About the Fair

A Wollaston Township Tradition Honouring Rural Heritage, Agriculture & Community Spirit

The Coe Hill Fair, proudly presented by the Wollaston Township Agricultural Society, is one of Hastings County’s most cherished rural traditions. With roots stretching back more than a century, the fair continues to celebrate agricultural heritage, country craftsmanship, and the strong sense of community that defines Coe Hill and the surrounding townships.

A Fair Built on Pioneer Determination

The Coe Hill Fair began during an era when small agricultural societies served as essential hubs for farm families across rural Ontario. Wollaston Township, a region shaped by rugged terrain, early farming settlements, logging operations, and resourceful pioneers, embraced the idea of an annual exhibition that would bring residents together.

Early fairs featured livestock, produce, homecrafts, and friendly competition. These exhibitions gave local families a chance to share knowledge, showcase their work, and honour the traditions that supported rural life in the northern reaches of Hastings County.

Agricultural Pride at the Centre

Even though farming in Coe Hill developed under challenging conditions, rocky land, mixed soil, and a short northern growing season, agriculture remains a defining part of the community’s identity. For generations, families have proudly exhibited:

• Dairy and beef cattle
• Sheep, goats, and poultry
• Garden produce and field crops
• Rural household and farm-related crafts

The homecraft sections are equally important. Quilts, preserves, baking, sewing, woodworking, floriculture, and youth projects all highlight the creativity and practical skills that have long shaped rural living.

Youth at the Heart of the Tradition

Young people have always played a central role in the Coe Hill Fair. Through junior classes, school exhibits, and hands-on rural learning, youth gain experience in:

• Agricultural literacy
• Animal care
• Creative expression
• Domestic arts
• Responsibility and leadership

Generations of families have grown up participating in the fair, often returning as adult volunteers, exhibitors, or community organizers.

A Fair Sustained by Volunteers

The Coe Hill Fair owes its longevity to the dedication of the Wollaston Township Agricultural Society and its many volunteers. Their commitment, whether planning exhibits, coordinating judging, preparing grounds, or maintaining tradition, ensures the fair remains a meaningful and cherished event.

Many volunteers represent families who have supported the fair for decades, reinforcing the pride and continuity that define rural Ontario communities.

A Reflection of Coe Hill’s Rural Character

The fair mirrors the values that make Coe Hill unique:

• Resilience and resourcefulness
• Creativity and rural craftsmanship
• Community connection
• Multi-generation participation
• Genuine respect for agricultural heritage

These qualities help preserve the fair’s role as one of the community’s strongest expressions of local identity.

A Tradition That Endures

Though the region has changed over time, the Coe Hill Fair remains a powerful link to the community’s past, honouring pioneer roots, celebrating rural talent, and uniting families who continue to take pride in their heritage.

About the Community

Coe Hill, Ontario: A Northern Hastings County Hamlet Full of History, Character & Rural Charm

Nestled among lakes, forests, and scenic backroads in northern Hastings County, Coe Hill, Ontario is a small but vibrant rural community known for its friendly atmosphere, pioneer roots, and rugged natural beauty. Though modest in size, Coe Hill offers a distinctive blend of heritage, creativity, and northern country charm that leaves a lasting impression.

A Hamlet Built on Farming, Logging & Early Industry

Coe Hill’s history reaches back to the mid-to-late 1800s, when pioneer families settled in the region to carve out homesteads, operate sawmills, and build small farms in an area shaped by rocky soil, dense forests, and rolling terrain. Resourcefulness was essential, and local settlers developed a community defined by hard work, cooperation, and neighbourly support.

Early industries included:

• Saw mills and lumbering
• Farming and mixed agriculture
• Small-scale mining ventures
• Local trade and general stores

Many of today’s families trace their roots back to these early settlers, whose resilience shaped the hamlet’s identity.

A Landscape of Lakes, Forests & Country Roads

Surrounded by the natural beauty of the Canadian Shield, Coe Hill is framed by:

• Quiet lakes and waterways
• Forest trails and wildlife-rich woodlands
• Rolling hills and rocky outcrops
• Peaceful concession roads
• Scenic lookouts and rural vistas

This northern landscape makes Coe Hill an area beloved by cottagers, outdoor enthusiasts, artists, and those seeking a simpler rhythm of life.

A Friendly, Creative Community

Coe Hill may be small, but it is rich in talent and community energy. Local artisans, craftspeople, and small business owners contribute to a lively rural culture. From handmade goods to seasonal markets, the hamlet has become a hub for creativity and community involvement.

Residents share a strong sense of camaraderie. Volunteers, local groups, and service organizations play essential roles in maintaining facilities, supporting events, and enhancing community spaces.

A Village Centre with Character

Coe Hill’s village hub features:

• Local shops and services
• Historic structures
• Community gathering places
• Rural businesses and meeting spots

Despite its small size, the community maintains a warm and welcoming atmosphere where neighbours connect easily and visitors feel at home.

Agriculture: The Heart of the Community

Agriculture continues to shape Coe Hill and its surrounding regions. Local operations include:

• Small family farms
• Mixed livestock
• Hay and forage production
• Hobby farms and rural homesteads

Agriculture remains deeply woven into the community’s identity and seasonal rhythms.

This heritage is proudly celebrated each year at the Coe Hill Fair, one of the region’s most enduring expressions of rural life.

A Perfect Partner to the Coe Hill Fair

The fair reflects Coe Hill’s strongest qualities:

• Commitment to rural heritage
• Youth involvement
• Community cooperation
• Multi-generation pride
• Creativity and traditional skills

Together, Coe Hill and its fair tell a complete story of a resilient rural community grounded in history and strengthened by the people who call it home.

A Hamlet with Heart

Whether exploring peaceful backroads, enjoying the natural landscape, connecting with friendly residents, or celebrating traditions like the Coe Hill Fair, the community offers a memorable and heartfelt rural experience.

Coe Hill is a place where history is honoured, where nature sets the rhythm, and where community spirit thrives in every season.