Tillsonburg Fair 2016

The Department of Agriculture recognized the Dereham fair in 1854 with 70 members. In 1863 George Tillson gave the Tillsonburg and Dereham Fair 4 acres of land around Ridout St. North of Ridout and West of Bidwell. In 1864 a two story building was built on Ridout St where the chiropractors office is. In 1875 the fair was moved to its present site on 12 acres, with a two story Crystal Palace, with three wings which are still being used today. Mr. Climie, who owned a grocery store on Broadway in 1928, was also chairman of the Parks Commission in 1944. At that time, the park was being named Tillsonburg Memorial Park. Previously it had been known as Lake Lisgar Park, Tillsonburg Park, Tillsonburg Fairground Park, and the Dixie Tribe Memorial Park and VanNorman Park. There is a plaque that was presented in honour of J. M. Climie by the Ontario Department of Agriculture in recognition of one hundred years of service this 29th day of August, 1961. Location: 46 Sanders St. (at the park entrance)