About the Fair

A Grey County Tradition Celebrating Agriculture, Community Heritage & Rural Pride

The Hanover Fair, proudly organized by the Hanover, Bentinck & Brant Agricultural Society, is one of Grey County’s longstanding celebrations of rural life. For well over a century, the fair has honoured local agriculture, creative craftsmanship, and the strong community spirit that defines Hanover and the surrounding countryside.

A Fair Rooted in Local Agricultural History

The Hanover Fair emerged in the late 1800s, during the height of Ontario’s agricultural society movement. These societies brought farm families together, offering opportunities to compare livestock and crops, exchange knowledge, and celebrate the harvest season.

Hanover, already becoming a thriving milling and manufacturing centre, was a natural home for a fair. Its rural surroundings and active agricultural community ensured strong participation from the very beginning.

Early fairs featured livestock judging, produce competitions, homecraft exhibits, and demonstrations of practical skills that reflected the ingenuity and determination of Grey County’s settlers.

Agriculture at the Centre of the Fair

Agriculture has always been central to the Hanover Fair’s identity. Local farms proudly exhibit:

• Dairy and beef cattle
• Sheep, goats, poultry, and small livestock
• Field crops, grains, and vegetables
• Rural crafts and heritage handiwork

These exhibits honour the region’s long agricultural tradition and the skill of the farm families who have shaped Hanover and its rural townships.

The homecraft divisions are equally important, showcasing quilting, sewing, baking, preserves, woodworking, floriculture, photography, and a wide range of junior entries, reflecting the creativity and domestic arts that remain strong in rural communities.

Youth Engagement & Lifelong Tradition

Young people are a vital part of the fair’s legacy. Through junior categories, 4-H involvement, school exhibits, and hands-on rural learning, youth develop:

• Leadership
• Agricultural understanding
• Creative and practical skills
• Responsibility and community pride

Generations of families have participated in the fair, helping maintain its strong multigenerational identity.

Powered by Volunteers & Community Commitment

The Hanover, Bentinck & Brant Agricultural Society and its volunteers form the backbone of the fair. Their year-round work, organizing competitions, maintaining fairgrounds, preserving traditions, and encouraging participation, ensures that the fair remains vibrant, meaningful, and deeply connected to the community.

Their dedication reflects the values that define rural Grey County.

A Reflection of Hanover’s Agricultural Heritage

The fair embodies the qualities that shape the region:

• Agricultural excellence
• Community cooperation
• Creative craftsmanship
• Multigenerational involvement
• Rural resilience
• Local pride

These values ensure that the Hanover Fair continues to be one of Grey County’s cherished rural traditions.

A Tradition That Endures

Through changing times, the Hanover Fair remains a proud celebration of agriculture, heritage, and community spirit, connecting the people of Hanover with their rural roots year after year.

About the Community

Hanover, Ontario: A Proud Grey County Community Rooted in Heritage, Industry & Rural Heart

Located along the scenic Saugeen River in Grey County, Hanover, Ontario is a lively and welcoming town known for its strong agricultural connections, industrial heritage, and vibrant small-town spirit. With deep community roots and a rich history, Hanover offers a warm blend of tradition, innovation, and rural charm.

A Community Forged by Mills, Agriculture & Industry

Hanover’s origins date back to the mid-1800s, when settlers established sawmills and gristmills along the Saugeen River. The area’s forests, farmland, and waterpower supported early industry, helping the town grow into a thriving regional centre.

By the late 19th century, woodworking, furniture manufacturing, and rural trade made Hanover an important hub in Grey County. Many heritage buildings, restored storefronts, and older neighbourhoods reflect this early prosperity and the craftsmanship of the era.

A Landscape of River, Countryside & Open Spaces

The natural beauty around Hanover is a key part of its identity, featuring:

• The winding Saugeen River
• Gently rolling farmland
• Wooded areas and natural trails
• Quiet concession roads
• Scenic rural vistas

This combination of countryside and riverside charm gives the town a unique mix of small-town comfort and natural appeal.

A Friendly & Engaged Community

Hanover is known for its strong sense of belonging. Residents actively support:

• Community festivals
• Local service clubs
• Recreational programs
• Arts and cultural groups
• Heritage and volunteer organizations

Together, these groups help maintain the town’s warm and inclusive atmosphere.

The town centre features local shops, restaurants, heritage structures, and community gathering spaces that contribute to Hanover’s lively and down-to-earth character.

Agriculture Remains Part of Hanover’s Identity

Though Hanover is a service and commercial hub, agriculture continues to play a significant role in the surrounding area. Local farms contribute to:

• Dairy and beef production
• Hay, grain, and corn crops
• Mixed livestock
• Small-scale and homestead farming

These farming traditions shape the community’s culture and remain integral to rural life in the region.

Agricultural heritage is proudly celebrated each year at the Hanover Fair, a long-standing tradition that honours the area’s rural roots.

A Natural Companion to the Hanover Fair

The fair highlights the qualities that make Hanover special:

• Pride in agricultural heritage
• Creative homecraft traditions
• Youth participation
• Volunteer leadership
• Multigenerational community ties
• Strong rural identity

Together, Hanover and its fair tell a complete story of heritage, local pride, and rural resilience.

A Grey County Community with Lasting Spirit

Whether exploring riverside trails, enjoying small-town shopping, connecting with friendly residents, or celebrating longstanding traditions like the Hanover Fair, Hanover offers a warm and memorable Ontario experience.

It is a community where history is honoured, where agriculture remains important, and where community spirit thrives in every season.