About the Fair

A Proud Ottawa-Area Tradition Celebrating Agriculture, Homecraft & Community Spirit Since 1856

The Metcalfe Fair, hosted by the Metcalfe Agricultural Society, has been one of Eastern Ontario’s longest-standing rural celebrations since its founding in 1856. For more than 165 years, the fair has united farm families, neighbours, and visitors across the Ottawa region in honouring agricultural excellence, traditional homecraft, and the strong sense of community belonging that defines rural life in the township of Osgoode.

A Fair Rooted in Pioneer Farming & Early Township Growth

Metcalfe’s first fair was held when the surrounding area was still being shaped by pioneer farms, sawmills, small shops, and horse-powered transportation. Agricultural societies were essential to rural development in the mid-19th century, offering farmers opportunities to improve livestock, exchange knowledge, and strengthen local co-operation.

Early fairs featured livestock judging, grain and vegetable competitions, baking and preserves, quilting displays, and demonstrations of practical homesteading skills, traditions that have remained at the heart of the fair through every generation.

Agriculture at the Heart of the Metcalfe Fair

Agriculture remains the foundation of the fair’s identity, highlighted through a wide range of exhibits:

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

These exhibits celebrate the skill, dedication, and resilience of farm families who continue to play an essential role in the social and economic fabric of rural Ottawa.

Homecraft divisions, including preserves, baking, sewing, quilting, knitting, floriculture, photography, and junior categories, showcase the domestic arts and creative traditions that have long strengthened rural households and communities.

Youth Engagement & Generational Continuity

The Metcalfe Fair has always placed strong emphasis on youth participation. Through 4-H clubs, junior categories, school-based displays, and agricultural learning opportunities, young people develop:

• Leadership and responsibility
• Hands-on agricultural and creative skills
• Teamwork and confidence
• Appreciation for rural traditions
• A connection to their community’s heritage

Multi-generational involvement helps ensure that the fair remains vibrant and meaningful year after year.

Sustained by Volunteers & Community Pride

The Metcalfe Agricultural Society, supported by an enthusiastic volunteer team, works tirelessly to plan and host the fair each year. Their efforts, organizing divisions, supporting exhibitors, preserving traditions, and maintaining fairgrounds, reflect the deep pride that local residents feel for their fair and their community.

A Celebration of Rural Ottawa’s Values

The Metcalfe Fair proudly represents:

• Agricultural excellence
• Homecraft and creative expression
• Youth engagement
• Volunteer leadership
• Heritage preservation
• Community unity

A Tradition That Endures

More than a century and a half after its founding, the Metcalfe Fair remains a cherished celebration, honouring the agricultural roots, creativity, and community spirit that continue to enrich Metcalfe and the entire rural Ottawa region.

About the Community

Metcalfe, Ontario: A Welcoming Rural Ottawa Community Where Heritage, Farmland & Local Spirit Flourish

Located in the southern part of Ottawa’s rural region, Metcalfe is a warm and inviting community known for its agricultural heritage, friendly atmosphere, and strong sense of local pride. With its scenic countryside, vibrant community organizations, and history deeply tied to farming and settlement, Metcalfe stands as one of rural Ottawa’s most enduring villages.

A Community Shaped by Early Settlement & Agricultural Roots

Metcalfe was established in the mid-1800s as farms, mills, and family-run businesses began supporting the growing population of what was then Osgoode Township. Named after Charles Theophilus Metcalfe, a Governor General of British North America, the village quickly became a service centre for rural families.

Historic buildings, long-established properties, and traditional farms still reflect the area’s deep rural heritage.

A Landscape of Fields, Woodlots & Classic Rural Ottawa Beauty

Metcalfe is surrounded by the peaceful countryside that characterizes southeastern Ontario:

• Productive dairy and beef farms
• Grain and hay fields stretching along concession roads
• Woodlots and wildlife corridors
• Quiet rural byways ideal for scenic drives
• Natural landscapes that shift beautifully with the seasons

This blend of farmland and natural beauty is central to the community’s character.

A Community Known for Local Pride & Active Involvement

Residents of Metcalfe are deeply engaged in community life, supporting:

• Local businesses and family-run shops
• Service clubs and volunteer organizations
• Recreation leagues and youth programming
• Seasonal celebrations and heritage traditions
• Agricultural groups and rural associations

This strong involvement fosters a welcoming, neighbourly atmosphere.

Heritage Preserved Through Generations

Metcalfe honours its past through:

• Century farms
• Heritage homes and local landmarks
• Community archives and historical societies
• Agricultural traditions passed down through families

These elements help maintain the community’s identity and continuity.

Agriculture Remains Central to Local Life

The surrounding area continues to support a thriving agricultural base, including:

• Dairy and beef production
• Hay, corn, soybean & small crop farming
• Mixed livestock operations
• Rural artisans, gardeners & homesteaders

This agricultural heritage is celebrated each year at the Metcalfe Fair, one of Ottawa’s oldest and most significant rural events.

A Natural Companion to the Metcalfe Fair

Together, the community and its fair highlight:

• Rural heritage
• Generational pride
• Youth involvement
• Homecraft excellence
• Volunteer dedication
• Strong local unity

A Community Where Heritage, Farmland & Local Spirit Come Together

Whether exploring its quiet rural roads, visiting nearby farms, supporting local shops, or celebrating cherished traditions like the Metcalfe Fair, Metcalfe offers a memorable Ottawa-area experience, where farmland, history, and genuine community spirit create a truly welcoming place.

🌾 Explore Nearby Agritourism Experiences

Visitors attending the Metcalfe Fair may also enjoy exploring nearby agritourism experiences throughout rural Ottawa and Eastern Ontario.

• Metcalfe Farmers’ Market — a popular seasonal market held at the Metcalfe Fairgrounds featuring local produce, artisan foods, baked goods, and handmade products.
• Mountain Orchards – Winchester Springs — a family-owned orchard featuring apples, cider, baked goods, and seasonal activities.
• Upper Canada Village – Morrisburg — a living history museum showcasing 19th-century rural and agricultural life.
• Saunders Farm – Ottawa — a family farm destination known for seasonal festivals, farm attractions, and one of Canada’s largest Halloween events.

Some nearby experiences include links to additional Ontario Agritourism Showcase pages with more visitor information.

Visitors interested in Ontario agricultural fairs may also enjoy exploring the Richmond Fair, Spencerville Fair, and the Stormont County Fair, each celebrating the farming traditions and community heritage of Eastern Ontario.