Fall fairs. The best 5 to spend over Thanksgiving.

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

A sign that Covid-19 may be in remission in Ontario is the reemergence of a traditional classic. The Ontario fall fair is back on some horizons of the province. Here are 5 of the best fall fairs to attend over the Thanksgiving weekend. Many, if not all, still adhere to covid protocols to contain the spread of the virus. Should you be thinking of attending, don’t hesitate to contact their website to get the most current information regarding their event. 

Many of these locations are within driving distance from Toronto, and some within an hour’s drive from Toronto city centre. So are you looking to get out of the city and escape from the urban grind? The agricultural fairs that dot the map are an excellent opportunity to explore and appreciate our exceptional rural communities.

Burford Fall fair

Nestled in Brant county, near the neighbouring city of Brantford, you can find the Burford Agricultural fair. Established in 1858, Burford has a long and proud tradition as one of the most authentic fairs in this community. Although it has evolved over the years, it now caters to both the young and not so young alike.

During this year’s Fair, you can expect to indulge yourself beyond the exceptional agricultural components of this fantastic event. Burford is offering many new and exciting events. The Baby Show is always a very “cute” affair that everyone enjoys. If you need something a little more competitive, they are also hosting a Demolition Derby and a Snowmobile Grass Drag race. Honestly, this is a must-see event. Also included in the weekend’s events is an antique car and classic car show. You will have an afternoon filled with fun and excessive entertainment.

Did Someone say Waffles?

Needless to say, what Fair is complete without a midway and more food than you should be allowed to eat. 

For more information regarding the events, times, prices and the covid -19 protocols, please get in touch with them directly or visit their website for the most up-to-date information.

Burford Fair Burford Agricultural Society

Civic Address: 6 Park Ave, Brant, ON N0E, Canada

GPS: 43.09931 -80.42492

Phone: 519-449-5694

Email: info@burfordfair.ca

Website: www.burfordfair.ca

Facebook: https://facebook.com/BurfordFair

Erin Agricultural Fair

The Erin Agricultural Society Fair is a five-day event traditionally held during the Canadian Thanksgiving weekend. The government of Canada initially sponsored the Fair to aid in the education of farmers to new agricultural techniques. One hundred and seventy years later, the Erin Fair is a feast for both the eyes and 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. On our last visit, although it was cold that day, the Heavy Horse competition left everyone gasping at such feats of strength. You can find the most current information by checking their website.

Website: http://www.erinfair.com

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

GPS: 43.77235 -80.06945

Norfolk County Fall Fair and Horse Show.

The Norfolk County Agricultural Society has been promoting agriculture since 1840, making it one of the country’s oldest. Here you will find 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 handmade crafts and educational facilities. You will also find an expansive 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.

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 World fair

Created in 1863, and as you would expect, it was a modest affair. However, by 1878 the Rockton fair had grown quite popular in the area. A local reporter at the time overheard a local community member indicate, “that it should be called the world’s fair, as everyone comes to it.” The next day in the daily paper ran the headline: “The World’s fairs comes to Rockton.” So here’s the beginning of the Rockton World’s Fair. The envy of most fairs in the world. 

The Fair, as always, 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, where many blue ribbons have been awarded. The midway is perfect for all those that attend—making this a world’s Fair-like no other. Everyone will have a great time. Whether you have agricultural interests or not, or perhaps a demolition derby is more to your liking. You will find it here.

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

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

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

Woodbridge Fall Fair

Is there a better way to celebrate Thanksgiving weekend than enjoying the Woodbridge fair? Located just outside of Toronto, this Agricultural Fair is celebrating 174 years in the community. With the theme of Pioneer days to Modern times, this is an ideal way to learn about Ontario antiquity and enjoy everything that a great fair offers.

The number of events is vast. Some of the not-to-be-missed highlights include a Master Smithy at work ( Blacksmith). This year there will be demonstrations, and with any luck, you will be able to make a “nail,” it is not as easy as you would think. But, staying with the theme, you can also explore and enjoy a demonstration of pioneer cooking.

A view to today.

If you have more of a hunger for modern times, the Woodbridge fair has you covered there with a car Show, a midway, and various food vendors. Perhaps you might even enjoy participating in the daily pie-eating contest- bring an apron; it could get messy.

These are just a few of the entertaining events that will entice the children and allow the parents to reminisce about a bygone era.

For more information regarding the events, times, prices and the covid -19 protocols, don’t hesitate to contact them directly or visit their website for the most up-to-date information.

Woodbridge Fall Fair Woodbridge Agricultural Society

October 9 to October 11, Thanksgiving Weekend

Civic Address: 100 Porter Ave, Woodbridge, ON L4L 2A2, Canada

GPS: 43.78768 -79.59726

Phone: 905-265-1782, Fax: 905-851-0704

Email: woodbridgefair@yahoo.com

Website: woodbridgefair.ca

The Agricultural fairs and societies are iconic across the province. Many have a multi-generational history that guides many of these communities. We have tried to give you the best five fairs that you can enjoy this Thanksgiving weekend. Never to be missed, the enchanting aroma of a barn or stable is a sensation for the senses. The carnival atmosphere and the smiling faces of both young and old will leave an everlasting impression. Remember, “farms feed cities.”

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 share your comments below. Our many readers look forward to it.

Your safety is our first priority.

As always, it is our privilege to help you with your next adventure.

Your Vacation, Your Escape.

VTE