About the Fair

A Kawartha Lakes Tradition Celebrating Agriculture, Homecraft & Community Spirit

The Bobcaygeon Fall Fair, presented by the Bobcaygeon Agricultural Society, is a long-standing rural tradition in the Kawartha Lakes region—bringing together agriculture, homecraft, and community pride each fall. For generations, the fair has served as a gathering place for farm families, neighbours, and visitors, celebrating the skills, creativity, and connections that define life in and around Bobcaygeon.

A Fair Rooted in Farming, Settlement & Rural Exchange

The Bobcaygeon Fall Fair traces its origins to the era when farming communities were being established throughout the Kawartha Lakes. Agricultural societies played a vital role in rural life, offering farmers opportunities to share knowledge, improve livestock and crops, and strengthen social bonds.

Early fairs featured livestock judging, produce displays, baking and preserves, needlework, and practical rural demonstrations, many of which remain core elements of the fair today.

Agriculture at the Heart of the Bobcaygeon Fall Fair

Agriculture continues to anchor the fair, reflected in a wide range of exhibits and competitions, including:

• Cattle and livestock exhibitions
• Poultry, sheep, goats, and small animals
• Garden produce, grains, and field crops
• Rural skills, woodworking, and traditional crafts

These exhibits recognize the dedication of local agricultural families who have shaped the Kawartha Lakes landscape for generations.

Homecraft divisions—baking, preserves, quilting, sewing, knitting, floriculture, photography, art, and junior classes—celebrate creativity, self-reliance, and the domestic traditions of rural life.

Youth Participation & Generational Tradition

Youth involvement has always been a cornerstone of the Bobcaygeon Fall Fair. Through junior divisions, school exhibits, 4-H participation, and educational programming, young people develop:

• Agricultural awareness
• Practical skills and creativity
• Leadership and confidence
• A sense of heritage and responsibility
• Strong community pride

Many families participate year after year, creating a multigenerational tradition that keeps the fair vibrant and relevant.

Powered by Volunteers & Community Pride

The Bobcaygeon Agricultural Society, supported by dedicated volunteers, works year-round to organize and host the fair. From maintaining fairgrounds to coordinating exhibits and competitions, their commitment reflects the strong volunteer culture that defines Bobcaygeon and surrounding rural communities.

A Celebration of Kawartha Lakes Rural Identity

The Bobcaygeon Fall Fair celebrates the values that have long defined the region:

• Agricultural excellence
• Homecraft and creative expression
• Youth engagement
• Volunteer leadership
• Community connection
• Generational continuity

A Tradition That Continues to Thrive

More than just an annual event, the Bobcaygeon Fall Fair remains a cherished celebration—honouring the agricultural heritage, creativity, and community spirit that continue to shape Bobcaygeon and the wider Kawartha Lakes region.

About the Community.

Bobcaygeon, Ontario: A Historic Kawartha Community Where Waterways, Agriculture & Small-Town Charm Meet

Located along the scenic Trent–Severn Waterway, Bobcaygeon is one of the Kawartha Lakes’ most beloved communities, known for its rich history, waterfront setting, and welcoming small-town atmosphere. Blending tourism, agriculture, and deep-rooted local traditions, Bobcaygeon offers a distinctive rural-lakeside experience.

A Community Shaped by Locks, Lumber & Early Industry

Bobcaygeon’s history dates back to the early 1800s, when mills, boat traffic, and the construction of the Bobcaygeon Locks established the community as an important transportation and commercial hub. The town served surrounding farms while supporting lumber, milling, and marine industries.

Historic buildings, the lockstation, and the downtown streetscape continue to reflect Bobcaygeon’s industrious past.

A Landscape of Lakes, Farmland & Natural Beauty

The surrounding area features a unique blend of water and countryside, including:

• The Trent–Severn Waterway and local lakes
• Rolling farmland and rural roads
• Wetlands, forests, and conservation areas
• Scenic lookouts and waterfront parks
• Agricultural land throughout Kawartha Lakes

This combination of waterways and farmland defines Bobcaygeon’s character.

A Community Known for Pride, Events & Engagement

Bobcaygeon residents share a strong sense of community involvement, supporting:

• Local businesses and artisans
• Seasonal festivals and community events
• Service clubs and volunteer organizations
• Agricultural and heritage initiatives
• Recreation, boating, and outdoor activities

This civic pride strengthens Bobcaygeon’s close-knit feel.

Agriculture Remains Part of Bobcaygeon’s Story

While tourism plays a major role in the local economy, agriculture remains central to the surrounding landscape, with:

• Livestock and mixed farms
• Cash crop operations
• Small-scale producers and rural enterprises
• Family farms passed down through generations

This agricultural heritage is proudly showcased each year at the Bobcaygeon Fall Fair.

A Natural Companion to the Bobcaygeon Fall Fair

Together, Bobcaygeon and its fall fair highlight:

• Rural and agricultural heritage
• Youth involvement and education
• Homecraft and creativity
• Volunteer dedication
• Community pride and continuity

Where Heritage, Waterways & Community Spirit Come Together

Whether strolling the waterfront, exploring local shops, visiting nearby farms, or celebrating traditions like the Bobcaygeon Fall Fair, Bobcaygeon offers an authentic Kawartha Lakes experience, where history, agriculture, and small-town warmth continue to thrive side by side.