In 1915 an agricultural society was formed in Oyen and proceeded to organize two fairs that year. On February 19 the first Oyen seed fair was held. The first summer fair was held on August 11, featuring harness racing as the great attraction. Both were held on open ground.
By 1917, the Fairs Association was formed and shares were sold at $25 each to purchase the fair ground from Swanson & Lees who had bought the land from Andrew. A barn and exhibition building were built. The curling club members agreed to buy half the shares and the exhibition building was used as a curling rink in the winter.
The first poultry show in Oyen was held in 1920, along with the seed fair at the Masonic Hall. Three thousand dollars in prizes was offered at the 1920 summer fair.
A stampede was included with the fair for the first time in 1928. Each year the Village of Oyen made a grant to the fair, usually $200. The village ceased donations during the thirties as it was unable to spare the money.
In 1933 the agricultural fair which had continued on uninterupted, was discontinued when the government grant to all fairs below A and B class was cut. During the 1940's both buildings were used for wheat storage for several years.
After some time the agriculture society property was sold. Most shareholders turned the money realized (about $16 a share) over to the Memorial Arena. The land continued to be distributed, part of it sold to the Catholic Church for the Assumption School and in 1967 the town bought eight acres and subdivided it for new housing. The exhibition building continued to be used as a curling rink but was eventually torn down to make way for a new rink.
The fair began again in 1970 at the suggestion of C. Bedwell, and Oyen merchant. It was taken up by Carol Schaefer, who promoted it at the Chamber of Commerce. They agreed to assist with the expenses if it proved necessary. The Big Country Agricultural Society received its charter in 1971.
The first livestock show to be held in Oyen since the 1930s was at the 1978 fair. Jack Butler of Youngstown was the judge. Charolais and Hereford cattle were shown and by 1980 there were also Simmental and Angus.
In 1979, there was a new prize at the fair, a plaque for the family having the highest total points. The plaque was presented by Carol Schaefer, founding president of the Big Country Agricultural Society. Carol continues to give this and the runner-up award annually.
In 1980, the Big Country Ag Society built pens, shelter, and outside judging ring and fence, which were the beginnings of an agricultural grounds. They were able to do this through funds built up through the years and the 75th anniversary grant. The grounds have been used extensively over the years with decreasing activity since the building of the Crossroads Centre to the south-west. They have however, become the home of the Bull-A-Rama, now preparing for the fourth annual show.
The fair has continued on since 1970, only missing one year in 1993 when the Oyen Arena burned. Themes of the fair have been varied and diverse incorporating such subjects as community, agriculture, the Province of Alberta, 4-H, and people. The fair has grown along with the Big Country Ag Society, reflecting yearly trends, celebrations, and themes that are local, provincial, national, and international.
The bench shows at the 36th Big Country Fair included grains and grasses, fruit, flowers and vegetables, needlework, handicraft, arts, hobbies, photography, cooking and baking, as well as a special school selection, a pet show, bingo, suppers, and a variety of special events such as a parade, sand sculpture competition, Farmers Market, dance contest, gymkhanas, gospel music, music jam and pub night, pedal tractor pull, free breakfast, talent show, show and shine, and a special dig with Dr. bones from the Alberta Royal Museum.
On October 15, 2002, the Honourable Shirley McClellan officially turned the sod at the site of the Big Country Agricultural Society's Crossroads Centre. The first event held in the multi-purpose building was the East Central Hereford Club's annual Hereford Bull Show and Sale on March 13, 2003, drawing a large number of out-of-town visitors.
Between 1993 and 2006, the Big Country Agricultural Society contributed more than $270,000 to the community. With the addition of the Crossroads Centre the total now exceeds $750,000. We are proud to be a part of this wonderful area in the middle of everywhere!