About the Fair

A Simcoe County Tradition Celebrating Agriculture, Homecraft & Community Heritage Since 1860

The Elmvale Fall Fair, proudly presented by the Elmvale & District Agricultural Society, has been one of the most enduring rural celebrations in Simcoe County since 1860. For more than 160 years, the fair has brought together families, neighbours, and visitors to celebrate agricultural excellence, homecraft traditions, and the warm community spirit that defines Elmvale and the surrounding region.

A Fair Rooted in Farming, Settlement & Rural Life

The fair began during a time when Elmvale, then a growing farming community surrounded by fields, forests, and sawmills, was becoming a central hub for local agricultural activity. Agricultural societies played a vital role in these early years, helping farmers improve livestock, share best practices, and build social ties.

Early Elmvale fairs showcased livestock judging, crop and produce competitions, preserves, sewing and quilting, and demonstrations of the homesteading skills that sustained rural families. These elements remain at the heart of the fair to this day.

Agriculture at the Heart of the Elmvale Fall Fair

Agriculture continues to be the foundation of the Elmvale Fall Fair, represented through a diverse range of exhibits:

• Dairy and beef cattle
• Sheep, goats, poultry, and small livestock
• Field crops, grain, hay, vegetables, and produce
• Woodworking, rural crafts, and traditional skills

These exhibits honour the dedication and expertise of the farm families who continue to shape rural life in Springwater Township and surrounding Simcoe County.

The fair’s homecraft divisions, including baking, preserves, sewing, quilting, knitting, floriculture, photography, arts, and junior categories, celebrate the creativity and ingenuity that remain vital to community life.

Youth Participation & Generational Strength

Youth involvement has always been a defining part of the Elmvale Fall Fair. Through 4-H clubs, school exhibits, junior divisions, and hands-on agricultural learning opportunities, young people gain:

• Leadership skills
• Practical farm and homecraft knowledge
• Creativity and confidence
• Agricultural literacy
• A strong sense of belonging within the community

Generational participation, often involving multiple members of the same family, is one of the fair’s greatest strengths.

Driven by Volunteers & Community Spirit

The Elmvale & District Agricultural Society, supported by dedicated volunteers, works tirelessly each year to preserve and grow the fair. Their efforts, organizing divisions, preparing grounds, supporting exhibitors, and celebrating rural heritage, reflect the deep local pride that defines Elmvale.

A Celebration of Simcoe County’s Rural Identity

The Elmvale Fall Fair showcases the region’s most enduring values:

• Agricultural excellence
• Creative homecraft traditions
• Youth involvement
• Volunteer leadership
• Generational heritage
• Community unity

A Tradition That Endures

More than 160 years after its founding, the Elmvale Fall Fair remains a cherished celebration, honouring agricultural heritage, community creativity, and rural pride in the heart of Simcoe County.

About the Community

Elmvale, Ontario: A Friendly Springwater Community Where Rural Roots, Heritage & Local Spirit Shine

Located within Springwater Township in Simcoe County, Elmvale is a warm and welcoming rural community known for its agricultural heritage, vibrant local traditions, and strong community involvement. With charming small-town character, scenic countryside, and historic roots, Elmvale remains one of central Ontario’s most inviting communities.

A Community Built on Farming, Forestry & Early Settlement

Elmvale grew from a modest settlement surrounded by pioneer farms, woodlots, and sawmills that supported early residents throughout the 19th century. Over time, the village became a gathering place for rural families, offering schools, churches, markets, and the annual fall fair.

Historic buildings, long-standing businesses, and multi-generational family homes still reflect Elmvale’s deep agricultural heritage.

A Landscape of Fields, Forests & Classic Simcoe County Countryside

Elmvale is surrounded by natural beauty and rolling farmland, including:

• Fertile fields supporting dairy and livestock operations
• Peaceful forests and wildlife-rich woodlots
• Rural roads ideal for scenic drives
• Streams, wetlands & natural areas
• Nearby parks, trails, and conservation lands

This blend of farmland and forest gives Elmvale its distinctive rural charm.

A Community Known for Local Pride, Creativity & Connection

Residents of Elmvale actively support a wide range of local initiatives, including:

• Family-owned shops, restaurants & artisan businesses
• Youth programs and recreation groups
• Service clubs and community organizations
• Seasonal festivals and cultural events
• Agricultural and heritage-related associations

This involvement strengthens Elmvale’s friendly, community-first atmosphere.

Heritage Preserved Through Generations

Elmvale honours its past through:

• Its historic downtown
• Long-standing family farms
• Community museums and archives
• Rural traditions preserved through local events
• Stories that celebrate Elmvale’s deep roots

These heritage elements continue to shape the village’s identity.

Agriculture Continues to Shape Local Life

The surrounding region remains strongly connected to agriculture through:

• Dairy cattle, beef operations & mixed livestock
• Grain, hay & cash crop farming
• Market gardens and small producers
• Rural artisans and homesteaders

This agricultural heritage is proudly showcased every year at the Elmvale Fall Fair, one of the community’s defining traditions.

A Natural Companion to the Elmvale Fall Fair

Together, Elmvale and its fair highlight:

• Rural heritage
• Youth engagement
• Homecraft creativity
• Volunteer dedication
• Generational ties
• Community pride

A Village Where Rural Roots & Community Warmth Thrive

Whether enjoying a walk through its historic streets, visiting nearby farms, exploring local shops, or celebrating beloved traditions like the Elmvale Fall Fair, Elmvale offers a memorable Springwater Township experience, where heritage, countryside charm, and local spirit come together beautifully.