Sterling buckle marks 170 years at Spencerville Fair

Contemporary Canadian craft celebrates rural heritage and identity

For its 170th anniversary, the Spencerville Fair is presenting a distinctive piece of Canadian silverwork that reflects nearly two centuries of agricultural tradition. The 170th Anniversary Spencerville Fair Sterling Silver Buckle was designed and handcrafted by Alex Dordevic of TRIBE, a jewelry studio based in Johnstown and Toronto. 

Visitors can view the buckle at the Spencerville Fair from September 11–14, just south of Ottawa. Experiencing the piece at the fair situates it among livestock shows, family activities, and the RCMP Musical Ride, reinforcing the buckle’s connection to the living culture it represents. 

The beautiful belt buckle will be raffled at the event, with all proceeds going to the Children’s Art Exhibits at the 171st Spencerville Fair.  Tickets can be purchased from any Fair Director or during the 170th Spencerville Fair: $10 for a single ticket, or $25 for three tickets, or online: https://www.spencervillefair.ca/belt-buckle-raffle. 

The buckle blends the classic form of Western trophy buckles with imagery rooted in Canadian farm life and the character of Southeastern Ontario communities. This approach creates a fresh narrative: a modern artwork that honors the past while speaking in a contemporary design language. 

"This project explores how contemporary Canadian craft can honor grassroots heritage while creating something entirely new," said Dordevic. "The buckle weaves together historical references, community celebration, and the enduring symbolism of agricultural life in a way that speaks to both tradition and innovation in Canadian design." 

The process moved from detailed sketches and model studies to precise fabrication, surface finishing, and hand-applied details. The result is a refined object that communicates the resilience, cooperation, and creativity found in agricultural communities. 

Beyond a single artwork, the project points to the strength of Canadian silversmithing and the role of artisans in preserving and reimagining rural traditions. By presenting the buckle during a milestone year, the fair emphasizes the lasting importance of community events in shaping Canada’s cultural landscape and inspiring future makers. 

Photo Credit: tribe-spencerville-fair-sterling-buckle-farms