... one of the best Township fairs we know of... The live stock exhibit this year was good, and comprised many of the prize animals at the Industrial and Provincial Exhibitions... About 1,000 entries were made, and there were, we should judge, 1,500 to 2,000 people on the grounds.

The continued success of Scarborough Fair toward the end of the 19th century may, at least, be partly attributed to the energy of Alexander McCowan (1853-1939):

We the President and members of the Scarboro Agricultural Society, cannot let this opportunity pass, without expressing our appreciation of the able manner in which you have conducted the affairs of the Society. During the time you have held the position of Secretary, we have noticed with great pleasure your efforts to please and give satisfaction, to all who have come in contact with you. We would ask you to accept this token of our appreciation and to bid you and your wife a prosperous journey through this life, and may it be crowned with happyness and prosperity.

Alex balanced his hectic farming activities with the business of the Agricultural Society. On August 1, 1892, Alex "finished making out prize list for Fair in forenoon". On September 26 he was "making entries till 12 o'clock. Got them all done that was in". On the 28th "a lot more entries came in. Got through about 11:00". September 29, the day of the Fair, was a "fine morning" and the very busy fellow "started for Fair, but had to turn back for tickets. Had a very good Fair on the whole. $270 gate receipts and stand." Two days later Alex "made out prize list for Pickering News. Got $1 for doing it".

Many of the Scots in Scarborough earned reputations for their farming skills and successes at fairs. Their enterprise, competitive spirit and dedication to public service were passed onto their family. Alex McCowan, Conservative MPP for East York riding, 1905-1913, and Sheriff of York County, 1913-1934, received his agricultural and public service education from his father, James Whiteford McCowan (1814-1897):

There was scarcely an agricultural exhibition in either county or township in connection with which the name of James McCowan did not appear as a prize winner for the last half century... [Two sons,] George and Alexander, who live on the homestead, lots 32 and 33, concessions C and D, composed of 220 acres, being two as highly cultivated farms as are to be found in the township... For seven years he represented the township in the Municipal Council.

Similarly, Alex's cousin, Robert McCowan, was on Scarborough Council for a number of years and Township Reeve for three. A meticulous farmer, he spared no effort when it came to his prize grain. His daughter, Ruth, must be given some credit for his exhibition successes:

We have all been busy picking over oats. Papa is sowing a field for the contest and there must not be any weeds. It is a tiresome job, and there is still a bag and a half to do, a whole day's work. I have not been off the place except to church on Sunday.

In early August, 1918, Robert or "Papa" was:

a judge in the standing crop competitions this year, and is away to Bobcaygeon for the rest of the week. Then he is going out to New Liskeard and Cochrane. Papa told me if I would help him make a sheaf for the Ex, he would give Mamma and I the money he got for it.

Ruth, reported the results: "we got the prize for our sheaf and the grain as well. They are being sent down to Ottawa Fair next week. Aunt Jenny Neilson got first prize for her socks."