About the Fair

A Wellington County Tradition Celebrating Agriculture, Heritage & Community Spirit Since 1850

The Erin Fall Fair, proudly presented by the Erin Agricultural Society, has been one of Ontario’s most enduring rural celebrations since 1850. For more than 170 years, the fair has brought together families, farmers, neighbours, and visitors to honour agricultural excellence, creative homecrafts, and the vibrant community spirit that defines Erin and the surrounding Wellington County countryside.

A Fair Rooted in Early Settlement & Rural Ingenuity

The first Erin Fall Fair was held when the village was still a developing farming community, shaped by mills, tradespeople, and the surrounding fields and concession roads. Agricultural societies were central to rural life at the time, offering farmers a place to share knowledge, improve livestock quality, and strengthen community bonds.

Early Erin fairs featured livestock judging, grain and produce competitions, preserves, sewing, quilting, and demonstrations of essential homesteading skills. These long-standing traditions remain at the heart of the fair today.

Agriculture at the Heart of the Erin Fall Fair

Agriculture continues to guide the fair’s purpose and programming, represented through a wide array of exhibits:

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

These displays celebrate the skill, dedication, and resilience of the farm families who have shaped Erin’s rural identity for generations.

The fair’s robust homecraft divisions, including preserves, baking, handicrafts, quilting, knitting, floriculture, photography, arts, and junior categories, demonstrate the creativity and domestic traditions that have always enriched rural community life.

Youth Involvement & Generational Strength

For decades, young people have played a central role in the Erin Fall Fair. Through 4-H clubs, schoolwork displays, junior competitions, and agricultural learning opportunities, youth gain:

• Leadership skills
• Practical agricultural and homecraft knowledge
• Confidence and creativity
• Teamwork and responsibility
• A meaningful connection to their community’s heritage

Generational participation is one of the fair’s defining strengths, families often exhibit side-by-side across three or four generations.

Sustained by Volunteers & Community Commitment

The Erin Agricultural Society, supported by enthusiastic volunteers, works year-round to preserve the fair’s traditions. Their efforts, maintaining grounds, organizing exhibits, supporting participants, and celebrating rural heritage, reflect the strong, supportive community spirit that has characterized the fair since its beginnings.

A Celebration of Wellington County’s Rural Values

The Erin Fall Fair proudly upholds the region’s most enduring values:

• Agricultural achievement
• Creative homecraft excellence
• Youth engagement
• Volunteer leadership
• Generational continuity
• Community unity

A Tradition That Endures

More than a century and a half after its founding, the Erin Fall Fair remains a cherished celebration, honouring the agricultural roots, creativity, and community strength that continue to enrich Erin and rural Wellington County.

About the Community

Erin, Ontario: A Scenic Wellington County Community Where Rural Heritage, Nature & Small-Town Spirit Thrive

Nestled among the rolling hills of Wellington County, Erin is a warm and welcoming rural community known for its natural beauty, agricultural heritage, and vibrant small-town character. With historic streetscapes, family-run farms, artisan shops, and surrounding countryside, Erin blends old-fashioned charm with a creative, modern energy.

A Community Built on Mills, Farmland & Early Settlement

Erin’s early development began in the mid-1800s as mills, foundries, and general stores appeared along the local waterways. Surrounding farms soon connected to the growing village, forming a lively network of rural residents and small businesses.

Historic homes, heritage storefronts, and local landmarks still reflect this early settlement era, preserving the community’s deep agricultural and artisanal roots.

A Landscape of Rolling Hills, Forests & Country Roads

Erin is surrounded by the classic rural scenery that Wellington County is known for:

• Rolling farmland and pasture
• Woodlots, forests & wildlife-rich natural areas
• Winding concession roads ideal for scenic drives
• Peaceful rivers and stream valleys
• Conservation lands and hiking trails

This natural environment adds beauty and tranquility to daily life.

A Community Defined by Creativity, Involvement & Local Pride

Erin is known for its friendly, community-minded residents who support:

• Local shops, cafés & artisan studios
• Recreation programs and youth initiatives
• Service clubs and volunteer organizations
• Rural associations and creative groups
• Seasonal and cultural celebrations

This spirit of involvement enriches the village’s warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Heritage Preserved Through Generations

Erin honours its history through:

• Preserved heritage buildings
• Local museums and archives
• Long-standing family farms
• Rural craftsmanship and domestic traditions
• Generational community participation

These elements help preserve the town’s unique identity while welcoming new ideas and growth.

Agriculture Remains a Community Cornerstone

The surrounding area remains strongly tied to agriculture, including:

• Dairy and beef farming
• Sheep and mixed livestock
• Corn, soybean, wheat & hay production
• Rural producers and artisans
• Hobby farms and homesteaders

This agricultural foundation is celebrated each year at the Erin Fall Fair, one of Wellington County’s best-known rural traditions.

A Natural Companion to the Erin Fall Fair

Together, Erin and its fair highlight:

• Rural heritage
• Youth involvement
• Homecraft excellence
• Volunteer leadership
• Generational pride
• Community connection

A Community Where Scenic Beauty & Small-Town Warmth Flourish

Whether exploring artisan shops, visiting family farms, discovering forest trails, or celebrating cherished traditions like the Erin Fall Fair, Erin offers a memorable Wellington County experience, where nature, heritage, and community warmth blend beautifully.