About the Fair

A Lanark County Tradition Celebrating Agriculture, Community Heritage & Rural Craftsmanship

The Perth Fair, presented by the Perth & District Agricultural Society, is one of Eastern Ontario’s most enduring rural celebrations. With origins dating back to the 1840s, the fair has long been a gathering place for farm families, local exhibitors, and community members across Lanark County.

A Fair with Deep Roots in Rural Ontario

The Perth Fair began in the early years of settlement, during a time when agricultural societies served as vital institutions for building rural prosperity. Farmers relied on fairs to share knowledge, exhibit livestock and crops, and strengthen ties with neighbouring communities.

Perth, already a well-established military settlement and commercial hub, provided the perfect setting. Early fairs featured livestock competitions, grain displays, homecraft exhibits, and demonstrations of rural skills, reflecting the hard work, resilience, and ingenuity of the region’s early settlers.

Agriculture at the Heart of the Fair

Agriculture remains central to the Perth Fair’s identity. Exhibits continue to showcase the strength and diversity of Lanark County’s farms, including:

• Dairy and beef cattle
• Sheep, goats, poultry, and small livestock
• Field crops, forage, and garden produce
• Rural crafts, woodwork, and farm-related handiwork

These displays celebrate the heritage, innovation, and dedication that define local agriculture.

Homecrafts are an equally important part of the fair, featuring quilting, sewing, knitting, preserves, baking, floriculture, photography, woodworking, and junior entries—maintaining traditions that have enriched rural family life for generations.

Youth Involvement & Multigenerational Participation

The Perth Fair places strong emphasis on youth. Through junior competitions, school exhibits, 4-H participation, and hands-on agricultural learning, young people gain:

• Leadership experience
• Agricultural knowledge
• Creative skills
• Responsibility and teamwork
• A sense of pride in local heritage

Many families participate in the fair across multiple generations, creating deep community bonds that continue year after year.

Sustained by Dedicated Volunteers

The Perth & District Agricultural Society and its volunteers form the backbone of the fair. Their ongoing efforts, organizing competitions, preparing fairgrounds, ensuring smooth operations, and preserving community traditions, ensure that the fair continues to thrive.

Their dedication reflects the spirit of cooperation and pride that defines Perth and its rural surroundings.

A Reflection of Perth’s Rural Identity

The fair embodies the values that shape Lanark County:

• Agricultural excellence
• Creative craftsmanship
• Community involvement
• Multigenerational continuity
• Heritage and rural culture
• Strong volunteerism

These qualities help make the Perth Fair one of Eastern Ontario’s most respected rural events.

A Tradition That Endures

Through changing times, the Perth Fair remains a cherished celebration of agriculture, creativity, and community spirit, linking Lanark County’s past with its vibrant present.

About the Community

Perth, Ontario: A Heritage Town of Stone Architecture, Parks & Timeless Small-Town Charm

Located along the Tay River in Lanark County, Perth, Ontario is one of the province’s most beautiful and historically rich small towns. Known for its remarkable stone architecture, inviting green spaces, and warm community atmosphere, Perth combines heritage charm with rural hospitality.

A Community Built on Early Settlement & Craftsmanship

Perth was established in 1816 as a military settlement following the War of 1812. Scottish, Irish, and English immigrants were granted land and encouraged to build a stable, growing town.

The community became widely known for its:

• Distinctive heritage stone buildings
• Skilled stonemasons and craftspeople
• Mill operations and early industries
• Important role as a regional service and trade centre

Many of Perth’s stone structures, homes, churches, shops, and civic buildings, remain beautifully preserved, giving the town a unique historical character rarely seen in Ontario.

A Landscape of Waterways, Parks & Rural Beauty

Perth offers a picturesque environment shaped by both nature and history:

• The gentle Tay River and Tay Basin
• Stewart Park’s expansive lawns, bridges, and heritage gardens
• Tree-lined streets and riverside pathways
• Rolling farmland surrounding the town
• Scenic rural roads connecting to Lanark County hamlets

The combination of rural countryside and elegant heritage streetscapes creates a peaceful yet vibrant community setting.

A Warm & Welcoming Town

Perth is known for its friendly atmosphere and strong sense of community. Residents take pride in supporting:

• Local shops and artisans
• Volunteer organizations
• Cultural groups and heritage associations
• Recreational and sports programs
• Seasonal events and community gatherings

This inclusive spirit helps maintain the town’s warm and welcoming character.

A Historic Downtown with Lasting Character

Downtown Perth features:

• Stone storefronts and heritage buildings
• Local cafés and restaurants
• Artisan boutiques and specialty shops
• Cultural venues and gathering places
• A walkable, charming streetscape

The downtown district feels like a step back in time—yet remains full of life, creativity, and modern amenities.

Agriculture Surrounds & Supports the Community

Though Perth is known for its heritage architecture and small-town charm, the surrounding rural region remains deeply agricultural. Local farms contribute to:

• Dairy and beef production
• Sheep and mixed livestock operations
• Field crop farming
• Maple syrup production
• Rural craftsmanship and homesteading traditions

This agricultural heritage is proudly celebrated each year at the Perth Fair, one of Lanark County’s most beloved traditions.

A Natural Partner to the Perth Fair

The fair reflects the community’s strongest qualities:

• Pride in rural heritage
• Youth involvement
• Creative homecraft traditions
• Volunteer leadership
• Generational continuity
• Strong community spirit

Together, the town and the fair paint a full picture of Perth’s identity—one rooted in history, agriculture, and community pride.

A Beautiful Ontario Town with Enduring Spirit

Whether enjoying Stewart Park, exploring heritage streets, connecting with local artisans, or celebrating longstanding traditions like the Perth Fair, Perth offers a warm and memorable Ontario experience.

It is a town where history is preserved, where agriculture remains important, and where community spirit shines in every season.

🌾 Explore Nearby Agritourism Experiences

Visitors attending the Perth Fair may also enjoy exploring nearby agritourism experiences and attractions in Lanark County and the Ottawa Valley.

• Perth Farmers’ Market – Perth – a popular market offering fresh produce, baked goods, artisan foods, and local products
• Wheelers Maple Products – McDonald’s Corners – a well-known maple syrup destination featuring tours, products, and forest trails
• Murphys Point Provincial Park – Perth area – a scenic destination featuring hiking trails, lakes, and historic silver mine tours
• Rideau Lakes Region – nearby area – a picturesque countryside destination known for lakes, villages, and scenic drives

Some nearby experiences include links to additional Ontario Agritourism Showcase pages with more visitor information.

Visitors interested in Ontario agricultural fairs may also enjoy exploring events such as the Middleville Fair and the McDonald’s Corners Fair, each celebrating the farming traditions and community heritage of the Ottawa Valley.