The History of Exhibition SCAR09 Traditional Cache

Throughout Saskatoon's history a summer exhibition has been much anticipated every year. The first agricultural exhibition hosted by the Central Saskatchewan Agricultural Society took place in 1886 in the Louise Grounds and was only a one day event. It was located between Broadway Ave and Victoria Ave and from 11th St to the riverbank (there is a historical marker dedicated to the Louise Grounds at the northwest corner of 11th St and Eastlake Ave). By 1890 the exhibition lasted two days.

In 1897 the exhibition was moved to the west side of the river and was located in City Park (now known as Kinsmen Park). At the time this would have been on the north edge of the village of Saskatoon. The growing town of Saskatoon purchased this land from the Temperance Colony Society in 1903. It became the location of the agricultural exhibition and a park. Over time the park was developed, including a large grandstand and horse racing track, a manufacturer's building, and a ball park. (I've spent way too much time contemplating the location of a racetrack in Kinsmen Park!) In 1906 over 5,000 people came together in City Park to celebrate Dominion Day (now known as Canada Day) and the incorporation of Saskatoon as a city when Saskatoon, Nutana, and Riversdale joined together as one. The next summer over 10,000 visitors attended on August 7th, the evening when Saskatoon's first electric lights were illuminated.

Grandstand at the 1908 exhibition

In 1909 the exhibition was moved to its current location, then south of the city. The city purchased eighty acres of land. By 1913 a racetrack and some permanent buildings had been erected. Below are some pictures showing progress over the years.

1909, a grandstand and a bunch of tents

1912, possibly looking east towards railroad tracks

1913 picture - busy place! Grandstand is larger and more ornate

1940 midway, probably taken viewing west from the grandstand