About the Fair

A Kawartha Highlands Tradition Celebrating Agriculture, Heritage & Community Pride Since 1877

The Kinmount Fair, presented by the Kinmount Agricultural Society, is one of the most enduring and beloved rural exhibitions in the Kawartha Lakes–Haliburton–Minden region. Established in 1877, the fair remains a powerful symbol of agricultural heritage, homecraft talent, and the resilient community spirit that defines Kinmount and its surrounding rural townships.

A Fair Rooted in Pioneer Community Life

The Kinmount Fair began during a period when agricultural societies across Ontario were forming to help farmers share knowledge, compare livestock, and strengthen rural communities. Kinmount, nestled along the Burnt River and surrounded by growing pioneer farms, was a natural gathering point.

Early fairs featured livestock judging, grain and vegetable competitions, homecraft exhibits, and demonstrations of rural skills essential to settler life. These exhibitions helped neighbours connect, celebrate their achievements, and nurture a shared sense of pride.

Agriculture at the Heart of the Fair

Agriculture remains central to the Kinmount Fair. Exhibitors from across the region display:

• Dairy and beef cattle
• Sheep, goats, poultry, and small livestock
• Hay, grain, vegetables, and field crops
• Woodworking, rural crafts, and homestead skills

These entries highlight the agricultural diversity of the region and honour the families who have shaped the local landscape for generations.

Homecraft divisions, such as preserves, baking, sewing, knitting, quilting, floral arrangements, and photography, remain a treasured part of the fair, celebrating creativity and domestic artistry rooted in rural life.

Youth Engagement & Generational Traditions

Youth involvement is a cornerstone of the Kinmount Fair. Through 4-H clubs, junior competitions, school entries, and agricultural learning opportunities, local youth gain:

• Leadership and responsibility
• Practical farm and homecraft skills
• Agricultural literacy
• Confidence and community awareness
• A strong connection to local heritage

Generational continuity is especially strong, with many families having participated in the fair for more than a century.

Driven by Volunteers & Community Dedication

The Kinmount Agricultural Society and its volunteers ensure that the fair remains vibrant and meaningful. Their commitment, organizing exhibitions, preparing grounds, maintaining traditions, and encouraging participation, reflects the collective pride and spirit of Kinmount’s rural community.

A Reflection of Rural Kawartha & Haliburton Identity

The fair represents the region’s strongest values:

• Agricultural excellence
• Homecraft creativity
• Volunteer leadership
• Youth participation
• Multigenerational continuity
• Community togetherness

These qualities have helped the Kinmount Fair endure as a landmark rural celebration.

A Tradition That Endures

Through decades of change, the Kinmount Fair remains a proud celebration of agriculture, craftsmanship, and community, connecting the past, present, and future of this historic northern Kawartha village.

About the Community

Kinmount, Ontario: A Scenic Kawartha Highlands Village Rooted in Heritage, Nature & Rural Community Spirit

Located along the Burnt River and bordering the City of Kawartha Lakes, Haliburton County, and Peterborough County, Kinmount, Ontario is a charming rural village known for its natural beauty, rich heritage, and strong sense of community. With forests, rivers, trails, and farmland all meeting at its doorstep, Kinmount offers a uniquely scenic and welcoming rural experience.

A Village with Deep Historical Roots

Kinmount traces its earliest settlement to the mid-1800s, when the Burnt River and surrounding timberlands attracted loggers, mill operators, and farming families. The arrival of railways and early trade routes turned the village into a bustling regional hub for transportation, lumber, and agricultural goods.

Historic buildings, early homesteads, and longstanding family properties still reflect Kinmount’s pioneer heritage, preserving the atmosphere of a rural village shaped by resilience and cooperation.

A Landscape Shaped by Rivers, Forests & Countryside

Kinmount’s surroundings are among the most picturesque in Central Ontario:

• The Burnt River winding through town
• Forested hills and northern hardwood stands
• Old farm fields and rural concession roads
• Scenic trails, including the Victoria Rail Trail
• Lakes, wetlands, and wildlife-rich areas nearby

This natural backdrop creates a peaceful setting ideal for rural living, exploration, and community gatherings.

A Community Built on Connection & Local Pride

Kinmount is known for its friendly atmosphere and strong spirit of neighbourly cooperation. Residents support:

• Local service clubs
• Agricultural societies
• Community halls and heritage groups
• Youth programs and recreational initiatives
• Seasonal festivals and longstanding traditions

Community involvement is a defining feature of village life, with generations contributing to the area’s vitality.

A Blend of Heritage & Rural Charm

Kinmount’s identity is shaped by:

• Historic storefronts and buildings
• Century-old family farms
• The Kinmount Railway Station and other landmarks
• Cultural traditions passed down through generations
• A village layout tied closely to the region’s natural geography

These elements help preserve Kinmount’s unique and timeless character.

Agriculture Remains a Strong Foundation

While forestry and tourism have long played roles in the local economy, agriculture continues to be a critical part of life in and around Kinmount. The region supports:

• Beef and dairy farming
• Hay and crop production
• Mixed livestock operations
• Homesteading and rural craftsmanship

This agricultural heritage is celebrated annually at the Kinmount Fair, one of the village’s most beloved traditions.

A Natural Companion to the Kinmount Fair

The fair reflects everything that makes Kinmount special:

• Pride in rural heritage
• Volunteer dedication
• Youth involvement
• Homecraft creativity
• Generational participation
• A strong sense of belonging

Together, Kinmount and its fair form a complete story of community, heritage, and rural identity.

A Community Where Nature, Heritage & Rural Pride Come Together

Whether wandering scenic trails, chatting with friendly locals, enjoying the village’s historic charm, or celebrating cherished traditions like the Kinmount Fair, Kinmount offers an unforgettable rural Ontario experience, grounded in nature, heritage, and genuine community spirit.