring a safer fair experience: hand washing stations, signage about washing procedures were in place; as well there were ramps to allow better access to some buildings. Too, BCAS had the beginnings of a recycling project which since then, has evolved, and continues to be a priority.

-In 2008 the Agri-zone provided young participants with the opportunity to experience ‘’hands on’’ educational activities related to agriculture.

-In 2012 a new BCAS committee took over the preparation and planning of the Horticulture exhibits.

-In 2014 a large screen was placed on the fairgrounds for real time viewing.

-In 2015 the dining hall/artisan building was taken down

-A log house, Le Petit Musée, officially opened in 2018; it was open during fair time and showcased the history of Brome Fair through displays of photos and artifacts.

-In 2020 a virtual fair and competitions were held. And in 2021, BCAS decided not to hold a fair because of the ongoing COVID pandemic.

– Do you know what these two past presidents have in common, Frank Strange (president, 1918) and Lee Patterson (president, 2020)?

They were both president of BCAS during a pandemic ( 1918 – Influenza Pandemic and 2020 – COVID-19 pandemic!)

-In 2023 BCAS added another property to their holdings; no definite plans have been made at this point in time.