About the Fair

A Proud Lambton County Tradition Celebrating Agriculture, Homecraft & Community Spirit Since 1885

The Petrolia & Enniskillen Fall Fair, proudly presented by the Enniskillen Agricultural Society, has been a cherished community celebration in Lambton County since 1885. For nearly 140 years, the fair has brought together families, neighbours, and visitors to honour agricultural excellence, homecraft traditions, and the enduring community spirit that defines both Petrolia and Enniskillen Township.

A Fair Rooted in Rural Life & Early Community Growth

The fair began during a formative time when Petrolia was booming as Canada’s early oil capital, while the surrounding Enniskillen Township was flourishing with family farms and rural enterprise. Agricultural societies played an essential role in balancing these worlds, supporting farmers, improving livestock, and building strong community ties.

Early fairs featured livestock judging, grain and garden produce, preserves, quilts, sewing, and demonstrations of homesteading skills, traditions that continue to shape the fair today.

Agriculture at the Heart of the Petrolia & Enniskillen Fall Fair

Agriculture continues to be the foundation of the fair, proudly represented in exhibits that include:

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

These exhibits reflect the dedication and knowledge of generations of Lambton County farm families.

The homecraft divisions, including baking, preserves, sewing, quilting, knitting, floriculture, photography, arts, and junior classes, celebrate the creativity and domestic traditions that continue to enrich rural life.

Youth Participation & Generational Strength

Youth involvement has always been a defining feature of the Petrolia & Enniskillen Fall Fair. Through 4-H clubs, junior divisions, school exhibits, and hands-on agricultural learning, young people develop:

• Leadership and teamwork
• Practical farm and homecraft skills
• Creativity and confidence
• Agricultural literacy
• A strong sense of heritage and community

Generational participation, where families exhibit together across multiple generations, keeps traditions alive and relevant.

Driven by Volunteers & Local Dedication

The Enniskillen Agricultural Society, supported by a dedicated group of volunteers, works tirelessly year-round to maintain fair traditions. Their efforts, coordinating exhibits, preparing fairgrounds, supporting participants, and celebrating rural heritage, reflect the strong community pride that defines the region.

A Celebration of Lambton County’s Rural Values

The Petrolia & Enniskillen Fall Fair highlights the region’s most enduring values:

• Agricultural excellence
• Creative homecraft expression
• Youth involvement
• Volunteer leadership
• Generational continuity
• Community unity

A Tradition That Endures

More than a century after its founding, the Petrolia & Enniskillen Fall Fair remains a treasured community celebration, honouring agricultural roots, creativity, and communal pride throughout Petrolia, Enniskillen, and rural Lambton County.

About the Community

Petrolia, Ontario: A Vibrant Lambton County Community Where Oil Heritage, Rural Roots & Local Spirit Thrive

Located in Lambton County, Petrolia is a dynamic community known for its remarkable oil heritage, warm small-town character, and strong ties to the surrounding countryside. Once dubbed “Canada’s Victorian Oil Town,” Petrolia blends historic charm with modern vibrancy, offering a unique mix of culture, history, and rural hospitality.

A Community Built on Canada’s First Oil Boom

Petrolia’s dramatic early growth began in the 1860s when oil was discovered nearby, launching one of North America’s earliest oil booms. Derricks, refineries, machine shops, and bustling businesses transformed the village into an international centre of oil technology and expertise.

Historic buildings, including Victoria Hall, the iconic “Castle on the Hill”, still tell the story of Petrolia’s remarkable industrial past.

Bell from Victoria Hall, Petrolia, Ontario, 2026-05-17_01 – By Chris Woodrich

A Landscape of Farms, Woodlots & Rolling Rural Roads

While Petrolia thrived as an oil town, the surrounding Enniskillen countryside remained rooted in agriculture. Today, the region is defined by:

• Dairy, beef & livestock farms
• Fields of soybeans, corn, and wheat
• Woodlots, creeks & natural wildlife habitat
• Quiet concession roads ideal for scenic drives
• Open rural vistas under signature Lambton County skies

This blend of industry and farmland has shaped Petrolia’s character for generations.

A Community Known for Culture, Involvement & Local Pride

Petrolia residents enthusiastically support:

• Theatres, arts programs & cultural events (including the landmark Victoria Playhouse)
• Local shops, eateries, and artisan makers
• Recreation programs and youth sports
• Service clubs and volunteer organizations
• Seasonal festivals and traditional celebrations

The community’s sense of pride and involvement creates a welcoming, vibrant atmosphere.

444 Greenfield Street, Petrolia, Ontario, 2026-05-17_01 By Chris Woodrich

Heritage Preserved Through Generations

Petrolia honours its rich past through:

• Restored historic buildings
• Local museums and heritage groups
• Long-standing family businesses
• Traditions tied to both agriculture and oil history

These heritage elements help define Petrolia’s unique identity.

Agriculture Remains Essential to the Region

Beyond Petrolia’s historic downtown, the wider Enniskillen area maintains a strong agricultural foundation, supported by:

• Dairy and beef farms
• Mixed livestock operations
• Cash crop producers
• Market gardeners and rural artisans

This agricultural strength is proudly celebrated each year at the Petrolia & Enniskillen Fall Fair, one of the region’s most enduring traditions.

Vaughn’s Block, Petrolia, Ontario, 2026-05-17 By Chris Woodrich

A Natural Companion to the Petrolia & Enniskillen Fall Fair

Together, Petrolia and its fair highlight:

• Rural heritage
• Youth development
• Homecraft excellence
• Generational pride
• Volunteer spirit
• Strong community connection

A Community Where Heritage, Creativity & Rural Life Flourish

Whether exploring its historic downtown, enjoying live theatre, visiting nearby farms, or celebrating long-loved traditions like the Petrolia & Enniskillen Fall Fair, Petrolia offers a unique and memorable Lambton County experience, where heritage, creativity, and rural warmth come together beautifully.

🌾 Explore Nearby Agritourism Experiences

Visitors attending the Petrolia & Enniskillen Fall Fair may also enjoy exploring nearby agritourism experiences and attractions in Lambton County and Southwestern Ontario.

• Petrolia Farmers’ Market – Petrolia – a community market offering fresh produce, baked goods, artisan foods, and local products
• Oil Museum of Canada – Oil Springs – a nationally significant museum exploring Canada’s early oil industry heritage
• Twin Pines Orchards & Cider House – Thedford area – a popular farm destination known for apples, cider, and seasonal experiences
• Canatara Park & Lake Huron Shoreline – Sarnia area – a scenic destination featuring beaches, trails, and waterfront recreation

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 Forest Fall Fair and the Highgate Fair, each celebrating the farming traditions and community heritage of Southwestern Ontario.