About the Fair

A Zorra Township Tradition Celebrating Agriculture, Homecraft & Rural Community Pride Since 1851

The Embro Fall Fair, presented by the Embro & Zorra Agricultural Society, is one of Ontario’s oldest rural exhibitions. First held in 1851, the fair has proudly celebrated the agricultural heritage, creativity, and strong community spirit that define Embro and the Township of Zorra for more than 170 years. For generations, families, farmers, neighbours, and visitors have gathered at the fairgrounds to honour the skills and traditions at the heart of rural life.

A Fair Rooted in Early Settlement & Rural Development

The Embro Fall Fair began at a time when settlers were establishing farms, mills, and community centres across Zorra Township. Agricultural societies played an essential role in supporting farming improvements, fostering cooperation, and helping build strong rural communities.

Early Embro fairs showcased livestock, field crops, vegetables, homemade goods, and demonstrations of essential homesteading skills. These exhibitions strengthened local identity and encouraged both agricultural and domestic excellence.

Agriculture at the Heart of the Embro Fall Fair

Agriculture remains central to the Embro Fall Fair, proudly represented through exhibits such as:

• Dairy and beef cattle
• Sheep, goats, poultry, and small livestock
• Field crops, grain, hay, vegetables, and garden produce
• Woodworking, rural crafts, and traditional homesteading skills

These displays highlight the expertise, dedication, and resilience of farming families who have shaped the region for generations.

Homecraft divisions, including baking, preserves, sewing, quilting, knitting, floriculture, photography, crafts, and junior entries, celebrate the creativity and domestic artistry that remain integral to rural life in Zorra Township.

Youth Engagement & Generational Continuity

Young people have long played a meaningful role in the Embro Fall Fair. Through 4-H clubs, school exhibits, junior categories, and agricultural education opportunities, they develop:

• Leadership and responsibility
• Hands-on farm and homecraft skills
• Creativity and confidence
• Agricultural literacy
• A sense of community pride

Generational involvement is strong, with many families taking part in the fair year after year.

Guided by Volunteers & Deep Community Commitment

The Embro & Zorra Agricultural Society and its dedicated volunteers work tirelessly to preserve the fair’s traditions and ensure its success. Their commitment, supporting exhibitors, maintaining fairgrounds, organizing displays, and honouring heritage, reflects the community spirit that has shaped Embro since its earliest days.

A Celebration of Oxford County’s Rural Identity

The Embro Fall Fair celebrates the qualities that define the region:

• Agricultural excellence
• Creative homecraft traditions
• Youth involvement
• Volunteer dedication
• Generational pride
• A strong sense of community

A Tradition That Endures

Over the span of nearly two centuries, the Embro Fall Fair has remained a cherished celebration of agriculture, craftsmanship, and rural community spirit, linking Zorra Township’s heritage with the vibrancy of today’s rural life.

About the Community

Embro, Ontario: A Welcoming Rural Village Rooted in Heritage, Farmland & Community Spirit

Located in Zorra Township in Oxford County, Embro, Ontario is a warm, community-focused village known for its agricultural roots, Scottish heritage, and small-town charm. Surrounded by rolling farmland and rich rural landscapes, Embro blends tradition, history, and community pride in a way that reflects the best of rural southwestern Ontario.

A Community Shaped by Early Settlement & Cultural Traditions

Embro’s history reaches back to the 1800s, when Scottish settlers and other early families established farms and built the foundations of the village. The community quickly developed milling operations, churches, shops, and social organizations that supported rural life.

Today, Embro’s heritage can still be seen in its historic buildings, community events, and long-standing family traditions.

A Landscape of Farmland, Fields & Rural Beauty

Embro is surrounded by classic Oxford County scenery:

• Wide fields of corn, soybeans, hay, and grain
• Dairy, beef, and mixed farming operations
• Wooded areas and natural windbreaks
• Meandering rural roads and concession routes
• Peaceful countryside vistas

This agricultural landscape contributes to the village’s tranquil rural character.

A Community Known for Togetherness & Local Pride

Embro is home to a strong sense of community involvement. Residents support:

• Local service clubs
• Agricultural organizations
• Community halls and heritage groups
• Youth sports and recreation activities
• Longstanding cultural celebrations and annual events

Volunteerism and neighbourly spirit are central to life in Embro.

Heritage Preserved Through Generations

Embro continues to preserve its history through:

• Century-old farms and homesteads
• Heritage buildings and community landmarks
• Cultural traditions passed down over time
• Stories that reflect the village’s Scottish roots

This continuity adds depth and richness to Embro’s identity.

Agriculture Continues to Shape Daily Life

Farming remains an important foundation of the community, supporting:

• Dairy and beef production
• Field crop agriculture
• Mixed livestock operations
• Local food producers and rural artisans

These agricultural strengths are proudly celebrated each year at the Embro Fall Fair, a cherished community tradition.

A Natural Companion to the Embro Fall Fair

Together, Embro and its fair highlight the community’s strongest qualities:

• Rural heritage
• Youth participation
• Generational pride
• Volunteer commitment
• Homecraft creativity
• Community belonging

A Community Where Heritage, Farmland & Rural Traditions Flourish

Whether exploring peaceful country roads, visiting friendly neighbours, enjoying the beauty of open farmland, or celebrating longtime traditions like the Embro Fall Fair, Embro offers a warm and memorable rural Ontario experience, where community pride and rural heritage shine brightly.