About the Fair

A Proud Oxford County Tradition Celebrating Agriculture, Craftsmanship & Community Heritage

The Woodstock Fair, presented by the Woodstock Agricultural Society, is one of Ontario’s oldest continuing rural exhibitions. Founded in 1851, it stands as a testament to the agricultural heritage, creative talent, and community pride that have shaped Woodstock and Oxford County for nearly two centuries.

A Fair with Deep Agricultural Roots

The Woodstock Fair began during a formative period in Ontario’s rural development, when agricultural societies were being established to support farmers, improve agricultural practices, and strengthen local economies. With rich farmland surrounding the city and a growing agricultural community, Woodstock quickly became a natural location for an annual fair.

Early fairs focused heavily on livestock judging, grain competitions, produce displays, and demonstrations of essential farm skills. These exhibitions played a key role in helping local farmers exchange knowledge and improve their craft, while also strengthening the bonds of the surrounding rural communities.

Agriculture at the Heart of the Fair

Agriculture remains central to the Woodstock Fair. Exhibitors from across Oxford County present:

• Dairy and beef cattle
• Sheep, goats, poultry, and small livestock
• Field crops, vegetables, grains, and hay
• Woodworking, rural handicrafts, and heritage agricultural skills

These exhibits honour the hard work and expertise of local farmers who have shaped Woodstock’s rural identity for generations.

The fair’s homecraft divisions, including quilting, sewing, preserves, baking, floriculture, photography, and junior exhibits, remain a cherished tradition, highlighting the creativity and practical skills deeply woven into rural life.

Youth Engagement & Generational Involvement

The Woodstock Fair places strong emphasis on youth participation. Through 4-H programs, school exhibits, junior divisions, and agricultural learning opportunities, young people develop:

• Leadership and responsibility
• Agricultural literacy
• Creative and practical abilities
• A sense of community connection
• Pride in local heritage

Generational involvement is a hallmark of the fair, with many families contributing to it year after year.

Sustained by Volunteers & Community Spirit

The Woodstock Agricultural Society and its volunteers are the driving force behind the fair. Their year-round efforts, organizing exhibits, maintaining fairgrounds, preserving history, and encouraging participation, ensure that the fair continues to thrive.

Their dedication reflects the cooperative spirit and rural pride that have long defined Woodstock and Oxford County.

A Reflection of Oxford County’s Agricultural Heritage

The fair embodies the community’s strongest values:

• Agricultural strength
• Homecraft creativity
• Volunteer leadership
• Youth engagement
• Multigenerational tradition
• Strong community identity

These qualities help sustain the Woodstock Fair as one of Southwestern Ontario’s most respected agricultural traditions.

A Tradition That Endures

Through generations of change, the Woodstock Fair remains a proud celebration of agriculture, creativity, and community, the heart of rural life in Oxford County.

About the Community

Woodstock, Ontario: A Heritage-Rich Southwestern Ontario City Rooted in Agriculture, Industry & Community Pride

Located in the heart of Oxford County, Woodstock, Ontario is a vibrant and historic city known for its strong agricultural roots, dynamic cultural life, and welcoming small-city spirit. Blending heritage charm with modern growth, Woodstock offers a distinctive Southwestern Ontario experience shaped by tradition, creativity, and community connection.

A City Built on Settlement, Agriculture & Innovation

Woodstock’s beginnings date back to the early 1800s when settlers were drawn to the area’s fertile farmland and strategic location between London and Toronto. Mills, shops, farms, and community institutions soon developed along Dundas Street, the backbone of the emerging settlement.

By the late 19th century, Woodstock had become a major regional centre for agriculture, industry, and commerce. Known historically as the “Dairy Capital of Canada,” the city gained prominence for its strong dairy farming culture, cheese production, and agricultural innovation, legacies that still shape local life today.

A Landscape of Farmland, Parks & Heritage Streets

Although Woodstock has grown into a bustling city, it remains intimately connected to its surrounding rural landscape. The region features:

• Expansive fields of corn, soybeans, and hay
• Dairy farms and multi-generational family operations
• Wooded nature areas and conservation lands
• The Thames River and lush community parks
• Heritage streets lined with century homes and mature trees

Each season adds its own beauty, from green farm fields in summer to colourful fall vistas and crisp winter mornings.

A Friendly & Engaged Community

Woodstock is known for its strong sense of community belonging. Residents support:

• Local service clubs
• Arts, culture, and heritage groups
• Agricultural organizations
• Sports leagues and youth programs
• Festivals, markets, and community events

The city’s downtown area, with its blend of historic storefronts, cafés, and shops, serves as a lively meeting place for both residents and visitors.

A Blend of Modern Energy & Historical Pride

Woodstock balances growth with heritage preservation. The community celebrates its past through:

• The Woodstock Museum housed in the historic town hall
• Century-old architecture and heritage districts
• Longstanding community traditions
• A continued dedication to agricultural excellence

At the same time, modern amenities, economic development, and cultural initiatives give the city a vibrant, forward-thinking energy.

Agriculture Remains a Cornerstone

While Woodstock has diversified, agriculture is still foundational to the region’s identity. Local farms and rural businesses contribute to:

• Dairy and beef production
• Crop farming and agri-food enterprises
• Maple syrup and homestead traditions
• Rural craftsmanship and food culture

This agricultural heritage is celebrated each year at the Woodstock Fair, one of the city’s longest-standing traditions.

A Natural Companion to the Woodstock Fair

The fair reflects Woodstock’s most defining strengths:

• Pride in agricultural roots
• Youth engagement
• Creative homecraft traditions
• Volunteer leadership
• Generational participation
• A strong sense of community belonging

Together, the city and its fair tell a complete story of Woodstock’s heritage, identity, and enduring rural spirit.

A Community with History, Heart & Enduring Charm

Whether strolling through its historic neighbourhoods, exploring scenic rural roads, connecting with welcoming residents, or celebrating local traditions like the Woodstock Fair, Woodstock offers a memorable Southwestern Ontario experience, where past and present come together with warmth and pride.