During the 1800s, local agricultural societies were developing in rural communities throughout Canada and so were the annual agricultural fairs, which aimed to promote rural development. Such was the case in Albert County; the early fairs were organized by the agricultural society of each community and devoted to the exhibition of livestock and agricultural products. These annual one-day fairs held in October were exciting social events in the communities of Albert, Harvey, Hopewell Hill, Hillsborough and Coverdale.
Very Successful Fair at Albert “The three days' exhibition of the newly organized Albert Agricultural Society opened Thursday, October 9, at Albert under favorable auspices. The weather was ideal and a fair sized crowd was present. The horses, with the exception of the roadsters, were shown Thursday and the exhibit was an exceedingly fine one and received great praise from the judge, Mr. C. W. Bell, who said that he had not seen the equal of the horse show at any of the fairs in the province, not excepting the provincial exhibition.
The agricultural and dairy products, fruit, and handiwork were on display in Oulton Hall and during the day visitors enjoyed the music furnished by the orchestra composed of J.H. Berrie, coronetist, Albert McLaughlin, violinist and Miss Marie Erb, pianist of Hillsborough. There was also a nice exhibit of sewing and drawing by the scholars of the Riverside Consolidated School.
Among the features on Saturday of the Albert Fair in which most interest was taken were the exhibition of ladies' and gentlemen's driving rigs. These paraded at the Station square and made an attraction that held the attention of a large gathering. A good deal of interest was taken in the hauling competition in which the team owned by Alden Smith of Hopewell Hill took first prize.
The exhibition closed with a largely attended meeting in Oulton Hall on Saturday evening. From seven to eight p.m., a musical programme was given by the orchestra, and musical selections furnished by a large choir. “In W. M. Calhoun, the new society has an excellent president. The other officers of the new society are: V.B. Oliver, secretary; John Lunn, treasurer; H.H. Tingley, auditor and directors, F.O. Barbour, Daniel Tait, Zenas Turner, J.S. Hayward, G.V. Peck, Fred Smith, Archie Oliver, O.A. Calhoun and Reusford Porter.” Oct. 15, 1913
Miss Albert County - Lily MacDonald
ACE 1st Princess - Mya O'Neil-Johnston
ACE 2nd Princess & Miss Congeniality - Hannah Tingley
Thank you to all of our contestants and our sponsors!