The first Brigden Fair was held in 1850 at Riley’s Tavern and featured only cattle and horses. For the next four decades, the location would alternate between Mooretown and Corunna, and later between Courtright and Brigden, until settling into the current grounds in 1889. Prior to 1928, only Moore residents could be exhibitors; however, “Open to the World” was declared that year and exhibits were opened to an unlimited area.
Fall Fairs are a time-honoured rural tradition throughout Ontario. The earliest agricultural society was formed at Niagara-on-the-Lake in 1792. Other societies followed, and they would hold fairs with butter, cheese and maple sugar. In 1834, a prize was offered for “Best Servant!” [Read more about the History of Lambton’s Fall Fairs on lambtonmuseums.ca]