About the Fair

A Long-Standing Eastern Ontario Tradition Celebrating Agriculture, Community Heritage & Rural Pride

The Stormont County Fair, proudly organized by the Stormont Agricultural Society, is one of Eastern Ontario’s longest-running agricultural celebrations. First held in the mid-19th century, the fair continues to honour the farming traditions, homecraft skills, and community spirit that have defined Stormont County for generations.

A Fair with Deep Agricultural Foundations

The Stormont County Fair began during the formative years of Ontario’s agricultural society movement. Throughout the 1800s, rural fairs were essential for farmers to share knowledge, compare livestock and crops, and build stronger community connections.

Situated at the heart of Stormont County, an area known for its fertile farmland and early settlement, the fair quickly became an important annual gathering. Early exhibitions showcased livestock judging, field crop competitions, domestic arts, and demonstrations of rural skills that were central to the region’s growing agricultural identity.

Agriculture at the Core of the Fair

Agriculture remains the foundation of the Stormont County Fair. Farmers and exhibitors from across the region proudly present:

• Dairy and beef cattle
• Sheep, goats, poultry, and small livestock
• Field crops, grains, and hay
• Rural craftsmanship, woodworking, and heritage skills

These exhibits celebrate the agricultural strength and diversity that have long defined Stormont County and the surrounding townships.

The fair’s homecraft divisions, including quilting, sewing, preserves, baking, floriculture, photography, and junior entries, remain an essential component, showcasing the creativity and practical artistry that flourish in rural communities.

Youth Engagement & Generational Tradition

Young people have always played a vital role in the Stormont County Fair’s legacy. Through 4-H clubs, junior categories, school participation, and hands-on learning, youth gain:

• Agricultural literacy
• Leadership experience
• Creative and practical skills
• Confidence and responsibility
• Pride in local heritage

Many families have participated in the fair for multiple generations, giving the event a powerful sense of continuity.

Powered by Volunteers & Community Commitment

The success of the Stormont County Fair is driven by the dedication of the Stormont Agricultural Society and its volunteers. Their efforts, organizing exhibits, maintaining fairgrounds, preserving records, and fostering community involvement, ensure that the fair remains vibrant and meaningful year after year.

Their hard work embodies the cooperative and community-focused spirit that defines Stormont County.

A Reflection of Eastern Ontario’s Rural Identity

The fair highlights the values that have shaped the region:

• Agricultural excellence
• Homecraft traditions
• Multigenerational involvement
• Volunteer leadership
• Rural pride
• A strong sense of community

These qualities have helped sustain the Stormont County Fair as one of the area’s most respected rural celebrations.

A Tradition That Endures

Through decades of change, the Stormont County Fair remains a cherished celebration of agriculture, creativity, and community, the heart of rural life in Stormont County.

About the Community

Stormont County, Ontario: A Historic Eastern Ontario Region Rooted in Farmland, Heritage & Rural Strength

Located in Eastern Ontario, along the St. Lawrence River and stretching north through rolling countryside, Stormont County is a region rich in agricultural heritage, Loyalist history, and strong rural traditions. Today part of the United Counties of Stormont, Dundas & Glengarry, the county remains a vibrant area where farmland, history, and community spirit come together.

A County Shaped by Loyalist Roots & Early Settlement

Stormont County’s story begins in the late 1700s, when United Empire Loyalists settled along the St. Lawrence River following the American Revolution. These early families established farms, mills, and small communities that laid the foundation for the region’s growth.

Throughout the 19th century, agriculture flourished across Stormont’s fertile fields, while small villages and service centres grew into thriving rural hubs. Heritage homes, stone buildings, and long-established farms still reflect the area’s early prosperity and strong historical identity.

A Landscape of Farmland, River Views & Rural Beauty

Stormont County is known for its varied and scenic landscapes, including:

• Fertile agricultural fields
• Gently rolling countryside
• Woodlots and rural forests
• Quiet concession roads
• Communities overlooking the St. Lawrence River
• Wildlife-rich natural areas and conservation lands

Each season adds its own character, from spring planting and summer greens to autumn harvests and peaceful winter fields.

A County Built on Community & Cooperation

Stormont’s rural communities are known for their welcoming spirit and strong local ties. Residents support:

• Service clubs and volunteer organizations
• Family-run farms and businesses
• Cultural and heritage groups
• Agricultural associations
• Recreational and community-building events

This spirit of cooperation reinforces Stormont County’s small-town warmth and neighbourly character.

Agriculture at the Heart of County Life

Agriculture remains one of Stormont County’s defining features. Local farms contribute to:

• Dairy and beef production
• Cash crops such as corn, soybeans, and wheat
• Hay and forage
• Poultry and mixed livestock
• Seed, grain, and specialty production
• Maple syrup and homestead traditions

Farm families form the backbone of the local economy and culture, ensuring that agriculture remains central to the region’s identity.

This heritage is proudly celebrated each year at the Stormont County Fair, one of the county’s most significant rural traditions.

A Natural Companion to the Stormont County Fair

The fair embodies the county’s strongest qualities:

• Pride in rural heritage
• Generational participation
• Volunteer leadership
• Youth engagement
• Creative homecraft traditions
• Strong community spirit

Together, Stormont County and its fair tell a complete story of agricultural resilience and community pride.

A Region with Heritage, Heart & Rural Strength

Whether travelling scenic country roads, visiting historic communities, meeting local farm families, or celebrating cherished traditions like the Stormont County Fair, Stormont County offers an authentic and memorable Ontario experience.

It is a region where heritage is honoured, where agriculture thrives, and where community spirit endures across generations.