About the Fair

A Longstanding Trent Hills Tradition Celebrating Agriculture, Craftsmanship & Community Spirit

The Campbellford Fair, proudly organized by the Campbellford-Seymour Agricultural Society, is one of Trent Hills’ most enduring rural traditions. With roots going back to the late 19th century, the fair remains a celebration of agricultural heritage, rural craftsmanship, and the deep sense of community that defines Campbellford and the surrounding area.

A Fair with Deep Community Roots

The Campbellford Fair began during a time when agricultural societies were forming across Ontario to support farmers, share new technologies, and strengthen rural communities. Campbellford, already a prominent milling and market centre along the Trent River, quickly became a natural gathering point.

The early fairs featured livestock, crops, homecrafts, and community exhibitions, allowing families to showcase their work, learn from one another, and celebrate the values that sustained rural life.

A Celebration of Agriculture & Rural Heritage

Agriculture has always been the heart of the Campbellford Fair. For generations, local farm families have exhibited:

• Dairy and beef cattle
• Sheep and poultry
• Small livestock
• Field crops, produce, and garden harvests

These displays reflect the skill, dedication, and multi-generation knowledge that define farming in Trent Hills and the surrounding region.

The homecraft sections, featuring quilts, sewing, preserves, baking, floral arrangements, woodworking, photography, and youth entries—highlight the creativity and craftsmanship that form another important part of rural tradition.

Youth Engagement & Rural Education

Young people have always played a central role in the Campbellford Fair. Through 4-H programs, junior classes, and school exhibits, youth gain valuable hands-on experience in:

• Livestock care
• Domestic arts
• Creative expression
• Agricultural literacy
• Responsibility and leadership

Many of the fair’s strongest traditions continue because young people learn, participate, and eventually become the next generation of volunteers and exhibitors.

Supported by Dedicated Volunteers

The Campbellford Fair owes its longevity to the commitment of the Campbellford-Seymour Agricultural Society and its many volunteers. Their dedication, setting up exhibits, organizing competitions, maintaining facilities, and preserving history, ensures that the fair remains a meaningful community celebration.

Many volunteers represent multi-generation involvement, reflecting the strong rural pride that defines the region.

A Reflection of Local Character

The fair mirrors the qualities that make Campbellford special:

• Respect for agricultural heritage
• Pride in rural skills and creativity
• Youth development and mentorship
• Community cooperation
• Longstanding volunteer traditions

These values help preserve the fair’s role as a central expression of local identity.

A Tradition That Endures

Although farming and rural life have evolved over time, the Campbellford Fair remains a cherished link between past and present. It celebrates the people, traditions, and rural heritage at the heart of the community and continues to bring residents together year after year.

About the Community.

Campbellford, Ontario: A Scenic Riverside Town Built on Heritage, Agriculture & Community Pride

Located on the banks of the Trent River in the Municipality of Trent Hills, Campbellford, Ontario is a charming small town filled with natural beauty, rich history, rural traditions, and welcoming community spirit. Known for its lively riverside setting, heritage buildings, and surrounding farmland, Campbellford offers a warm blend of rural character and small-town charm.

A Community Rooted in 19th-Century Settlement

Campbellford’s history began in the early-to-mid 1800s, when settlers were drawn to the region’s fertile farmland and access to the Trent River. Mills, bridges, general stores, and early industries quickly grew along the riverbank, establishing Campbellford as a service and commercial centre for farmers and neighbouring hamlets.

The arrival of the railway further strengthened the local economy and contributed to the development of the town’s vibrant main street, many parts of which still retain their historic charm today.

A Scenic Riverside Setting

Campbellford is surrounded by a landscape of remarkable beauty:

• The flowing Trent River
• Rolling farmland
• Forested areas
• Country backroads
• Parks, walking trails, and scenic viewpoints

The town’s riverside walkways and bridges offer picturesque views year-round, while the natural landscape invites photography, cycling, and peaceful exploration.

A Welcoming, Active Community

Community involvement is one of Campbellford’s greatest strengths. Residents participate actively in social organizations, service clubs, arts groups, heritage committees, and recreational programs. Seasonal celebrations, community events, and local traditions help maintain a strong sense of togetherness.

Campbellford is known for its friendliness, neighbours greet each other easily, and local businesses often serve as gathering spots for conversation and connection.

A Thriving Small-Town Centre

The town’s historic downtown features:

• Locally owned shops
• Bakeries and cafés
• Restaurants and eateries
• Heritage storefronts
• Community facilities and parks

These spaces reflect the town’s rich history while supporting the needs of modern residents and visitors.

Surrounded by Productive Farmland

The countryside surrounding Campbellford is shaped by multi-generation farming families whose agricultural roots remain vital to the region. Local farms contribute to:

• Dairy and beef production
• Cash crops
• Hay and forage
• Vegetable and mixed farming

Agriculture continues to influence the community’s values, economy, and traditions.

This heritage is proudly showcased each year at the Campbellford Fair, one of the region’s most important rural celebrations.

A Natural Companion to the Campbellford Fair

The fair reflects many of Campbellford’s defining qualities:

• A strong agricultural foundation
• Pride in rural craftsmanship
• Youth learning and involvement
• Volunteer leadership
• Community cooperation and spirit

Together, the town and the fair tell a complete story, one of resilience, heritage, and rural pride.

A Town Full of Heart

Whether strolling along the river, enjoying the warmth of downtown shops, exploring the countryside, or celebrating long-standing traditions like the Campbellford Fair, the town offers a memorable and welcoming experience.

Campbellford is a place where heritage is preserved, where community spirit shines, and where rural Ontario’s values continue to thrive.