About the Fair

One of Canada’s Oldest Agricultural Fairs — Celebrating Community, Agriculture & Tradition Since 1844

The Markham Fair, presented by the Markham and East York Agricultural Society, is one of Canada’s oldest and largest agricultural fairs, proudly serving York Region since 1844. For nearly two centuries, the fair has united rural families, urban neighbours, and visitors from across the province in a dynamic celebration of agriculture, homecraft, heritage, and community pride.

A Fair Rooted in Settlement, Farming & Early Community Life

When the Markham Fair began in the mid-19th century, the region was a growing agricultural township filled with farms, mills, and small settlement clusters. Agricultural societies played a vital role in supporting farmers, improving livestock, showcasing innovations, and strengthening community bonds.

Early Markham fairs featured livestock judging, grain and produce exhibitions, preserves, sewing, needlework, and demonstrations of the essential skills that sustained rural life. These core traditions remain central to the fair today.

Agriculture at the Heart of the Markham Fair

Despite Markham’s evolution into a modern, culturally diverse city, agriculture remains the foundation of the fair. Exhibits proudly showcase:

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

These traditional displays honour the farm families and rural heritage that shaped the region’s early identity.

The fair’s extensive homecraft divisions, including preserves, baking, quilting, sewing, knitting, photography, floriculture, arts, and junior categories, highlight the creativity and craftsmanship that remain woven into community life.

Youth Engagement & Generational Pride

Youth participation has always been a cornerstone of the Markham Fair. Through 4-H clubs, junior homecraft, school exhibits, and agricultural education activities, young people develop:

• Leadership skills
• Agricultural literacy
• Creativity & problem-solving
• Confidence & community engagement
• A connection to rural heritage

Many families have participated for generations, keeping long-standing traditions vibrant and meaningful.

Driven by Volunteers & Community Leadership

The Markham and East York Agricultural Society, supported by hundreds of volunteers, works tirelessly to organize the fair each year. Their dedication, maintaining fairgrounds, coordinating exhibits, supporting exhibitors, and celebrating community heritage, reflects Markham’s strong civic pride and regional spirit.

A Celebration of York Region’s Rural Roots

The Markham Fair proudly reflects the region’s most enduring values:

• Agricultural excellence
• Heritage preservation
• Creative homecraft traditions
• Youth leadership
• Volunteer commitment
• Community unity

A Tradition That Endures

More than an annual event, the Markdale Fall Fair remains a cherished celebration, honouring the agricultural heritage, creativity, and community spirit that continue to shape Markdale and the Grey Highlands region.

 

About the Community

Markham, Ontario: A Dynamic City Where Heritage, Innovation & Rural Roots Come Together

Markham is one of Canada’s most vibrant and diverse cities, yet beneath its modern skyline and technological leadership lies a deep rural history. Known for its historic villages, cultural richness, natural landscapes, and entrepreneurial spirit, Markham blends heritage, community warmth, and urban innovation in a way few places can.

A Community Built on Farming, Settlement & Early Mills

Founded in the late 1700s, Markham began as a series of small agricultural settlements shaped by mills, general stores, churches, and farm families. German, British, and later Chinese and South Asian settlers played major roles in shaping the region’s cultural and economic development.

Historic areas such as Unionville, Thornhill, and Old Markham Village still retain 19th-century charm with preserved streetscapes and heritage buildings.

A Landscape of Greenspace, Farmland & Natural Trails

Even as Markham has grown into a major urban centre, the region continues to feature natural and rural beauty:

• Rouge National Urban Park
• Conservation areas and wooded ravines
• Remaining farmland east of the city
• Scenic heritage villages and historic streetscapes
• Wetlands, ponds, and wildlife areas

This blend of nature and urban life enriches daily living.

A Community Shaped by Culture, Innovation & Local Pride

Markham’s residents contribute to a thriving community filled with:

• Local shops, restaurants & global cuisine
• Arts, cultural programs & festivals
• High-tech industries & entrepreneurial ventures
• Sports organizations & recreation centres
• Heritage groups and historic societies

These elements contribute to Markham’s dynamic and welcoming identity.

Heritage Preserved Across Generations

Markham honours its past through:

• Restored heritage buildings
• Museums and cultural learning centres
• Multi-generational family businesses
• Over 200 years of preserved settlement history
• Traditions tied to farming, innovation & community cooperation

This connection to history remains an important part of local identity.

Agriculture Still Lives in the Region

While much of Markham has urbanized, pockets of agricultural activity still remain, including:

• Family farms
• Market gardens
• Equine operations
• Horticultural producers
• Rural artisans and homesteaders

This heritage is celebrated each year at the Markham Fair, one of Canada’s most historic agricultural events.

A Natural Companion to the Markham Fair

Together, Markham and its fair highlight:

• Rural heritage
• Cultural diversity
• Creativity and homecraft traditions
• Youth involvement
• Volunteer leadership
• Strong local pride

A Community Where Heritage & Innovation Flourish Side by Side

Whether strolling through historic Unionville, exploring conservation trails, visiting local farms, or celebrating long-loved traditions like the Markham Fair, Markham offers a memorable York Region experience, where heritage, innovation, and community spirit come together beautifully.