Collection 93-003 - Agricultural fair prize lists collection

5 cm of textual records (1 box)

This collection consists of eighteen prize lists from agricultural fairs in Ontario including the Canadian National Exhibition, the Ontario Provincial Winter Fair, the Central Canada Exhibition in Ottawa, the Western Fair in London, Ontario; the Dominion Exposition in Regina, Saskatchewan; the Canadian Industrial Exhibition in Winnipeg, Manitoba; the Central Exhibition in Cobourg, Ontario and various small town agricultural societies lists.

Agricultural fair prize lists were produced in advance of the fair in order to attract people to compete in various categories. The categories consisted of a number of different elements that were part of agricultural life for a number of people. For instance categories included entries of the best cow or calf, horse showmanship, poultry, pig and sheep breeds. Produce competitions ranged from wheat, barley, rye, corn and oats to homemade pickles, jams and jellies. There were usually floral arrangement and best vegetable arrangement competitions. Ladies would often be able to enter competitions involving sewing and handywork. The prize lists always had advertisers and a list of contributors to the prizes. The book was divided into sections so that each competitor could find the competitions he/she desired to enter, a list of the categories and a small description of who could enter as well as the prizes to be awarded. The cover of the book listed when the fair was to take place and inside there was a list of fair organizers and contestant rules, dates and deadlines.