Providence Bay Fairgrounds

The Providence Bay Fairgrounds located beside the Providence Bay Arena has been a host to many events including the annual Providence Bay Agriculture Fair, horse pulls, music festivals, Blue Grass in the Country, summer markets, a skating oval and is not uncommon spot to see folks flying a kite, playing soccer, swinging a golf club, having a game of baseball, or tossing a frisbee for the dog.

History of the fairgrounds

In 1884, the people of our community had a great interest to be able to show off their prize fancy work, home baking, workmanship and special livestock they had made or raised throughout the year. Here began the interest and formation of the Providence Bay Agricultural Fair.

The early fairs were a one-day event in October with exhibits brought in the morning, judging conducted and the afternoon available for viewing. In 1922 it is noted that the date of the Fair was discussed at an Island meeting with the other Fairs then in existence (Kagawong, Gore Bay, Manitowaning and Sheguiandah) since they all took place during the same week. In 1968 the fair date was moved to a weekend in the later part of August and the fair changed to a two day event.