The Society was formed March 6, 1854 at the home of George Munroe of New Glasgow. The purpose of the society was to promote more and better herds of cattle in the township. The President George Henry and Director James McGregor travelled to Niagara County where they purchased five bulls. The township was divided into five sections with a bull located in each section under the care of a director. These bulls were then offered for service to society members at $.50 per cow or $4.00 per cow for non -members. In 1863, the Society purchased $200.00 worth of rams and distributed them throughout the township.

The first exhibition was held October 1855 at Airey’s Ville (New Glasgow). There is no record of exhibits, except the 5 bulls. In 1865, the Society moved to Old Rodney. The grounds around the Stoddard & Stewart Mill were used with the upstairs of the mill used as an exhibit room. Harness races were held on the Furnival Road in front of the hall and continued on the racetrack until 2004. In 1872 the township built a new hall, near the south corner of what is still the fairgrounds and the society moved its meetings and fair to this location.

In 1915 the old agricultural building burned and a new hall was built at a cost of $3500. This hall was also used for skating and hockey and after 1926 there were many gala dances. By 1976, this building was condemned, and replaced by the current community centre.

More land was purchased to greatly expand the fair grounds, and the Women’s Institute donated funding for the grandstand. In 1947 it was moved north and extended by one-third.

In 1948 the fairgrounds was deeded to the town of Rodney, with the condition that the Society have use of the grounds and facilities for the annual fair. By 1949 the work done by the women was recognized and the Women’s Division formed and by 1950, field crop competition had been added.

For many years, the fair was mid week, but by 1985 the Rodney Aldborough Fair moved to the second weekend in September and became a three day fair. The Women’s Division amalgamated in with the Society in the ‘90s along with the Junior Fair and School Fair, which continues as of today. In 2005 the Rodney Aldborough Fair celebrated its Sesquicentennial Anniversary (150 Years).

The Rodney Aldborough Fair is under the auspices of the Ontario Association for Agricultural Societies.