Sponsorship Opportunities

History of Richmond Fair

The Richmond Agricultural Society was formed in 1841 as the Carleton County Agricultural Society.  In 1895, the Fair moved its operation from Bell's Corners to "Goodwood Park" in Richmond.  One of the reasons for moving to "Goodwood Park" was the excellent horse racing track owned by Hugh Reilly.  Racing events were extremely popular attractions for many years.  The Society leased the Park, for the duration of the Fair.  In 1927, the Agricultural Society purchased the property, 17.4 acres, for $2500, making it the permanent site of the Fair.  In 1950, the Village of Richmond's Town Hall was purchased and moved on to the site. As the Dining Hall, it has been a social centre for the Agricultural Society and the surrounding community.  That same year a new community centre was dedicated to the fallen soldiers of two world wars.  In 1962, the Society purchased an additional piece of adjoining property, 2.4 acres, from Harold Oscar Brown for $2000.  In 1979, the old Agricultural Display Building was replaced by a new curling rink, which is used for Homecraft and Commercial displays during the Fair.

Since the Agricultural Society's first Fair in 1844, the fall festival has been an opportunity for families to enjoy viewing the best of their neighbour's kitchens, crops, livestock, and machinery.  In the early years Agricultural Societies pooled resources to improve breeds, to purchase specialized machinery, and to provide a place for the sale of products from the kitchens, gardens, dairy and poultry of members.  This cooperative spirit still exists.

The agricultural fair is no longer the main source of information about improved agricultural practices and new technologies.  However, with the development of urban and suburban communities near our villages, the fairs play an important role in exposing the general public to agricultural practices.  As people move away from the farm, the Fair is a way to remind them about where their food comes from.  All this still occurs each year at the Richmond Fair, the third week‑end in September.

How You Can Help

Sponsors and donors of the Richmond Fair can get recognition of their participation in the fair in many ways.  All early sponsorships and donors are listed in the fair program, the Fair Book and in at least two locations on the Fairgrounds during the Fair.  When you support the Richmond Agricultural Society, you are also giving back to the community.

The following are some partnership opportunities offered to our dedicated sponsors:

• Outside concession space
• Outside Stage entertainment
• Children Entertainment Area
• Promote your business by entering a float in the Richmond Fair parade
• Press releases of major sponsors in local newspapers
• Promotion of your company or business on the Society website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.
• Fairground promotion of major sponsors
• Sponsor advertising in fair flyers, posters, etc.
• Sponsorship of livestock show classes with public announcement of your support
• You (or your company name) will be recognized in the fair=s promotional material wherever possible
• Free gate admission passes/arena entertainment passes
• Official tax receipts are issued for all cash donations

You will have the personal satisfaction of knowing that you have made an important and valuable contribution to the quality of life in our community.

If you are interested in becoming a partner of the Richmond Agricultural Society, please contact the Fair Office at 613 838-3420 or email: richmondfair@sympatico.ca today and discover why the Richmond Agricultural Society is the perfect place for partners hips within our community.

More detail on Richmond Fair Partnership Sponsor Opportunities follow and a listing of last year’s partners.