About

Oliver Agricultural Society

Vision: The Vision of the Oliver Agricultural Society is to promote agriculture as environmentally appropriate, socially beneficial and economically viable, in rural Northwestern Ontario.

Mission: The Oliver Agricultural Society is firmly committed to protecting the viability of the agricultural industry and promoting the country lifestyle and traditions. We strive toward fostering an appreciation of sustainable livestock and crop farming through educating and entertaining both the rural and urban community in the Thunder Bay District.

President: Lindsey Kosolowski

First Vice: Shane Maxwell

Second Vice: Geoff Heggie

Secretary: Lesley Forgues

Treasurer: Adrienne Davis

Directors 2024

The first meeting of the OAS was held on January 9, 1890 with R. McKenzie elected as president. The Society only had $73.00 in membership money and no land or buildings. They were not able to hold a fair until October of 1891 after receiving another $52 in membership money and a grant of $140. The board approached the council of Oliver and requested that the OAS would pay a rental fee of $50. At this time, the OAS purchased their first piece of land. The following year they received a grant of $100 from the municipal council and enlarged the fair as well as offered prizes.

In 1905, the first ladies were asked to participate in preparing the prize list. In 1905, a new piece of land was purchased and the old lot sold. The committee then began canvassing for money to build a race track. W.D. Dalton present a cup to the winner of the race.

In 1909 plans for the grandstand were drawn up to be built the following year.  The cow shed was built in 1911 and the year’s entries totaled 91.

In 1915, the Women’s Institute threatened to pull their support if horse racing continued.  The Trotting Association offered a loan of $300 if the society would have the races.  The loan was refused, the women were placated, and the races went on.  The racetrack was conditioned so that car racing could take place also. 

In 1920, the first women directors were elected.  Money was spent on improvements.  By the end of the year, there were 109 paid memberships and a balance of $988.  A special train carried visitors from the city to the fair to watch the races.  In 1922, the OAS and the council drilled a well and the fair progressed from there.  In 1924, Premier Hon. W.L.M. King attended our fair. 

In November of 1952, the OAS decided to join with the Recreation Association to form a community center.  In order for it to come under the act, the OAS had to deed a piece of property over to the municipality.  This was accomplished in February of 1953 for a price of $1.00. The new Oliver Community Complex is situated on the same location where the original building was constructed 1891.   

In 1984, the Lil’ Everett Exhibit Hall (The Blue Building) was constructed on the OAS property. In 1992 a light horse barn was built and 1995-96 the cattle barn and poultry/rabbit barn along with a heavy horse barn were put in place. In 1997 the grandstands were condemned by the township, and we had to purchase a grandstand, and with great helping hands of many volunteers and long hours, our new stands were placed where the old stand once was. In 1998 we installed a new ring and brand new grandstands to host rodeos which were held in 1999 and 2000 and again starting in 2012. A new Entertainment Stage was built in 2006. 

In 2010, a second horse arena was constructed and in 2012, the main arena was expanded.  In 2016, the main arena was once again expanded, and the smaller horse arena was dismantled for new site plans to include music festivals and more parking. In 2021-2022 a new kitchen and office was constructed at the southern end of Lil’ Everett Hall.

The following is a list of Presidents, Secretaries and Treasures who have held office over the past years.