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The Essa & District Agricultural Society (EDAS) is a non-profit/charitable organization, previously recognized as the Barrie Agricultural Society. The EDAS is rooted in upholding the traditions of the annual Barrie Fair, held on the fourth weekend in August. Our core mission revolves around creating initiatives that stimulate growth and awareness in the agricultural and agribusiness sectors, while also crafting strategies that educate and engage with non-agricultural communities.
The Essa & District Agricultural Society (EDAS) is a non-profit/charitable organization, previously recognized as the Barrie Agricultural Society. The EDAS is rooted in upholding the traditions of the annual Barrie Fair, held on the fourth weekend in August. Our core mission revolves around creating initiatives that stimulate growth and awareness in the agricultural and agribusiness sectors, while also crafting strategies that educate and engage with non-agricultural communities.
Our Mission
Our Mission
The Essa & District Agricultural Society strives to educate, promote and display agriculture to the residents of Essa Township, surrounding municipalities and central Ontario.
The Essa & District Agricultural Society strives to educate, promote and display agriculture to the residents of Essa Township, surrounding municipalities and central Ontario.
Our Vision
Our Vision
Building awareness of agriculture and promoting direct improvement in the quality of life for those living in our local community. Through the creation of the Essa Agriplex, the EDAS offers a multi-purpose facility to serve the needs of Essa Township, the city of Barrie, Simcoe County, and central Ontario.
Building awareness of agriculture and promoting direct improvement in the quality of life for those living in our local community. Through the creation of the Essa Agriplex, the EDAS offers a multi-purpose facility to serve the needs of Essa Township, the city of Barrie, Simcoe County, and central Ontario.
Our Board of Directors
Our Board of Directors
Lisa Peterson
(705)241-7772
president@essaagriplex.ca
President
Peter Armstrong
1st Vice President
Charles Rivett
2nd Vice President
Jason Dronzek
Secretary
Steve St. Onge
Director
Christine Reupke
Director
Chester Tupling
Director
Our Staff
Our Staff
Abigail Leitch
Community & Sponsorship Coordinator
Administrative Assistant
Maintenance Supervisor
Darryl Diachon
Maintenance Crew
Vern Lange
Devon Parazader
Our History
Our History
Established in 1853, the Essa and District Agricultural Society was originally known as the “Barrie and District Agricultural Society.” What was once a one day gathering, is now one of the largest summer agricultural fairs in central Ontario, extending over a five day period (typically the fourth weekend in August).
Established in 1853, the Essa and District Agricultural Society was originally known as the “Barrie and District Agricultural Society.” What was once a one day gathering, is now one of the largest summer agricultural fairs in central Ontario, extending over a five day period (typically the fourth weekend in August).
In the beginning, country farmers proudly displayed their crops and livestock, while others exhibited their preserves, baked goods and sewing. These gatherings served as a wonderful opportunity for people to unite, share knowledge and traditions, and rekindle old friendships. While the essence of the fair remains unchanged, today’s Barrie Fair has grown into a much larger and longer affair, drawing exhibitors from all over Canada and the United States to participate. The fair of modern times has developed with cultural diversity in mind, increased live entertainment, and a strong focus on agricultural education for those Canadians without knowledge or exposure to farm life.
In the beginning, country farmers proudly displayed their crops and livestock, while others exhibited their preserves, baked goods and sewing. These gatherings served as a wonderful opportunity for people to unite, share knowledge and traditions, and rekindle old friendships. While the essence of the fair remains unchanged, today’s Barrie Fair has grown into a much larger and longer affair, drawing exhibitors from all over Canada and the United States to participate. The fair of modern times has developed with cultural diversity in mind, increased live entertainment, and a strong focus on agricultural education for those Canadians without knowledge or exposure to farm life.
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