Capital Fair

We couldn’t help send off August without talking about the Capital Fair!

Every August end, our Ottawa home sees a fair in the city of Gloucester.

Back in 1975, to help promote the growing sense of community pride, the city of Gloucester, created the “Gloucester Festival of Friends.” The summer-time event became a volunteer driven program until they gained Ontario Agricultural status by the Minister of Agriculture on November 27, 1984, creating the Gloucester Fair.

The Fair drew crowds to the original fairgrounds at the Earl Armstrong Arena but that success caused it to eventually outgrow the site. Searching for a larger space, the Fair moved to the Rideau Carleton Entertainment Centre where it has flourished since 1998.

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Did you know that the Gloucester Fair name was replaced with the Capital Fair only in 2014? Name change didn’t change the history of the 1975 4-day fair of a popular midway, extreme motorsport shows, horse shows, free live entertainment, kids area, great fair food vendor and more!

Only thing that was changed was the 4-days turned to 10-days at the end of August, and more attractions than ever.

Have a child with Autism or Special Needs? Every year they hold a private day before the fair opens for Special Needs and Autistic children to enjoy the day totally free. Volunteers help the children on and off rides, and help feed everyone a hot lunch. There is live entertainment and ice cream dessert!

For more information and to get a sneak peek of the Capital Fair returning August 2021, visit www.capitalfair.ca!

via GIPHY