About the Fair
A Whitewater Region Tradition Celebrating Agriculture, Community & Rural Heritage
The Beachburg Fair, proudly organized by the Whitewater Region Agricultural Society, is one of the Ottawa Valley’s longstanding rural traditions. Rooted in more than a century of farming history, the fair reflects the spirit, resilience, and neighbourly pride that define life in Beachburg and the surrounding Whitewater Region.
A Fair with Deep Rural Roots
The origins of the Beachburg Fair stretch back to the late 1800s, when agricultural societies formed across Ontario to support and strengthen local farming communities. Like other Ottawa Valley villages of the era, Beachburg was built by hardworking settlers who carved farms out of forested land and relied on cooperation to thrive.
Early fairs served as annual milestones, bringing families together to share knowledge, compare livestock and crops, and celebrate the achievements of rural life. These gatherings also helped connect scattered farm families across the region, reinforcing a sense of shared identity and purpose.
The Beachburg Fair has carried these early traditions forward for generations.
Honouring Agriculture & Local Craftsmanship
Agriculture has always been at the heart of the fair. Livestock exhibits—featuring dairy and beef cattle, sheep, poultry, and small livestock—remain essential elements of its heritage. These displays reflect the care, dedication, and knowledge passed down through farm families who have shaped the region for decades.
The fair’s homecraft and domestic arts divisions tell another side of the community’s story. Quilts, knitting, preserves, baking, floriculture, woodworking, and youth projects shine with the creativity and hands-on skill that define rural life. Many of these traditions have been preserved through generations, with families proudly entering exhibits each year.
4-H clubs, long active in Renfrew County, continue to play a major role in the fair’s history. Youth projects and livestock exhibitions help young people develop leadership, responsibility, and an appreciation for agriculture—a legacy that strengthens the fair year after year.
A Fair Sustained by Community Spirit
The Beachburg Fair thrives because of its volunteers. Members of the Whitewater Region Agricultural Society devote countless hours to organizing competitions, maintaining grounds, preserving traditions, and supporting youth involvement.
These volunteers often represent multi-generation families with deep ties to the fair. Their dedication ensures the event remains a vibrant and meaningful celebration of rural values.
A Reflection of Beachburg’s Rural Identity
Beachburg is a farming community at its core. Surrounded by fields, woodlots, and multi-generation homesteads, it has long been shaped by agriculture and the rhythms of rural life. The fair mirrors the values and history of the community itself:
- Respect for farming heritage
- Pride in craftsmanship and rural skill
- A culture of volunteerism
- Strong family and community ties
- A tradition of celebrating local achievements
These qualities keep the fair deeply connected to the identity and history of the Whitewater Region.
A Tradition That Continues to Bring People Together
Though the world has changed dramatically since the fair’s beginnings, its purpose remains the same: to celebrate agriculture, honour local traditions, and bring the community together.
The Beachburg Fair endures because it matters—to families who exhibit, to youth who learn, to volunteers who serve, and to a community that values its rural past.
It remains one of the clearest expressions of Beachburg’s heritage and a proud reflection of the agricultural roots that continue to shape the region.
About the Community.
Beachburg, Ontario: A Friendly Ottawa Valley Village with Deep Roots & Boundless Rural Charm
Nestled in the rolling farmland of Renfrew County, Beachburg, Ontario is a village that blends rural charm, Ottawa Valley warmth, and a strong sense of community pride. Part of the Whitewater Region, Beachburg is known for its friendly neighbours, agricultural heritage, and scenic surroundings shaped by fields, forests, and the legendary whitewater of the Ottawa River.
A Village Built by Settlers, Farmers & Valley Families
Beachburg’s origins date back to the mid-1800s, when early settlers arrived to farm, trade, and build a community along the rich lands of the Valley. With fertile soil, dense forests, and access to transportation routes, the village grew steadily as families established farms, mills, shops, and community halls.
Many of today’s residents can trace their roots back through multiple generations of farmers, loggers, and settlers who helped build the region. This long history gives Beachburg a sense of continuity and identity seldom found in fast-growing communities.
A Landscape of Countryside Beauty
Beachburg sits amid a landscape that perfectly captures the spirit of the Ottawa Valley:
- Expansive agricultural fields
- Farmsteads passed down through generations
- Forest backroads and quiet concessions
- Wildlife-rich natural areas
- Broad open skies and peaceful rural vistas
Whether you’re driving through the countryside, cycling quiet roads, or enjoying a calm evening walk, the natural beauty of the region is unmistakable.
The Heart of the Whitewater Region
Beachburg is part of a region known across Canada for its adventurous spirit and natural attractions. Just minutes away lies the world-famous Ottawa River whitewater corridor, home to rafting, paddling, and outdoor recreation enjoyed by visitors from around the world.
But at the same time, Beachburg remains firmly grounded in its rural identity—quiet, welcoming, and shaped by local families, businesses, and traditions.
A Community Where Volunteers Make All the Difference
One of Beachburg’s greatest strengths is its active volunteer culture. Local service clubs, churches, community groups, and agricultural organizations all contribute to keeping village life vibrant.
These volunteers organize events, maintain community spaces, support youth programs, and preserve traditions that reflect the region’s values. Their dedication helps make Beachburg a place where people feel connected and supported.
Agriculture: The Foundation of the Community
Farming remains central to the life of the village. The surrounding countryside is home to:
- Dairy and beef operations
- Hay and grain fields
- Vegetable gardens and small producers
- Rural homesteads and multi-generation farms
Agriculture shapes the rhythms of life here—from planting and harvest to seasonal community gatherings.
This heritage is proudly celebrated each year at the Beachburg Fair, one of the most important expressions of local pride and tradition.
A Perfect Match for the Beachburg Fair
The fair reflects the community’s personality, friendly, agricultural, hands-on, and deeply rooted in tradition. It brings together long-time residents, new families, and visitors who want to experience the best of small-town Ontario.
The partnership between the fair and the community highlights what makes Beachburg special:
authentic rural values, strong community spirit, and a shared pride in heritage.
A Village That Feels Like Home
Whether you are exploring the countryside, chatting with locals at a café, attending a community fundraiser, or enjoying the fairgrounds during a summer event, Beachburg offers a welcoming atmosphere and a deep sense of belonging.
It’s a village built on history, strengthened by community, and defined by the pure friendliness that the Ottawa Valley is known for.
