For over a century, the Olds Agricultural Society (OAS) has been at the heart of town and country life, bringing people together through agriculture, competition, and community spirit.
The story began in 1894, when residents of Olds held their first Bench Show, showcasing grains, vegetables, and handicrafts on the CPR railway station platform—a strategic move that caught the attention of travelers on the new rail line. As the region grew, the OAS merged with the Trotting Horse Association and was officially incorporated in 1899, well before Alberta became a province. Early settlers, eager to shape their new home, found the fair to be both a lively competition and a celebration of progress.
With a growing community came the need for dedicated fairgrounds. Land was purchased north of Olds, where members cleared trees, plowed fields, and used the space for experimental grain plots. By the early 1900s, the fair moved near today’s high school, and in 1917, it found its permanent home at the current fairgrounds. OAS members personally built infrastructure, from fencing and stabling to the grandstand, which stood for nearly 50 years.
Beyond agriculture, OAS played a vital role in town development, donating land for the Olds Sports Complex, Municipal Library, and Evergreen Centre. By the 1980s and ’90s, new stabling, a Livestock Pavilion, and a 2,000-seat covered Grandstand cemented its role as a premier event venue.
As the region evolved, so did the Olds Fair. It gained “A” status in 1984, joining Alberta’s Major Fairs alongside Calgary, Edmonton, and Red Deer. Entertainment kept pace with the times—what began as plowing matches in 1903 expanded to include tractor rodeos, stock car races, and even the Great Canadian Mule Races. In the 1950s, the Mayor of Olds even declared Fair Friday a public holiday!
By the 2000s, OAS had expanded well beyond the fair, now hosting 1,000+ days of activity each year, including livestock shows, 4-H events, horsemanship clinics, concerts, and Farmers Markets. With a mission to balance education and entertainment, OAS remains a cornerstone of agriculture, culture, and industry in the region.
Proud of our past and driven by the passion of our volunteers, we look forward to a bright future—one that honors tradition while embracing new opportunities to bring our community together.
From its first Bench Show in 1894 to becoming one of Alberta’s Major Fairs, the Olds Agricultural Society has grown alongside the community. This timeline showcases key milestones—expanding fairgrounds, building community spaces, and evolving events—all driven by a legacy of tradition, innovation, and volunteer spirit.
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