Historical Synopsis
The Moose Jaw Agricultural Society was formed in the summer of 1884. The first fair was held in October of the same year in the Florida McIntosh Hall, where the Temple Gardens Mineral Spa now stands. Exhibits were displayed inside the building with the livestock show in the adjacent parking lot and racetrack running from the CPR station north up Main Street. From 1884 to 1903 the fair was held in numerous places including skating and curling rinks, the Town Hall, and vacant lots.
In 1903, the Moose Jaw Agricultural Society purchased 36 acres from James Ross at the current Town ‘n’ Country Mall location. The Agricultural Society was incorporated in 1903 under the Companies Act of the Territories. By 1916, with the onset of World War I, the Exhibition Company suspended operations. The Agricultural Society was re-established in 1936, under the name "the Moose Jaw Exhibition Company" and began to re-offer its annual fair. The grounds featured barns, an outdoor grandstand, and racetrack. Exhibits were displayed inside the neighbouring armories.
In 1973, the Moose Jaw Exhibition Company relocated to its present location at Golden Mile Park. The Golden Mile Arena and Convention Centre (formerly known as the Heritage Pavilion) were the first building to be built in Golden Mile Park. After the initial construction was complete Barns 5 & 6, two H huts, and the new section of the grandstand from the stock car track were moved to Golden Mile Park from the previous site. As time went by two racetracks, the Jack Duncan Building, and the Golden Nugget Centre (formerly the Golden Nugget Casino) were constructed at the new location.
|
