Fairwell to the old Fall Fair

Updated October 2021.

The old fall fair is back for 2021. Due to Covid -19 restriction in different parts of the Province, it is advisable that you contact the event that you intend on enjoying prior to leaving the comfort of your home. Follow the links below to allow for ease of navigation.

Have a slice of pie, say hello to the livestock and don’t forget to visit the many crafts area.

Thank  you and enjoy

Often we take for granted some of the events that have become synonymous with the seasons. As is similar in many areas across the country in Ontario, we have had to say Fairwell to the old fall fair for now. These festivals on the surface seem like minor feats, but do not be enticed by this notion. These events are meticulously planned and allow rural communities to showcase their efforts to others. The summer’s hard work is now in the background, and it is time to celebrate these achievements.

Many of the exhibitions display some of the area’s specialties, showcasing the many different agriculture disciplines. From the most muscular horse to the prized dairy cow, let us not forget, nor should we ever, the bounty of goods that come from the ground. The harvest has something for everyone and has become part of the communities’ collective ambition across the country. Ontario is vast, and it would seem impossible to participate in all that the province offers. Here we also have to mention that if you replace the province name to (add Province name here), the experience would be impressive yet very different.  

Pilgrimage of sorts

One of the hallmarks of each region is the variety. It is this that forces us from the city to make our pilgrimage to such enchanting places. It is time to get out our “Anne of Green Gables” or put our “Huckleberry Finn” on. These beautiful locations have been a stalwart of memories for generations. At the same time, the leaves begin to turn colour. With Thanksgiving in our midst, we pay homage to the people who work so hard to feed us in the metropolis. Here you will find an epic rural experience not to be missed.

Many of the exhibitions have been in existence for over a hundred years. Only on a few occasions have they ceased to perform their agricultural magic. They plotted on although on a scaled-down version during the world wars, this year is different. Many of the fairgrounds that are usually teeming with participants have closed down due to the -19. However, this is entirely understandable, yet not any less disappointing. Saying Farewell to the old Fair is only a passing phase, and with the good fortune, they will be operating next season. Here we will try and recount some of our favourite fairs, so sit back on a bale of hay, pick up your tablet, and join us on the magic agricultural tour of rural Ontario. 

Acton Agricultural Fair

The Acton Fair (Acton Agricultural Society) has been a local favourite since 1913 and will continue to be so in 2021. This annual community event features truck and tractor pulls, horse shows, games and midway rides, local vendors, home crafts entries, and so much more. It is bringing the community together to celebrate and promote agriculture. Our favourite exhibit was the creek wildlife rescue show. It may very well be the “The Best Little Fair in Ontario.” The Fair runs in the third week of September. Contact the website for more information.

Website: http://actonfair.ca

Location: 30 Park Ave, Acton, ON L7J 1Y4, Canada

GPS: 43.63004 -80.04485

Ancaster Autumnal Fair

In 2020 the Ancaster fair (Ancaster Agricultural Society) would have celebrated 170 years of agriculture and community enjoyment. Under newly created fairgrounds, the Anacater fair offers many exhibits that will keep the family busy for the entire weekend. Featuring over 120 homemade crafts and Livestock exhibits, concession stands and a giant midway, this Fair will fill you with memories for years to come. We are certain that this will not be fairwell to the old fall fair. Our favourite moment was the demolition car derby.  

Ancaster Fair is always the 3rd weekend after Labour Day and guaranteed to be full of family fun. For more information and updates, please visit their website.

Website: http://www.ancasterfair.ca

Location: 630 Trinity Rd S, Jerseyville, ON L0R 1R0, Canada

GPS:43.1886 -80.04283

Arthur Agricultural Fair

The Arthur Fair (Arthur Agricultural Society) First introduced its Autumnal Fair in 1881, since then the community has never looked back. The Fair has continued to grow ever since. As a testament to its continued expansion, from Horse race track built in the 19th century to a new barn in the 1980’s -erected for use during the cattle shows. In the 1990s, the community built a horse show arena. There is something for all tastes in Arthur, from the Livestock and Horse Shows to many children’s activities; this community does not rest on its laurels. Here we loved perusing the livestock in the barn. Check the website for updated events for the 2021 Fair. 

Website: http://www.arthurfallfair.com

Location: 158 Domville St., Arthur ON, N0G 1A0

GPS: 43.8367679:-80.5357573

Bobcaygeon Fall Fair

The Bobcaygeon fall fair was established in 1858 and referred to as “the Daddy of ’em all.” Perhaps this rebranding. We happened upon this Fair a few years back merely by chance while in the Kawarthas. With so many exhibits, livestock and Horse Shows, tractor pulls and live entertainment, and of course, a large midway. There was so much to see and, do we did not make it through before leaving. Looking at their website, they introduced a demolition derby, and this is always fun. The Fair runs during the first week in October. During our trip, we spent a great deal of time in the carnival area. For more information, please consult their website.

Website: http://www.bobcaygeonfair.com  (124)

Location: 47 Mansfield St, Bobcaygeon, ON K0M 1A0, Canada

GPS: 44.53394 -78.54661

Bolton Fall Fair

The Albion and Bolton Agricultural Society has deep roots in the community and dates back before 1862. At the Albion and Bolton, you will find a fair that offers many things to all that attend. From the tractor pull- a specialty of the Fair, to many other exhibits you would expect to find. This event offers much more than one would expect with an exceptional midway and a copious display of livestock and handmade crafts. There is no fairwell to the old fall fair here. While there, we enjoyed the diary cow milking demonstration and, of course, the tractor pull. The Fair runs during the last weekend of September. For more information, please follow the link to their website.

Website: http://WWW.BOLTONFAIR.CA (126)

Location: 150 Queen St S, Bolton, ON L7E 1B3, Canada

GPS: 43.87592 -79.73538

Erin Agricultural Fair

The Erin Agricultural Society Fair is often a five-day event traditionally held during the Canadian Thanksgiving weekend. The Fair was initially sponsored by Canada’s government to aid farmers’ education to new agricultural techniques. One hundred and seventy years later, the Erin Fair is a feast for the senses. Locals insist that it is “Ontario’s Preview to the Royal.” With so many exhibits on display and various livestock categories to view, here is a fair not to be missed. We have been here three times and loved every instance. Although it was cold on our last visit, the Heavy Horse competition left everyone gasping at such feats of strength. Please check their website for the update for the 2020 schedule.

Website: http://www.erinfair.com

Location: 190 Main St, Erin, ON N0B 1T0, Canada

GPS: 43.77235 -80.06945

Georgetown Fall Fair

The Georgetown Agricultural Society would have celebrated 174 years of showcasing their community. In past years the essence of the Fair has always been the variety of exhibits and exhibitors. These extend to handmade crafts and the petting zoo and pet competitions for the younger people. What agricultural event would be complete without a (family-friendly) Midway and livestock exhibits? One of our fondest memories were the educational Agriculture exhibits, where there were in-depth demonstrations. The Georgetown Fairs runs during the second weekend in September. For more information, please follow the link to their website. 

Website: http://georgetownfallfair.ca

Location: 1 Park Ave, Georgetown, ON L7G 1Y4, Canada

GPS: 43.64579 -79.92769

  Iron Bridge Fair

As you drive to and from Sault Saint Marie, you will go through the community of Ironbridge, Ontario and home of the Iron Bridge Agricultural society. Created 134 years ago, and the first Fair made on the North Shore of Lake Huron. Although small in stature, it is excellent in enthusiasm. Here the Fair showcases many homemade crafts from local vendors. In recent years they have incorporated a very successful Music festival. Although it has been many years since we ventured into the Fair, we remember it with fond memories. We anticipate that there will be no fairwell to the old fall fair at the Bridge. If you are in the area during mid-September, you must stop for local crafts and entertainment. Contact the website for more information. 

If you are looking for accommodations and perhaps the best food in the area, consider the The Red Top Motor Inn. (not solicited) 

Website: http://ibagsociety.com (136)

Location: 1 Chiblow Lake Rd, Huron Shores, ON P0R, Canada

GPS: 46.2803 -83.21851

Markham Autumn Fair

The Markham Fair and East York Agricultural fair is one of Canada’s oldest fairs and has been in existence since 1844. It is also one of the largest fairs in Ontario, with more than 60 000 patrons passing through its gates during the four days. Often considered a mini CNE. The Fair hosts many events, including Horse and Livestock competitions, agriculture and handmade crafts. With more than 3000 exhibitors, you are sure to find something for everyone. Fairwell to the old fall fair in Markham is as likely as snow in July. Here you will also find one of the largest Midway/ carnivals of any of the fairgrounds on this list. Often included is a wide array of live entertainment to suit everyone’s needs. Here we enjoyed the music. The Markham Fair occurs annually on the weekend before Thanksgiving. Please check their website for the update for the 2020 schedule. 

Website: http://www.markhamfair.ca

Location: 10801 McCowan Rd, Markham, ON L3P 3J3, Canada

GPS: 43.92486 -79.2924

Norfolk County Fair and Horseshow.

The Norfolk County Agricultural Society has been promoting agriculture since 1840, making it amongst one of the oldest in the country. Here is a remarkable ground that offers everything you would expect and more. As the name indicates, there are many horses and agricultural offerings. Not to be excluded are the many handmade crafts and educational facilities. You will also find a great midway and petting zoo. The fairground also has one of the largest food areas on this list, where you will find something for everyone. The grounds are massive and include five full-time exhibit structures for entertainment and vending. It is doubtful that you can see all the exhibits and shows in one day.

Our favourite was petting an albino python. Honestly, this was something we were not expecting. We also lost my Father- I told you the grounds were large; eventually we found him. The Fair runs before and during the (Canadian) Thanksgiving Holiday. For more information, please follow the link provided.

Website: http://www.norfolkcountyfair.com

Location: 172 South Dr, Simcoe, ON N3Y 1G6, Canada

GPS: 42.83011 -80.30712

Rockton Worlds Fair

In 1863, the community presented their show, and as you would expect, it was a modest affair. By 1878 the Rockton fair had grown quite popular in the area. A local reporter at the time overheard a local community member say, “that it should be called the world fair, as everyone comes to it.” The next day in the daily paper ran the headline: “The Worlds Fair comes to Rockton.” Here’s the beginning of the Rockton World Fair. Here is a fair that could fill most of the world with envy. Needless to say, with this fortitude there will no fairwell to the old fall fair, after all it is the Worlds Fair.

The Fair is committed to showcasing the agricultural accomplishments of the region, education and entertainment. Complete with a horse show and one of the biggest heavy horse shows in the province. The 5000 seat show ring harbours many livestock competitions, and countless blue ribbons awarded. The midway is ideal for all those that attend—making this a Worlds Fair-like no other. Everyone will have a great time. Whether you have agricultural interests or not. Perhaps a demolition derby is more to you liking. It is here. Our trip here found us indoors with the livestock, as we did not anticipate the snow that was to come. These memories still stay with us to this day. Perfect. 

The Fair takes place over the Thanksgiving weekend in early to mid-October. For more information on The Rockton Worlds Fair, please follow the link below.

Website: http://www.rocktonworldsfair.com/

Location: 812 Old HWY 8, Rockton, ON L0R 1X0, Canada

GPS: 43.30189 -80.1296

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Same Time next year

The Agricultural fairs and societies are iconic across the country. Many have a multi-generational history that guides many of these communities. We have enjoyed visiting all of those on the list. We hope you, too, will venture out of your homes next year to enjoy and appreciate what these communities do for the rest of us. The enchanting aroma of a barn or stable is a sensation for the senses. The carnival atmosphere and the smiling face of both young and old will leave an everlasting impression on your psyche. No, there will not be a fairwell to the old fall fairs.  Remember, “farms feed cities.” 

Fortunately, many Societies have decided to create an online version of this experience. I submit that many are doing so to recuperate lost revenues. Farm life is difficult enough without having the -19 lingering over your head. So please help us help them.

Were you considering attending a Fair this fall? Or perhaps you have frequented one or more in the past as we have? If so, please let us know your thoughts in the comment area below. We love to share your thoughts with our many readers. What was your favourite? What didn’t you like? The more information in the comments area allows us- with your help, to direct others to some of these most amazing locations and fairs across the province and the country. 

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VTE