About the Fair

A Kawartha Lakes Tradition Honouring Agriculture, Heritage & Community Spirit

The Fenelon Fair, organized by the Fenelon Agricultural Society, is one of the long-standing rural celebrations in the Kawartha Lakes region. With roots reaching back to the late 19th century, the fair has remained a symbol of agricultural pride, community gathering, and the traditions that helped shape Fenelon Falls and its surrounding countryside.

A Fair with Deep Local Roots

Like many Ontario agricultural fairs, the Fenelon Fair began as a modest gathering of local farmers, settlers, and community members who needed a place to share knowledge, compare livestock, and showcase the harvests and homecrafts that defined rural life.

Fenelon Falls, already known as “The Jewel of the Kawarthas”, was a natural hub for such a gathering. Its mills, farms, waterways, and early businesses supported a thriving local economy, making it the perfect setting for an annual agricultural exhibition.

Over the years, the fair grew from a simple farm-based gathering into a cherished community tradition that still honours the values of its earliest years.

A Celebration of Agricultural Heritage

Agriculture has always been at the centre of the Fenelon Fair. Livestock shows featuring cattle, sheep, poultry, and other farm animals have long demonstrated the skill, dedication, and hard work of local farm families. These exhibits reflect generations of agricultural knowledge and are a testament to the region’s proud farming roots.

The homecraft pavilion also plays a major role in the fair’s heritage. Quilting, baking, preserves, sewing, woodworking, floriculture, and youth entries highlight the creativity and practical talents that have been part of rural life since settlement. Many local families take pride in entering these categories year after year.

The fair’s exhibitions continue to preserve the traditions that built the rural communities of Kawartha Lakes.

Youth at the Heart of the Fair

The Fenelon Fair has always placed special emphasis on youth involvement. Local 4-H clubs, school programs, and junior fair categories help young people learn skills in:

• Animal care
• Gardening
• Domestic arts
• Craftsmanship
• Leadership
• Agricultural literacy

For many youth, the Fenelon Fair is their introduction to agricultural competition and rural community involvement. These early experiences foster confidence, pride, and a connection to local heritage, often inspiring lifelong involvement in agriculture or community service.

Sustained by Dedicated Volunteers

The fair exists today thanks to the passion and commitment of the Fenelon Agricultural Society and its many volunteers. These individuals give countless hours to organizing, planning, setting up exhibits, coordinating judges, and preserving traditions.

Many volunteers represent several generations of involvement. Their dedication reflects the deeply rooted values of rural cooperation, neighbourliness, and local pride that define Fenelon Falls and the broader Kawartha Lakes region.

A Reflection of Fenelon Falls’ Rural Identity

Fenelon Falls is known for its lakeside beauty, natural landscapes, friendly community, and longstanding connection to agriculture. The Fenelon Fair mirrors this identity, highlighting:

• Rural craftsmanship
• Farming traditions
• Multi-generation family involvement
• Youth education and agricultural learning
• Community cooperation
• Pride in heritage

These elements keep the fair deeply grounded in the identity of Fenelon Falls and its surrounding rural communities.

A Tradition That Continues to Bring the Community Together

Though farming practices and the region itself have changed over time, the Fenelon Fair remains a meaningful link to the past, a celebration of the values, skills, and traditions that have shaped the community for more than a century.

Its enduring legacy is carried forward by volunteers, families, youth, and local residents who believe in the importance of preserving agricultural heritage for future generations.

The Fenelon Fair stands today as a proud reflection of everything that makes the Kawartha Lakes region strong:
history, community, cooperation, and rural pride.

About the Community

🌊 Fenelon Falls, Ontario: A Lakeside Village Full of History, Charm & Kawartha Spirit

Known affectionately as “The Jewel of the Kawarthas,” Fenelon Falls, Ontario is a scenic village where water, heritage, and friendly small-town charm blend into an experience that feels both relaxing and inspiring. With its historic downtown, beautiful waterfalls, lakeside views, and welcoming community spirit, Fenelon Falls is one of the most beloved destinations in the Kawartha Lakes region.

A Village Built on Water, Mills & Early Settlement

Fenelon Falls’ history dates back to the early 1800s, when settlers arrived to build farms, mills, and early businesses along the channels that now form part of the Trent-Severn Waterway. The village grew around the natural falls on the Fenelon River—once a source of power for sawmills, gristmills, and the industries that helped shape the region.

The completion of the locks and canal system connected Fenelon Falls to a major transportation route, bringing prosperity through trade, tourism, and increased settlement. Many of the village’s heritage buildings, old storefronts, and mill-related structures still stand today, giving the community its distinctive historic charm.

A Scenic Landscape at the Heart of Kawartha Lakes

Fenelon Falls is surrounded by some of the most iconic natural beauty in the region:

• Cameron Lake, known for its clear water, sandy shallows, and stunning sunsets
• Sturgeon Lake, linking to picturesque boating, fishing, paddling, and swimming areas
• The Fenelon River, flowing right through the village
• Forested areas, scenic side roads, and rolling countryside
• Multi-use trails including the Victoria Rail Trail

Its downtown area sits steps from the water, offering beautiful views whether you’re strolling by the locks, enjoying a meal, or exploring local shops.

A Vibrant Village Centre

Fenelon Falls’ downtown has become a lively hub of culture and community, with:

• Boutique shops
• Ice cream parlours
• Art galleries
• Lakeside restaurants
• Cafés and bakeries
• Parks and scenic lookouts

Heritage buildings line the streets, while seasonal decorations, murals, and community events bring colour and vibrancy to the village throughout the year.

Visitors and locals alike enjoy watching boats pass through Lock 34, a signature experience that highlights the village’s link to the Trent-Severn Waterway and the spirit of Ontario cottage country.

A Strong Community with Deep Rural Roots

While Fenelon Falls is well-known as a cottage-country destination, it remains firmly connected to its agricultural surroundings. The nearby countryside is filled with multi-generation farms, rural properties, and small producers who contribute to the region’s rural identity.

This blend of village, cottage, and farm culture creates a warm, welcoming atmosphere where neighbours look out for one another and community organizations play a major role in village life.

Local groups, service clubs, and volunteers organize events, beautification projects, and celebrations that keep Fenelon Falls vibrant and connected year-round.

History & Heritage Around Every Corner

Fenelon Falls offers numerous opportunities to explore its historical roots:

• Heritage homes and mill-era buildings
• The Fenelon Falls Museum
• Local churches and early settlement landmarks
• Interpretive signs and walking tours

The community takes pride in its past, preserving buildings and stories that help visitors and residents understand the region’s early beginnings and the people who shaped it.

A Perfect Partner to the Fenelon Fair

The nearby Fenelon Fair is one of the strongest expressions of the region’s agricultural identity. It reflects many of the same values that define Fenelon Falls:

• Multi-generation family involvement
• Rural creativity and craftsmanship
• The importance of youth education
• Community pride and volunteer spirit
• A celebration of local heritage

Together, the village and the fair tell a complete story, of country roads and waterways, of farmers and shopkeepers, of history and community, and of a region that continues to grow while honouring its past.

A Village That Captures the Heart

Whether you’re enjoying the lakeside atmosphere, exploring shops, learning about local history, or attending a seasonal event, Fenelon Falls offers a warm, welcoming charm that keeps visitors returning year after year.

It is a village where heritage meets natural beauty, where rural roots meet modern culture, and where every season feels distinctly and delightfully Kawartha.