The Essa & District Agricultural Society (EDAS) has been in existence since 1853. Formerly the Barrie & District Agricultural Society, the organization was formed to host the community annual fall fair for the region. The EDAS is a non-profit organization with many benefits to its community. The objectives of the EDAS are to encourage awareness of agriculture and promote improvement in the quality of life in our community, both rural and urban. The EDAS strives to provide a multi-purpose facility to serve the agricultural, trade, recreational, cultural and entertainment needs of Essa township, the city of Barrie, Simcoe county, and central Ontario (North GTA).