The fair dates for this year are August 10th, 11th & 12th, 2012 ~ check back for details!
MELBOURNE PARK BOARD 1910
Approximately 10 acres of land purchased form Malcolm McNeil of Caradoc Township, by the Melbourne park board was left under the management and control of three trustees; James Shower, a merchant, Joseph Wellman, a carpenter, and Alexander P. McDougald. All three trustees were from the village of Melbourne and George Sponenburgh who was the undertaker in town at the time witnessed the deed.
The cost of the land was $705.00.
It was agreed that the park board trustees and managers be composed of representatives from Caradoc, Ekfrid and the village of Melbourne. Previous to 1910, when Melbourne Fair was in it’s planning stages, it was projected that this park ground would provide the location for the Melbourne Fair and also for year round recreation under the scrutiny of the park board. Because of the huge success of the fairs, the Agricultural Society had a commanding influence and when they purchased more land the Park was soon referred to as the “Fairgrounds.” Many of the Park Board members and Fair Board Members were one and the same people.
