Kent Agricultural and Horticultural Association was incorporated on November 16, 1899. The name was later officially changed on August 20, 1914, to Agassiz Agricultural and Horticultural Association.

The first annual fair was held in 1901.  Since then, only four fairs have been cancelled (because of World War II and the 1948 Flood). The first two fairs were held at the Good Templars’ Hall.  James Morrow, reeve at the time and one of the original directors, was a strong supporter of the Agricultural Association. This support has continued with succeeding district councils.

The Morrow horses were the only ones shown at the first fair. At that time, the horse-judging ring was on Pioneer Street.  Then, for a few years, the fair was held west of the Dominion Experimental Farm now called the Pacific Agricultural Research Centre.  The centre offers many interesting and informative  facilities by the Federal Government.  A racecourse was constructed and buildings and barns were built at that site.

In 1912, seven acres of land were purchased at a cost of $3,500. This is part of the present fairgrounds.  Council minutes of November 7, 1913, record a resolution giving the association the right to enter upon and make use of the grounds free of charge.

In 1949, the Corn Festival was initiated when the Agassiz-Harrison Board of Trade decided a festival based on the area’s chief crop would be a good way to popularize local industries. Originally, sweet corn was the focus; then a change was made to forage corn, which reflected the increased importance of dairy farming in the area.

The Agassiz Agricultural and Horticultural Association manages and maintains two buildings used for a wide variety of community events.  Hall rentals are available for the Agricultural Hall and Pavilion.  Both of these venues are rented in whole or in part for all  types of community and private events.

The Agricultural Hall has an auditorium, lobby, large commercial kitchen, and smaller rooms for meetings, seminars, weddings, dances and other functions.  The Pavilion, also with a kitchen, is an alternative venue to the Agricultural Hall.

Agassiz Agricultural and Horticultural Association

6800 Pioneer Ave.

Agassiz, BC

P.O. Box 451

V0M 1A0

Agassiz, BC

Phone:  604-796-3246