Our mission is to promote the importance of agriculture, horticulture and local artisans by celebrating our history and encouraging the technological advancement of agriculture for future generations by bringing together exhibitors, families and people of all ages from agricultural, rural and urban communities.
Our vision:
- Grow the impact and public awareness of the importance of the Stanstead County Agricultural Society in our local communities and the future of agriculture and horticulture.
- Develop the next generation of farms and volunteers in partnership with 4H/AJRQ and other agricultural organizations.
- Ensure the viability and safety of the Society, in perpetuity.
- Attract new exhibitors and visitors to the Eastern Townships and our village with fun programming, friendly judging competitions and entertainment.
- Promote local artisans, artists and heritage performers.
HISTORY
Ayer’s Cliff Fair is the common name for the Annual Exhibition of the Stanstead County Agricultural Society, one of the oldest fairs in Quebec; running uninterrupted for 175 years until the Covid pandemic in 2020. The Fair attracts about 25,000 visitors each year and offers a wide range of activities: livestock and crop competitions, horse shows, local artisans and handicrafts, children and youth programs plus an assortment of entertainments (midway rides, horse races, truck pulls, music shows and cultural demonstrations).
Community, tradition, culture, and volunteerism have a long history at the fair. The first meeting of the Stanstead County Agricultural Society took place in 1845 and its main purpose was for farmers in the region to get together and exchange ideas on farming. Residents of the county would enter their farm animals and crops for competition. Meanwhile, the ladies would exhibit their cooking and hand-crafted work. From 1845 to 1872, the exhibitions were held at various locations in the county, but in 1872, Ayer’s Cliff, Quebec became its permanent home. The fair expanded over the years and the first three-day fair was held in 1913. At that time horse races were one of the top attractions. Today the Ayer’s Cliff Fair has maintained the original events but has added many more attractions. The contribution of local leaders and an abundance of wonderful volunteers has ensured the long-term success of the Fair. Families from far and wide come together to enjoy the excitement and camaraderie of this annual exhibition.
GOVERNANCE
Exposition Ayer’s Cliff Fair is a not-for-profit community organization managed by a volunteer Board of Directors. In addition to the President, Vice-President and 2nd Vice-President, there are 20 directors and a Secretary-Treasurer with all positions nominated and confirmed at the annual general meeting. Directors and many volunteers from across the region participate throughout the year in the 50 committees and working groups of the fair.
Would you like to join our extraordinary team of Fair volunteers?
President
Guy Patry
Vice-Presidents
Ghislaine Leblond & Tricia McDaid
Secretary-Treasurer
Jennifer Bowen
Directors
Kyna Beekers
Andrew Bowen
Christina Bowen
Steve Brus
Alan Capes
Brian Conner
Brian Curtis
Raymond Favreau
Meghann Hatch
Katrine Lafaille
Ghislaine Leblond
Angus MacKinnon
Jen MacKinnon
Elizabeth MacKinnon
Tricia McDaid
Peter McHarg
Jason Morse
Guy Patry
Lyle Roarke
Gail Walker
Ladies President
Jen MacKinnon
Horticulture President
Gail Walker