About the Fair

A Proud McKellar Tradition Celebrating Agriculture, Homecraft & Community Spirit Since 1875

The McKellar Fall Fair, presented by the McKellar Agricultural Society, has been a beloved part of life in Parry Sound District since 1875. For nearly 150 years, the fair has brought together residents, visitors, and rural families to celebrate agricultural excellence, homecraft creativity, and the strong community spirit that defines the village of McKellar.

A Fair Rooted in Early Farming & Community Development

When the fair first began, McKellar was a growing rural community supported by farms, mills, and early cottage industries scattered around the region’s lakes and forests. Agricultural societies played a crucial role in developing strong rural communities, helping farmers exchange knowledge, improve livestock, and build social connections.

Early fairs featured livestock shows, garden and field crop competitions, preserves, quilting, sewing, and demonstrations of the skills required to sustain life in early northern settlements. Those traditions remain the foundation of today’s McKellar Fall Fair.

Agriculture at the Heart of the Fair

Agriculture continues to be the fair’s central focus, with exhibits that showcase:

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

These displays highlight the dedication of local farmers and the agricultural identity that remains a vital part of the McKellar region.

Homecraft divisions, including baking, preserves, sewing, quilting, knitting, floriculture, photography, arts, and junior categories, celebrate the domestic and creative traditions passed down through generations.

Youth Engagement & Generational Participation

Youth participation is one of the most valued aspects of the McKellar Fall Fair. Through 4-H clubs, school projects, junior contests, and agricultural learning experiences, young people gain:

• Leadership and teamwork
• Practical skills
• Creativity and confidence
• Agricultural knowledge
• A strong appreciation for rural heritage

Many families have taken part in the fair for several generations, helping maintain continuity and pride in its traditions.

Sustained by Volunteers & Community Support

The McKellar Agricultural Society, supported by volunteers of all ages, ensures the fair remains vibrant and meaningful. Their year-round dedication, planning exhibits, supporting participants, maintaining fairgrounds, and celebrating local heritage, reflects the strong spirit of cooperation that defines McKellar.

A Celebration of Northern Rural Values

The McKellar Fall Fair represents the community’s most enduring qualities:

• Agricultural excellence
• Creative homecraft traditions
• Youth involvement
• Volunteer spirit
• Generational heritage
• Strong rural unity

A Tradition That Endures

More than a century after its beginning, the McKellar Fall Fair continues to honour the agricultural roots, creativity, and community strength that enrich the village of McKellar and the surrounding Parry Sound region.

About the Community

McKellar, Ontario: A Scenic Northern Village Where Lakes, Heritage & Community Spirit Shine

Located just east of Parry Sound, McKellar is a scenic northern village known for its beautiful lakes, peaceful rural landscapes, and welcoming community. With its mix of year-round residents, long-standing farm families, and cottage visitors, McKellar blends quiet northern charm with a strong sense of local pride.

A Community Shaped by Lakes, Farming & Early Settlement

McKellar’s history dates back to the mid-1800s, when pioneers established farms, mills, and homesteads around the area’s many waterways. Agriculture, forestry, and small industries supported early families, while the lakes created natural travel routes and shaped the community’s development.

Today, century farms, heritage buildings, and lakeside cottages reflect the area’s rich past.

A Landscape Defined by Northern Beauty

McKellar is surrounded by a landscape that captures the essence of northern Ontario:

• Sparkling lakes, including Lake Manitouwabing
• Forests filled with wildlife
• Rolling fields and family farms
• Quiet backroads perfect for scenic drives
• Rock outcrops and natural viewpoints typical of the Canadian Shield

The combination of rural farmland and northern wilderness gives McKellar its unique character.

A Community Known for Warmth, Involvement & Local Traditions

McKellar residents take an active role in shaping community life, supporting:

• Local events and seasonal celebrations
• Farmers, artisans & small businesses
• Outdoor recreation & community programs
• Volunteer organizations
• Agricultural and rural traditions

Community gathering places, such as the community centre, markets, lakefronts, and recreation spaces, play an important role in local identity.

Heritage Preserved Through Time

McKellar continues to honour its past through:

• Local history archives
• Preserved rural landscapes
• Long-standing family roots
• Cottages and century farms
• Community traditions tied to agriculture and the lakes

These heritage connections help maintain McKellar’s sense of continuity.

Agriculture as a Pillar of Community Life

While the region is known for its recreational and cottage appeal, agriculture remains an important part of local life, with:

• Beef and mixed livestock farms
• Hay and pastureland
• Market gardens
• Rural makers and homesteaders

This agricultural heritage is celebrated each year at the McKellar Fall Fair, one of the village’s longest-running community traditions.

A Natural Companion to the McKellar Fall Fair

Together, the fair and the village highlight:

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

A Community Where Lakes, Farmland & Northern Warmth Come Together

Whether enjoying its peaceful lakes, supporting local rural traditions, connecting with neighbours, or celebrating cherished events like the McKellar Fall Fair, McKellar offers an authentic northern Ontario experience, where natural beauty, heritage, and community spirit thrive side by side.