Sprucing up the Parham Fairgrounds for the 133rd annual fair

Jeff Green | Jul 19, 2023

The Parham Fair buildings need more than sprucing up – and volunteers have stepped in.

When an Agricultural Fair reaches its 130s, the grounds need some attention from time to time. The Parham Fair, which is overseen by the not-for-profit Parham Agricultural Society and takes place on land owned by Central Frontenac Township, has faced infrastructure challenges in recent years.

“Coming out of COVID, in the post-midway era, it was important for us to bring in some good crowds last year,” said fair president Haley Rose, “and we did, over 5,000 people attended the Fair. Now, we are dealing with the grounds as well, but luckily people have been stepping up.”

This month, the Anglican Church Building, which was originally built by parishioners at the St. James Anglican Church, which burned down in the Parham fire in June of 2021, has been completely rebuilt and is being renamed after one of the fair's greatest supporters and longtime MCs, the late Melville (Mel) Good.

‘Good's Ice Cream and Treats', entirely staffed by young volunteers, will be a stand out at this year's fair, not only because it is pretty much a new building, but because of the colour, which Ag Society members are keeping a secret.

The Palace building is another one that needs shoring up. It has brand new doors this year, courtesy of Don Garrett, which is a big help, but it will need attention in the coming year or two. More on that later.

The Critter Barn has also been im- proved, with all new railings, and the grandstands had quite a bit of work done on them last year.

“Most of the work this year was started by someone with a plan, and the volunteers who always step up to help out, answered the call on work days. That's how the fair has always operated,” said Rose.

The next month will be all about promoting the fair for 2023, which will feature live music, a demolition derby, mechanical bull, and local beer, in addition to all of the regular fair events that have made going to the fair a local tradition since the 1890s.

“Going forward, the Palace will need a new roof and more structural work, and the Parham Ag Society will be seeking township support with funding, or perhaps grant writing, later this fall.

But for now, it is all systems go, for the evening of Friday, August 18th, and the full fair day on Saturday, August 19. The Fair Book is available for download at ParhamFair.ca, and the call is going out for volunteers, which are needed during the week before the fair and at the fair as well.

“Anyone who has any time available, will find their support is very much appreciated,” said Rose, “send us an email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you are interested.”