Sept 16 – Book Launch: The History of the Glencoe Fair, 1848–2026

The Glencoe & District Historical Society, in partnership with the Glencoe Agricultural Society, invites the community to celebrate the launch of The History of the Glencoe Fair, 1848–2026, prepared for the Fair’s 150th anniversary and written by historian Harold Carruthers.

This first edition traces a century and a half of rural agricultural fairs in southwest Middlesex.    The book tells about the volunteers  and sponsors who have kept the Fair thriving, and the community that has gathered around it year after year. All past Fair ambassadors, presidents, and volunteers are especially invited to attend and be part of the evening.

Copies of the book will be available for purchase at the launch for $15, or can be ordered through Amazon: https://www.amazon.ca/-/fr/Harold-Carruthers/dp/B0H8TF1JG8

Celebrating together: the Cow Palace dances

The evening will also celebrate Jamie Pole, the entrepreneur and organizer behind the Cow Palace teen dances. From 1961 to 1973, the Glencoe Agricultural Society hosted a dance for teenagers every Saturday night. 

The Fair Board worked closely with Jamie — then a high school student, later a successful businessman — who booked more than 150 different bands over the course of those years. The dances became an important source of revenue for the Glencoe Agricultural Society, and a fixture of teenage life across the region.

Join us September 16th to mark this milestone, meet the author, and share your own Fair memories.