It’s hard to believe this year marks the Lloyd Ex Fair’s 120th birthday. That’s 120 years of unforgettable memories for the Border City.
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Early settlers in Lloydminster wanted the opportunity to show off their achievements in garden vegetables, grain and a few classes of livestock. They also recognized the need to learn and sought information. Many came to Canada from England without any idea how to farm or keep land and the fair offered them a chance to learn and share.
It brought the people together for an exhibition in 1904 and, the following year, the now iconic Lloyd Ex Fair launched. The fair has seen a number of
different names, including Lloydminster Exhibition and Lloydminster Fair, but it always brought the community together.
The desire to succeed and improve continued and the fair became one of the most well-attended events Lloydminster offers.
Of course, it wasn’t without its hiccups, as the new provincial border splintered Lloyd into two, creating two agricultural societies. That was also a positive, Alberta and Saskatchewan were each putting on a fair every year. Eventually the two agriculture associations in Saskatchewan and Alberta united and slowly evolved into the Exhibition Association we know today.
Many articles over the 120 years have been written about the fair. It’s been called the greatest event of the year and often the word “gigantic” was used to describe anything that happened at the fair.
Looking through old photos, it’s clear, it was gigantic. The stands were always packed and photos taken during the event showed droves of people
littering the grounds.
The parade has been a long time staple of the event as well. The picking of the parade marshal was often big news ahead of the event.
This year, residents from all over the region will come to Lloydminster to take in the parade and kick off the fair festivities. Friends and families will make new and lasting memories at the Lloyd Ex Fair, enjoying music, entertainment, food and so much more.
For us here at the Meridian Source, we are also in the parade, marking our own 20th anniversary. We look forward to seeing you out there and happy fair days to one and all.
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