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About
History of The Cumberland Township Agricultural Society
Back in 1945, when the Cumberland Township had a population of only 4,000 people who were dedicated to the pursuits of agriculture, an idea was hatched. The Township area enjoyed prime agriculture land that was largely based on soils developed on the clay plains. From this Township, would come the food, produce, and crops that were used in the homes, farmsteads, shops, local markets, and restaurants in Ottawa, all the while providing a source of pride and income for many residents.
So why not organize an agricultural fair that displayed these goods and promotes agriculture interests in the Township, as well as offer a focal point for all Township residents and the neighbouring urban areas of the City.
Early in 1945, Mr. George A. McCullough of Navan inquired into an annuity left by the Estate of the late Senator W.C. Edwards. This annuity was left in the interests of agriculture to the six townships in Russell County – Osgoode, Gloucester, Cumberland, Russell, Cambridge, and Clarence.
Under the leadership and guidance of James Cotton, George McCullough, Foster Nelson, and Wesley Savage, an organization meeting was held at Leonard on January 30, 1946. The meeting was chaired by Mr. George McCullough, who had been instrumental in carrying out the initial research. At this meeting, a motion was passed forming the Society to be known as the Cumberland Township Agricultural Society. Subsequently, during a meeting held on April 5, 1946, it was moved that the Society would hold a competition in Navan and that exhibitors for the first year would be restricted to Township residents. A motion was passed establishing the headquarters of the Society at Navan, and the Royal Bank of Canada in Navan was selected to hold the Society’s account.
The first annual Fair was staged on August 31, 1946, under the leadership and guidance of the first slate of elected officers: Samuel W. Rathwell, President / Herve Joly, 1st Vice President / Morton L. Johnston, 2nd Vice President / Foster H. Nelson, Secretary Treasurer.
In addition to the officers, the first Directors were: J. Fortunat Bertrand, Arthur Charbonneau, Nelson Charlebois, Norman Edwards, Oscar LaFrance, George McCullough, Wesley Savage, and Dwight Watson.
A membership drive was launched, resulting in a total membership of 64 who were issued cards entitling free admittance to the Fair. Several committees were formed, and the first rules and regulations were set down. Admission to the first Fair was 35 cents for adults, 25 cents for children, and 25 cents for cars.
Become A Member
Membership sales are available at the Navan Fair office until July 31.
Early bird memberships (General, Senior and Youth) purchased before the last working day in April receive a $5.00 discount.
- Membership General (18-64) – $35.00
- Membership Senior (65+) – $25.00
- Membership Youth (13-17) – $20.00
- The membership also gives you entry into the four-day fair.
- Exhibitor membership – $15
- Senior Exhibitor membership – $10
- Exhibitor membership includes one day admission.
Rules & Regulations
General
- The name of the Society is THE CUMBERLAND TOWNSHIP AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. The objects of the Society, in accordance with the provisions of the Agricultural and Horticultural
Organizations Act, R.S.O. 1990, Chapter A.9 (the “Act”) are “to encourage an awareness of
agriculture and to promote improvements in the quality of life of persons living in an agricultural community …” - The business of the Society is conducted by the Executive and Board of Directors.
- No person shall be entitled to vote or to be elected to office whose membership shall be in
arrears, and no person whose membership is not paid shall compete for prizes at the Navan Fair. - The financial books and records of the Society shall be reviewed prior to the annual meeting; and at the Annual Meeting to be held at a date, time and place as determined by the Board and in
accordance with the CTAS By-law No. 1. The Financial Statements, as required by the Act, shall be presented to the membership for adoption. - The Navan Fair for the present year shall be held on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday,
August 6 to 9, 2026..
Membership, Admissions and Pricing
- The sale of Memberships, other than Exhibitor Memberships, and designated passes in this Society shall cease on July 31st each year.
- General Membership
- Entitles a qualified Member all rights and privileges within the Society, including exhibiting at the Navan Fair.
- Entitles qualified members to participate in all activities of the Society, as shall be defined by the Board of Directors annually.
- Only General members may hold office in the Society.
- Only General Members of the Society are entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting.
- Must have attained the age of eighteen (18) years.
- Is required to compete in adult classes at the Navan Fair.
- Must be a permanent resident within 100km of the Society’s headquarters.
- Must pay annual fees as determined by a formal motion by the Board of Directors.
- A Firm or an Incorporated Company may become a member thereof by the payment of the regular fee, but the name of one person only shall in any one year be entered as the representative or agent of such firm or company, and that person shall exercise the privileges of General Membership in the Society.
- Exhibitor Membership
- Entitles all persons to exhibit in the various classes and competitions in conjunction with the Navan Fair.
- Open to those who do not necessarily declare an intention to pursue the stated purposes of the Society. Exhibitor Members shall not have voting rights or be eligible to serve as Officers of the Society. There will be no residency requirements for Exhibitor Members.
- Payment of annual fees as determined by a formal motion by the Board of Directors.
- A Firm or an Incorporated Company may become a Member thereof by the payment of the regular fee, but the name of one person only shall in any one year be entered as the representative or agent of such Firm or Company, and that person shall exercise the privileges of Exhibitor Membership in the Society.
- Life Membership – Will be appointed by the Board or nominated at the Annual meeting. Life Members will enjoy all General Membership privileges at no cost. Past Presidents automatically qualify as life members.
- Senior Membership – Entitles Members sixty-five years plus (65 +) to all the rights and privileges of a General Membership within the Society at a discounted price as determined by a formal motion by the Board.
- Youth Membership
- Entitles people between 13-17 years of age to exhibit in the various classes and competitions in conjunction with the Navan Fair.
- Must pay annual fees determined by a formal motion by the Board of Directors.
- General Membership
- Passes
- Fees for the 1-Day and 4-Day passes must be determined by a formal motion by the Board of Directors.
- Sales of 4-Day and Designated Passes will not exceed 1000 combined sales.
- Membership and Admission Fees (includes HST)
- General Membership (4-day pass) $35.00 on sale until July 31st ($30.00 until last working day of April)
- Senior General Membership (4-day pass) $25.00 on sale until July 31st ($20.00 until last working day of April)
- Youth Membership (13-17) (4-day pass) $20.00 on sale until July 31st ($15.00 until last working day of April)
- Exhibitor Membership (1-day pass) $15.00
- Senior Exhibitor Membership (1-day pass) $10.00
Admission Passes
4-Day Adult Pass – $40.00
4-Day Senior Pass – $30.00
1-Day Adult Pass – $17.00
1-Day Senior Pass – $12.00
4-Day Children (6-12) Pass – $10.00
1-Day Children (6-12) Pass – $5.00
Children Under 6 Free
Discounted admission passes can be purchased online and through the fair office until July 15, and at regular price until August 6, 9pm.
- The Society accepts no responsibility whatsoever, expressed, or implied, for accident, damage, injury or loss to any persons, animals, vehicles, or goods on any grounds or in any building owned by or under its jurisdiction.
- Any protest must be submitted in writing, stating specifically the reason for the protest within 48 hours after the last date of the Fair, along with fee of $50.00 cash. At a subsequent meeting of the Board of Directors, submissions of protest will be investigated. The CTAS Board of Directors reserves the right to refund the protest fee to a successful complainant upon a vote held by the Board of Directors.
- Membership in the Society is not transferable. Termination of Membership and the process for Member Discipline, Suspension or Termination are outlined in the CTAS By-law No. 1.
CTAS Constitution & By-laws
CTAS or Exhibitor membership is required to exhibit in most Fair divisions.
Board of Directors
Cumberland Township Agricultural Society
2026 President’s Message
Emily Keenan
On behalf of the Cumberland Township Agricultural Society, it is my great honour and privilege to welcome you to the 79th annual Navan Fair.
Now in my second year as president, I have an even deeper appreciation for the dedication, teamwork, and care that go into making the Fair what it is today.
Looking back on last year, from the excitement of opening day to the challenges of keeping cool in the blistering heat, I was reminded time and time again of the strong spirit within our community. Long before the gates open, countless hours are spent planning and preparing so we can offer the best possible experience to our fairgoers.
Our incredible volunteers are the heart of this event. Their unwavering commitment, passion, and pride bring every part of the Fair to life. From exhibits and friendly competitions to entertainment and keeping our grounds clean, their collective efforts to ensure the Fair remains a highlight of the summer and a true community labour of love.
We are also deeply grateful for the continued support of our sponsors, donors, and partners. Your generosity allows us to grow, improve, and sustain the Fair for future generations. Your commitment is truly appreciated and never taken for granted.
My time in this role has been an incredibly rewarding and meaningful experience. Working alongside our directors, volunteers, staff, sponsors, donors, and partners has been an honour, and I am proud of all we have accomplished together. It takes many hands to carry on a tradition like this, and I am truly grateful to have served with such a caring and committed community. Your trust and support mean so much. I hope you have the opportunity to enjoy everything this year’s Navan Fair has to offer, and experience firsthand what makes this weekend so special.
2025 Ambassador
Lysha Bast
During the 78th Navan Fair Opening Ceremony held on August 7, our 2024 Ambassador Brooke Graham, President Emily Keenan and Ambassador Coordinator Cheyanne Ash had the privilege of crowning our 2025 Navan Fair Ambassador, Lysha Bast.
This past year, I have had the honour of carrying on the tradition of Navan Fair’s ambassador program. Since moving to the area at the age of 7, fair season has always been my favourite. Growing up working on my family’s farm, the fair was always an opportunity to celebrate and promote rural traditions, keeping local agriculture thriving in our community. It is one of the things that inspired me to apply for the 2025 Navan Ambassador position.
The 2025 Navan Fair proved to be a beautiful weekend, where I had the honour of attending as many different events as possible, handing out ribbons and trophies at shows, exploring the education barn, watching awesome live music, and of course, celebrating the 30th Anniversary of Navan’s 50-horse hitch.
I was also fortunate to be invited to numerous community events and other fair openings, where I met with other District 1 members and ambassadors. I also had an incredible experience representing the CTAS and District 1 this year at the OAAS Convention in Richmond Hill, alongside several Board of Directors members. At the Convention, I attended numerous leadership seminars and round-table discussions with over 75 other ambassadors from all across Ontario. In fact, this past Convention saw a record-breaking number of new ambassadors, each one looking to make a difference in their community, a true testament to how important an Ambassador Program is!
I want to say a special thank you to all of the CTAS Board of Directors, the lovely office staff, our ever-so-hard-working volunteers, and President Emily Keenan for all they have done for the fair. I also want to thank the ambassador director, Cheyanne Ash, for her continued support and advancement of the program.
I look forward to continuing to be a part of the fair once my term is complete, and I encourage anyone and everyone passionate about representing our rural community as an Ambassador in 2026 to apply by finding details on the fair website (deadline is July 10th!). Here’s to another successful fair season and celebration of our community. I cannot wait to see you all there!
Denotes Deceased *
Note: In 2020 and 2021, the traditional August Fair was cancelled due to the global pandemic