About the Fair

A Proud Tradition Built on Agriculture, Community Spirit & Generations of Involvement

The Brooklin Spring Fair has long been one of Durham Region’s most cherished agricultural traditions. Organized by the Brooklin Agricultural Society, the fair reflects more than a century of rural heritage, rooted in the days when Brooklin was a tightly knit farming community at the heart of Whitby Township. Though the village has grown and suburban neighbourhoods now surround the historic core, the fair continues to honour the agricultural roots that shaped the region.

A Fair With Deep 19th-Century Origins

Like many rural Ontario fairs, the Brooklin Spring Fair traces its beginnings to the mid-1800s, when farming families gathered annually to share knowledge, display livestock, and celebrate a growing agricultural economy. Early fairs centered on horse shows, cattle judging, grain and produce exhibitions, and the domestic arts, activities that reinforced community bonds and highlighted local skill.

Farmers arrived by wagon along country roads, children watched their parents compete for ribbons, and the fair became a highlight of the rural calendar. Although Brooklin has changed dramatically over the past century, the fair continues to preserve these early traditions.

Honouring Rural Excellence Through the Years

Throughout its history, the Brooklin Spring Fair has remained dedicated to promoting agriculture. Generations of farm families have showcased cattle, sheep, goats, poultry, and horses, each exhibit reflecting the knowledge, care, and craftsmanship that define rural life.

Homecrafts have always played an important role as well. Quilts, baking, preserves, sewing, floriculture, photography, and youth crafts fill the exhibit halls each year, continuing a legacy of creativity passed down through families.

4-H clubs, with their emphasis on hands-on learning and leadership, have been central to the fair for decades. Many young exhibitors who once walked into the show ring with nervous excitement are now adults who return as leaders, mentors, or judges.

A Fair Sustained by Volunteers and Community Pride

What truly sets the Brooklin Spring Fair apart is the dedication of its volunteers. The Brooklin Agricultural Society includes multi-generational members whose families have been involved for decades. Their commitment keeps the fair vibrant, organized, and welcoming.

Behind the scenes, volunteers prepare exhibition spaces, coordinate judges, maintain fair traditions, and bring new ideas forward each year. They often balance long-standing rural customs with the needs of a rapidly growing suburban population, ensuring the fair remains relevant while keeping its agricultural heart firmly in place.

A Link Between Past and Present

The fair serves as a bridge between Brooklin’s early rural heritage and the diverse, dynamic community it has become. With new residents arriving every year, the fair offers an important opportunity for people to learn about the region’s agricultural roots and connect with the traditions that once shaped everyday life.

For long-time residents, the fair is a reminder of how Brooklin began and how deeply its identity is tied to farming, craftsmanship, and community cooperation.

A Celebration of Brooklin’s Rural Identity

Even as the surrounding region grows, the Brooklin Spring Fair continues to preserve and promote:

• The importance of agriculture
• The value of community involvement
• The skills and creativity of local families
• The enduring traditions of rural Ontario
• The pride that comes from sharing heritage with new generations

The fair’s history is woven into the story of the village itself. It reflects resilience, connection, and the shared desire to celebrate where the community came from, and where it is headed.

A Tradition That Endures

The Brooklin Spring Fair remains one of those beloved events that carries the past proudly into the future. It honours the families who built the community, recognizes the talents of its youth, and continues to represent the spirit of rural Whitby.

As the years pass, the fair’s legacy strengthens, grounded in agriculture, lifted by volunteers, and cherished by a community that has always valued its roots.

About the Community.

Brooklin, Ontario: A Growing Community Rooted in History and Rural Charm

Brooklin is one of those Ontario communities that surprises you. On the surface, it’s bustling—full of young families, new neighbourhoods, and thriving businesses—but just beneath that modern energy lies a deep rural history. The blend of heritage charm and fresh suburban life makes Brooklin a uniquely welcoming place, rich with stories and full of small-town heart.

A Village with Deep Agricultural Roots

Brooklin’s origins date back to the early 1800s when settlers arrived to clear farmland, build mills, and establish a small but growing rural community. Originally known as Winchester, the village soon adopted the name Brooklin and became an agricultural hub for Whitby Township.

Early Brooklin revolved around:

• Flour mills
• Dairy and cattle farming
• Grain production
• Rural trade and blacksmithing
• General stores and churches

Many of the heritage buildings along Baldwin Street still reflect this early period, offering glimpses into the village’s past.

Historic Character Meets Modern Life

Today, Brooklin maintains a charming heritage downtown filled with shops, cafés, bakeries, and restaurants—many housed in preserved or restored 19th-century buildings. Strolling through the village core feels like stepping into an old Ontario postcard, but with a lively modern twist.

The community continues to grow rapidly, attracting families with its strong schools, recreational programs, and parks. Yet, even with all the growth, Brooklin has protected its village identity. Events, markets, and community gatherings help keep that small-town feeling alive.

A Community Surrounded by Nature

Brooklin is blessed with plenty of green space. Families walk dogs along winding trails, cyclists explore scenic rural routes, and nature lovers enjoy local conservation areas. The rolling landscapes north of the village still reflect the farming traditions that shaped the region.

In spring and summer, you’ll find roadside stands, blooming fields, and rural scenery that make for some of Durham Region’s best country drives.

Agricultural Heritage That Still Matters

Though Brooklin has grown, agriculture remains an important part of its character. Farms continue to operate just beyond the village boundaries, producing:

• Dairy
• Beef
• Crops
• Honey
• Seasonal produce

These farms provide not only local food but also a sense of history and continuity in a rapidly developing region.

A Perfect Match for the Brooklin Spring Fair

The Brooklin Spring Fair is a natural extension of this community spirit. The fair brings together rural traditions and modern entertainment, much like the community itself blends heritage and growth.

Fair weekend turns Brooklin into a celebration of:

• Agriculture
• Family
• Community pride
• Creativity
• Local talent

The partnership between the fair and the village reflects Brooklin’s ongoing commitment to honouring its past while embracing its future.

A Community With Heart

What makes Brooklin truly special is its people—welcoming, neighbourly, and proud of their community. Whether you’re exploring the historic downtown, visiting a local café, enjoying the parks, or attending a special event, Brooklin offers a warm, vibrant atmosphere.

It’s a place where newcomers feel at home quickly, long-time residents stay rooted, and community spirit thrives year-round.