A Fair Story: Our Journey Through Ontario’s Agricultural Traditions and the OAAS Family

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If you’ve ever been to a fall fair in Ontario, you already know the magic.
You step onto the grounds and something happens, something between the smell of fresh doughnuts, the sound of livestock calls, and the laughter drifting from the midway. It feels familiar, even if it’s your first time.

For us, that magic began in 2007, on a sunny September day at the Port Hope Fall Fair. We had no idea at the time that this one visit would lead us on a journey that stretched across the province, into dozens of communities, and eventually through the doors of the Ontario Association of Agricultural Societies (OAAS).

But, like all good stories, ours started simply…

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Chapter One: The First Fair

We arrived at the Port Hope Fall Fair expecting an afternoon outing.
What we got was an introduction to an entire way of life.

There were cattle lined up for judging, proud volunteers explaining the history of their fair, kids darting from the Homecraft building to the midway, and the kind of community spirit that settles warmly in your chest.

By the time we left, we were hooked.
One fair wasn’t enough, we wanted to see more, learn more, and feel that energy again and again.

So we did.

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Chapter Two: Thirty Fairs, Thousands of Photos, Countless Stories

One fair became five.
Five became ten.
Ten became 30+ fairs across Ontario—many of them more than once.

Every fair had its own heartbeat. Its own flavour. Its own stories waiting to be discovered.

We walked dusty lanes, leaned on snow fences watching cattle shows, chatted with Homecraft judges, photographed glowing sunsets behind Ferris wheels, and marveled at small-town pride in every corner.

And after every fair, we wrote.
We posted articles, shared photos and videos, and celebrated each community’s traditions on our website. Little by little, we built a digital scrapbook of Ontario’s fair spirit.

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Chapter Three: Discovering the OAAS Convention

As we traveled, one phrase kept following us around:

“You folks should really go to the OAAS Convention!”

So, in 2013, we packed up our banner, brochures, and curiosity, and went.

Walking into the OAAS Annual Convention felt like stepping into the world of fairs from the inside out.

Fair organizers from across Ontario were there, people who knew the thrill of opening day and the relief of teardown, the pride of a packed grandstand, and the joy of seeing a young exhibitor win their first ribbon.

We set up our very first Trade Booth.
We left with more inspiration than we expected.

In 2014, we returned, and this time invited to present a seminar:

“Promoting Your Fair.”

Sharing what we’d learned from the road with fair leaders was a turning point in our journey.

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Chapter Four: OAAS Programs — Supporting Fairs & Building the Future

As our relationship with OAAS grew, we saw something important:
They weren’t just preserving fair traditions, they were investing in the future of fairs and the people who run them.

Two programs truly stood out.

🌱 The “Building Community Leaders” Program

Already well underway, this program focuses on developing leadership skills among fair organizers, volunteers, and youth involved in agricultural societies.

It’s about:

• Strengthening governance
• Encouraging new ideas
• Inspiring younger generations
• Building confident, capable boards
• Preparing communities for long-term success

You can see the results every time you visit a fair that radiates teamwork, great planning, and fresh energy. Strong leaders build strong fairs, and OAAS is helping make that happen province-wide.

⭐ “You Make THE Difference” — National Initiative

This is OAAS’s newly announced program, and it’s going to be a major highlight of the 2026 Convention.

This initiative celebrates the people who make fairs possible:

• Long-time volunteers
• Passionate new members
• Youth leaders
• Exhibitors
• Judges
• Behind-the-scenes champions
• Everyone who gives their time to their fair

It’s not just a slogan, it’s a movement that recognizes that fairs don’t run on their own. They run because of people who show up, dream big, pitch in, and pour their hearts into their communities.

At the 2026 Convention, this initiative will shine bright, bringing recognition, gratitude, and national visibility to the people who deserve it most.

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Chapter Five: Building a Home for Fairs — Ontario Fair News

As our adventures grew, we wanted to give fairs a permanent online home, somewhere their stories could live all year long. So, we created:

Ontario Fair News

Each fair now has its own page showcasing:

• Coming events
• Fair history
• Photos from past fairs
• Fun facts about the community
• Direct links to websites and social platforms

Fair goers love browsing it.
Fair organizers love sharing it.
And we love updating it.

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Chapter Six: The Road Ahead — And the 2026 OAAS Convention

The story continues, and 2026 is shaping up to be a milestone year.

We’re planning:

• Showcase Interviews with fair teams
• Visitor Experience Stories
• Webinars for promotion and storytelling
• Expanded fair features on our upcoming Ontario Agritourism website
• And of course, being back at the 2026 OAAS Convention, February 19–21

Standing behind our booth, camera ready, surrounded by the fair family, it always feels like coming home.

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About Ontario Agritourism (OAT)

OAT is a province-wide collaboration platform designed to connect agricultural organizations, family farms, rural attractions, destinations, and visitors seeking authentic Ontario experiences. It supports the organizations (OAAS) through free event listings, news posts, along with low-cost programs using feature Showcase stories, videos, interviews, and shared promotional digital programs.

Open the Gate: Explore What’s Inside Ontario Agritourism ~ OAT Features:

🎡 The Ontario Agritourism Directory – Find Your Fair & Society Events!

🗞️ Ontario Agritourism News – What’s Happening at Your Society

  Ontario Agritourism Showcase – Spotlighting each Member Fair

📖 Agritourism Guide – Talk the Talk!

✍️ OAT Field Notes Articles – Real Stories from the Field and the Fairgrounds

🎥 OAT Agri-Flicks Videos – See It All in Action

And with OAAS promoting “You Make THE Difference” and continuing to expand Building Community Leaders, we know this will be one of the most meaningful conventions yet.

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Chapter Seven: Why This Story Matters

Agricultural fairs are living pieces of Ontario’s heritage, woven from tradition, agriculture, competition, celebration, and community spirit.

OAAS helps protect that heritage while guiding fairs into the future with programs, education, leadership training, and national recognition.

We’re honoured to be part of that journey, traveling, photographing, writing, and celebrating the people who give fairs their character and charm.

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And So, The Story Continues…

From Port Hope in 2007
to dozens of fairs across the province
to OAAS conventions filled with learning, laughter, and leadership…

We’ve been lucky to witness the heart of Ontario’s rural communities up close.

And the best part?
There are still so many stories to tell.

Because in Ontario, the fair is more than an event—
it’s a tradition, a gathering place, a celebration of who we are.

And we’ll be there, every step of the journey.