Battlefords Agricultural Society Inc.

The Battlefords Agricultural Society Inc., formerly known as the Battlefords Exhibition Association, is a Canadian not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting and improving the community in the Battlefords area.

History

The society was originally formed in 1884 as the Battle River Agricultural Society. Its first agricultural fair was initially planned for 1885 but was postponed due to the Riel Rebellion. The inaugural fair finally took place on October 12, 1887. In 1956, the organization adopted its current name, the Battlefords Agricultural Society. Over the years, notable figures such as Grey Owl (1937) and Prime Minister St. Laurent (1951) have officially opened the fair. The fair was cancelled twice: first in 1885 due to the rebellion and again in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic[2][4].

Activities and Objectives

The Battlefords Agricultural Society focuses on providing facilities and organizing events related to agriculture, education, and leisure activities. The society also rents its facilities for various events like dances, social gatherings, and horse races. Education is a key component of its mission, aiming to inform the public about agricultural practices and their importance[1][3][4].

Community Impact

In recognition of its community contributions, the Battlefords Agricultural Society received a Heritage Award in 2019. This honor acknowledges the society's lasting impact on the local community, especially in promoting agricultural interests and fostering community unity[4].

Facilities

The society is headquartered at the North Battleford Exhibition Grounds, providing a central location for its activities and community events[1][3].

[1] https://www.battlefords.ca/event-space/battlefords-agricultural-society [2] https://agsociety.com/history.html [3] https://agsociety.com/about_us.html [4] https://www.sasktoday.ca/north/local-news/agricultural-society-wins-heritage-award-4138361 [5] https://www.sasktoday.ca/north/in-the-community/the-city-of-north-battleford-its-origins-and-early-history-4042325