The Yorkton Exhibition Association
History
With deep roots in the agriculture industry, the Yorkton Exhibition Association was founded in 1883. Its mission was to promote agriculture and business interests, to educate and inform, and to build a sense of community.
The first Fair was held in October 1884. On exhibits consisted of cattle, oxen, hogs, horses and some women’s work. It quickly expanded to include ducks, geese, turkeys, chickens, and sheep, as well as grains, and vegetables. Soon platform attractions and a midway would be added to round out the experience for fairgoers. The 1901 fair included side shows and a merry-go-round; it was the beginning of the kinds of attractions that have become the norm at the Yorkton Fair. The current exhibition grounds, consisting of 65 acres, were acquired in 1912.
The first Grandstand was constructed in 1914. It was rebuilt in 1958 and again in 2022. Horse barns, cattle barns, a racetrack and several other outbuildings have been constructed over the years. The Exhibition Association was a key partner in the city’s construction of the Parkland Agriplex (now known as the Gallagher Centre) in 1976 and again in 2006 for it’s expansion which provides 70,000 square fee of covered show space.
The Exhibition Association has seen national recognition for the quality of its undertakings. Yorkton’s fair was named the “Best Fair in Canada with attendance under 50,000” at the Canadian Association of Exhibitions Convention in 1978. The Association was also presented with the “Industry Achievement Award” for 1988 by the Canadian Association of Exhibitions. In 1996, the annual Summer Fair was voted Regional Fair of the Year from over 800 fairs throughout the country. In 1997, Harvest Showdown was voted one of Canada’s Top 5 Fairs. The Association was also the recipient of the Community Merit Award from the Yorkton Chamber of Commerce in 2006 and again in 2012 and 2022. The Association received Saskatchewan Tourism’s Award of Excellence as Corporate Partner of The Year in 2007. In 2021 the Yorkton Exhibition Association was honoured by the Saskatchewan Association of Fairs & Exhibitions with the Achievement of the Year Award for the construction of the new Legacy Co-op Grandstand.
Today
As in the past, the Yorkton Exhibition is comprised of dozens of dedicated volunteers. Dedicated and professional staff also serve the organization. In addition to its original mission, the Exhibition offers a wide range of unique cultural and entertainment packages to Yorkton and the Parkland area. Working year-round, the volunteers and staff attract, organize, and provide the public with a variety of community events.
The Yorkton Exhibition Association annually hosts six main events throughout the year, namely Yorkton Spring Expo; 4-H Spring Steer & Heifer Show; Progressive Agriculture Farm Safety Day; Thunder in the Parkland Truck & Tractor Pulls; Annual Summer Fair; and Harvest Showdown. The Fair features a light horse show; chuck wagon and chariot races; a midway; a parade; several forms of entertainment; and a trade show. Commercial cattle shows and sales; breeders’ alley; commercial grain, forage and pedigree seed show; and a trade show are all featured at Harvest Showdown. Stage performances and cabarets round out the entertainment offerings at many of the main events.
Over the years, the Association has hosted the RCMP Musical Ride a number of times. The Finals of GX Radio’s Star Search competition were held in conjunction with the Summer Fair for the entire span of the contest. At Summer Fairs from another era, the outdoor rodeo and a display of agricultural equipment were key attractions.
The Association works closely with the City of Yorkton as well as with many non-profit organizations such as: the Yorkton Lion’s Club, Yorkton Terriers, Extravadance, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Yorkton, Yorkton Minor Hockey, the Old Relics, JJ’s Hockey, Springers Gymnastics, Yorkton Lady Gridder Football and Beaverdale Church membership and many more. These partnerships create a real synergy between the Exhibition and the organizations. And of course, with so many events, sponsorship opportunities abound. Sponsors are rewarded by the Exhibition Association with outstanding recognition and appreciation.
Going Forward
The Association continues to work at making improvements to its infrastructure including upgrading electrical boxes, enhancing water lines, laying gravel and pavement and providing outdoor seating and rest areas.
The Yorkton Exhibition Association takes pride in the fact that its events continue to attract people from Saskatchewan and western Manitoba because it offers attractions that are of interest to a wide demographic – young and old; urban and rural; families and friends.
From humble beginnings in 1883, the Yorkton Exhibition Association has grown into an economic driver in the city of Yorkton. The continued commitment by the Board of Directors to the Association’s mission and to the broader community will ensure the Yorkton Exhibition Association remains a strong and vibrant organization that plays a leading role in the growth and development of the city and the agricultural industry.
To learn more about the Yorkton Exhibition Association, free copies of the Exhibition’s History Book are available at the Exhibition Office located on the Main Floor of the Gallagher Centre.