The Capital Fair,

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About The Capital Fair
(formerly the Gloucester Fair)
 
On Monday, April 14th, 2014 The Capital Fair replaced the Gloucester Fair in both name and dates. The Fair had existed since 1974 and featured a lage Midway, a Monster Truck show, horse shows, free Grandstand entertainment, a kids area, food vendors and diversions of every type.
 
The Fair became an Agricultural Society under then Minister of Agriculture, Dennis Timbrell on November 27, 1984.

Moving to a 10 day event in August of 2014, the Fair retained the Western Horse Barrel Race competitions, a Gymkhana Western Horse show,  the Kids Zone featuring a Petting Zoo, Pony Rides, Birds of Prey show, the Community Stage, the Travelin' Farmer and our resident clown, Doo Doo and his Dance Party.
 
At the OLG Center Stage we have 10 days of free LIVE entertainment. 
 
The World's Finest Midway features the Cannonball, Bumper Cars, the Fireball and much more, all for the low price of $38*.
* We have an advanced special prior to Opening Day for only $19.99.
 
For a fabulous 10 days in August, there's a lot to see and do at the Capital Fair.  
 
What makes the Capital Fair “SPECIAL”?

The Fair has been privileged to host 1,500 physically and mentally delayed children for a private party the day before the Fair opens to the general public. It is proud to have attracted such dedicated sponsors as Hydro Ottawa, World's Finest Midway and the Kiwanis Clubs of the Ottawa region. Hydro Ottawa provides volunteers for the event to help the children on and off the rides and feed everyone a hot lunch. DooDoo the Clown provides great entertainment and Kiwanis generously provides ice cream for dessert.  We have been told repeatedly that this totally sponsored event is the best day of the year for most of these children and we’re proud to make it so.
 
History:
In 1975 the City of Gloucester, to help promote the growing sense of community pride, created a fun and entertaining summer celebration known as the "Gloucester Festival of Friends".   The event became so popular that it quickly was converted into a volunteer driven program.  To be more inclusive and reflect the City’s rural side, the event began introducing agricultural elements.  It applied for, and in 1984 was granted Ontario Agricultural status, creating the Gloucester Fair. The Fair achieved tremendous success at the original fairgrounds around Earl Armstrong Arena and eventually outgrew the site.

Fortunately for the Fair, it was invited to the Rideau Carleton Entertainment Centre where it has flourished since 1998.