The Cumberland County Exhibition has been held annually in Oxford since 1919 — with the exception of 2021’s suspension due to the COVID-19 pandemic — and this year it’s happening in September.
SEE THE FULL SCHEDULE AND ALL DETAILS AT https://cumberlandcountyex.com
For certain generations, the Exhibition holds memories near and dear to our hearts. The annual event, tied closely to rural, agricultural life of the area that for decades has been transitioning to our current economy and society, exists because of the dedicated farming community. Perhaps no better expression of that life is seen in the participation of 4-H Nova Scotia, which dominates the schedule of activities particularly with regard to livestock.
Those of us who were more town-based took pleasure in the midway rides and games of chance on the grounds, trying our luck at winning a stuffed animal by throwing darts or shooting targets, buying cotton candy and other sweet treats, and just wandering around, seeing the sights and meeting friends. It was the social event of the year.
Many opinions have been shared about what some see as the decline of the Exhibition, particularly with regard to the lack of midway rides, which have become too costly for organizers to attract.
Still, the Exhibition endures and features many activities for the enjoyment of residents of our community and the surrounding area. In addition to livestock shows, 4-H competitions and carnival games, the 2026 Exhibition features musical performances, food and other vendors and information booths in the Industrial building. On-site events wrap up with the annual “mud stomp” musical event on Saturday night.
This year the Exhibition parade returns, starting early Saturday afternoon on the South Side of Oxford, travelling along Water St. and looping through the downtown to end on Waverley Street.
Watch a short video of a 1960s Cumberland County Exhibition Parade here!
The Cumberland County Exhibition is a core part of Oxford’s history — a place where Kings and Queens were crowned, crowds were entertained, and memories were made. Be sure to take in this year’s Exhibition and make some of your own!
The Cumberland County Exhibition in days gone by….
(With material from the Oxford Historical Society; Pictorial History of Oxford; Pictorial History of Oxford Book 2; The Oxford Journal archives).
