Oliver Agricultural Society
January 9, 1890
The first meeting of the Oliver Agricultural Society (OAS) was held on January 9, 1890, with R. McKenzie elected as president. The Society started with only $73 in membership money, no land, and no buildings.
1891
The OAS raised an additional $52 in membership fees and received a $140 grant. The first fair was held in October. The Society also approached the council of Oliver and secured a rental agreement for $50.
1892
The OAS purchased its first piece of land. A municipal grant of $100 helped expand the fair and introduce prizes.
1905
Women were invited to help prepare the prize list for the first time. The Society purchased new land and sold the old lot. A fundraising effort began for a race track, and W.D. Dalton presented a cup to the race winner.
1909
Plans were drawn up for a grandstand to be built the following year.
1911
A cow shed was built, and the fair received 91 entries that year.
1915
The Women’s Institute threatened to withdraw support if horse racing continued. The Trotting Association offered a $300 loan to keep the races, but it was refused. The racetrack was later improved to allow for car racing as well.
1920
Women were elected to the board for the first time. Membership grew to 109, and finances improved with a balance of $988. A special train brought visitors from the city to attend the fair.
1922
The OAS and the municipal council worked together to drill a well, improving fairground facilities.
1924
Prime Minister W.L.M. King attended the fair.
1952-1953
The OAS joined with the Recreation Association to create a community center. In February 1953, a piece of property was deeded to the municipality for $1. The current Oliver Community Complex sits on the original fairgrounds from 1891.
1984
The Lil’ Everett Exhibit Hall (aka the Blue Building) was constructed on OAS property.
1992-1996
A light horse barn was built in 1992. Between 1995 and 1996, the cattle barn, poultry/rabbit barn, and heavy horse barn were added.
1997-1998
The township condemned the original grandstands. Volunteers helped install new grandstands in their place. A new ring and grandstands were added in 1998 to host rodeos, which ran in 1999, 2000, and resumed in 2012.
2006
A new stage was built to host performances and events.
2010-2012
A second horse arena was built in 2010, and the main arena was expanded in 2012.
2016
The main arena was expanded again. The smaller horse arena was dismantled to allow space for music festivals and additional parking.
2021-2022
A new kitchen and office were constructed at the southern end of the Blue Building.