This year, 2008, is the 158th year of the Brigden Fair. It's interesting to note that Lambton County came into existence in 1849 and Moore Township (now known as St. Clair Township) was created in 1850. The Brigden Fair also was established in 1850 for the promotion of agriculture through community involvement. Over the next 157 years the Moore Agricultural Society has continued to serve the community and maintain tradition. Many of the traditions of our forefathers remain in our livestock and homecraft competions.

The first fair, in 1850, was held by the early area settlers on Reilly's farm on Moore Township (today St. Clair Township) Lot 26, Concession 8 (now known as Rokeby Line). The fair initially moved from one community to another, throughout the township, until finally settling in Brigden.

1915  The present site was purchased and over the years has grown to 87 acres. Originally the fair was directed only towards the men with their livestock. Later crops were displayed and the ladies began to exhibit their domestic skills and share thier homemaking talents. Now many children also exhibit.

1928  The Brigden Fair was rated as the "Best One Day Fair In Ontario".

1949  Admission fee to the fair was 35 cents per adult and 35 cents per car to park. Today admission to the fair is $6.00 per adult, there is free parking on the fairgrounds, and elementary school age children are admitted free.

1950  Wednesday October 4th "100 Years of Progress", "What a picture of agricultural development hangs on memory's wall" - quotes from the 1950 edition of the fair book.

At this time the Moore Agricultural Society applied for Class "B" status. This allowed the Society to apply for Federal Grant money. It took the Society six years to build up an average of $3,000.00 in prize money. To meet this new image the directors began an ambitious plan to construct two horse barns, two cattle barns, a sheep and swine barn, a poultry barn, and Junior Fair and Administration buildings. The buildings have proven to be very valuable as the weather during a typical fair can vary from hot and sunny to cold and snowy.

In 1950 the quonset building was erected for displaying exhibits. At the 1990 fair the quonset building housed "BRAVO CANADA" a hands on learning opportunity for visitors to learn more about some of the major environmental issues facing all Canadians. Now commercial vendors use the facility at fair time to display and sell their products.

1958  February 19th, the female volunteers organized and became a division of the Moore Agricultural Society with their own executive. Since then they have participated in and been instrumental in many events. Amy (Poland) Dawson was responsible for designing the first logo for the Brigden Fair. Their first hospitality kitchen has expanded and now has an extensive menu to attract the tastes of many fair goers. The ladies strive to have a varied list of items for the exhibitors at the fair also.
Following judging all items are attractively displayed and education has been a part of their mandate for many years as they provided demonstrations from cooking to making teddy bears and dolls.

1973  The Moore Agricultural Society applied for Class "A" status which required a minimum of $6,000.00 in prize money. This classification was connected to federal grants known as Hays Classification. By the 1980's no other fairs were allowed in. Also in 1973 the Brigden Fair was expanded to a three day fair.

1987  "Early Morning Down on the Farm" officially became the property of the Moore Agricultural Society.

Nicknamed "THE PLOUGHMAN" he stands on guard at the original main gate of the Brigden Fair.

Also this year the fair advanced into the modern technological era when it purchased it's first computer.
The volunteers no longer just operated the fair as the society now staged a variety of events during the year. This same year the summer events committee planned their first "Tractor Pull" and "Youth Talent Show". Also with the co-operation of the Lambton County Board of Education (now known as the Lambton Kent School Board) and the Brigden Fair a pilot project known as "Agriculture In The Classroom". The program provides hands on activities for students to learn about agriculture and it's importance to us in our daily lives. The program has grown to be the highlight for students on the Friday of the Brigden Fair weekend.

1988  The new main gate off Courtright Line (Highway 80) was erected in recognition of the services of the pioneers who had the forsight to found the Moore Agricultural Society and to the members and volunteers who have perpetuated and promoted agriculture in our area and at the Brigden Fair since 1850.

1989  John Ford Trucking spread the word about the Brigden Fair across Ontario with the Ploughman logo and the Brigden Fair being advertised on the sides of its transport trailers.

1990  For the 140th year of celebration of the Moore Agricultural Society and the Brigden Fair 140 native trees were planted on the Fairground property and a commemorative medallion was designed.

1991  "The Poughman" left his home at the Brigden Fairgrounds and safely travelled to the site of the International Plowing Match which was held just west of Petrolia.

1992  Long range planning was initiated and the development of a written "Mission Statement". A plan to re-organize the office from one large room to a reception area, two offices, storage, and a work area was also put into place and accomplished.

1993  A summer student was hired to assist the "Agriculture In The Classroom" program by producing an agricultural manual. A sidewalk to the Exhibition Hall from the office was built with benches to rest on the way. This was a year for rewards as one of our members received "Volunteer of the Year" recognition which was given out by the Canadian Association of Fairs and Exhibitions for initiating new programs. We also received "Fair of the Year" award at the Conklin's Award Night.

1996  The need for more accurate planning and accountability saw the development of a budget committee. Queenie also became the official office cat. At first she caught mice, then she graduated and started greeting visitors from her position on the front office counter.
The Exhibition Hall was expanded to accommodate larger washrooms, storage tables, chairs, and a bar. Space was also provided for Conklins in the paddock area for their tralers used for living accommodations and this allowed for more space on the midway for rides.

1998  Brigden Fair is presented the "Anna Woodley Award" from Conklins. This award is for the best overall fair package and is an honour to achieve.  Major electrical upgrades were always undertaken around the grounds.

1999 More building improvements this year, with barn roofs being taken care of. 

2000  A celebration kick-off for the first 150 years of the Moore Agricultural Society and the Township of Moore was completed with a spectacular fireworks display.  Construction of ten portable bleachers was completed, in addition to the first stage of land improvements.  To all the members, volunteers, past presidents, and all those associated withe Moore Agricultural Society and the Brigden Fair a hearty "Thank You" from the citizens of our area for the forethought and guidance that has brought the society to this point at this time.

2001 This year saw the second of a major tiling project around the grounds being completed.

2002 This year saw the introduction of major new entertainment features. The Ontario Lottery Corporation stage and entertainment was a huge hit featuring great local talent and country music singer Julian Austin.  The West Coast Lumber Jacks and the Mini Pullers were also big hits.   Renovations were also completed in the Exhibition Hall kitchen, including a convection oven for pies, a new dishwasher and more room for volunteers to work.

2003 After a major fundraising effort, one of the most significant accomplishments of the decade was made when the new washrooms were completed in the end of the Poultry barn.  This allowed modern and clean facilities for exhibitors,vendors, visitors and volunteers at the south end of the grounds.  Major funding was provided by an Ontario Trillium Grant.

2004 Major deferred maintenance was completed this year with improvements being made to the Poultry Barn and the Commercial Building.

2005 As the horse shows continue to expand rapidly, it was time to keep pace and construct a new horse ring in the existing parking lot.  This moved all light horse shows and their accompanying entourages into the field, providing them more room and a safer environment for fair goers walking down the roadways.  A highlight this year was the introduction of a heavy horse pull, featuring teams from all over Ontario.

2006 Some highlights this year included constructing a new exit lane in the parking field and purchasing new chairs in the Exhibition Hall.  The Flying Fools High Dive Show survived chilly weather to entertain crowds of all ages.

2007 Brigden Fair wins the 'Most Improved' award from World's Finest Shows at their annual banquet, held in conjunction with the Ontario Fairs convention.