About the Fair

A Lanark Highlands Tradition Celebrating Agriculture, Homecraft & Community Spirit Since 1851

The Middleville Fall Fair, proudly hosted by the Middleville Agricultural Society, has been a cherished rural celebration in the Lanark Highlands since 1851, making it one of Ontario’s oldest agricultural fairs. For more than 170 years, the fair has brought together farm families, neighbours, and visitors to honour agricultural excellence, homecraft traditions, and the strong community spirit that defines this scenic part of Lanark County.

A Fair Rooted in Early Pioneer Life & Rural Heritage

When the fair began, Middleville was a thriving settlement of farms, mills, log homes, and small businesses. Agricultural societies were central to community life in those early years, helping farmers improve livestock, share knowledge, and build bonds that strengthened the entire township.

Early Middleville fairs featured livestock judging, field crop competitions, vegetables and preserves, sewing and quilting, and demonstrations of essential homesteading skills. Many of these original traditions remain at the heart of the fair today.

Agriculture at the Heart of the Middleville Fall Fair

Agriculture continues to be the fair’s foundation, proudly showcased in exhibits that include:

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

These exhibits reflect the dedication and expertise of the farm families who continue to shape rural life in the Highlands.

The homecraft divisions, including preserves, baking, sewing, quilting, knitting, floriculture, photography, arts, and junior categories, celebrate the domestic creativity that has always been an essential part of agricultural community life.

Youth Participation & Generational Continuity

Youth involvement is a defining feature of the Middleville Fall Fair. Through 4-H clubs, junior classes, schoolwork exhibits, and agricultural learning opportunities, young people develop:

• Leadership and responsibility
• Hands-on farm and homecraft skills
• Creativity and confidence
• Agricultural awareness
• A meaningful connection to community heritage

Generational participation, where multiple family members take part year after year, helps keep fair traditions thriving.

Powered by Volunteers & Community Pride

The Middleville Agricultural Society, supported by dedicated volunteers, works tirelessly to preserve and celebrate the fair’s long-standing traditions. Their year-round efforts, organizing exhibits, maintaining grounds, supporting participants, and promoting rural heritage, reflect the strong community pride that defines Middleville.

A Celebration of Lanark County’s Rural Identity

The Middleville Fall Fair proudly represents the region’s most enduring values:

• Agricultural excellence
• Homecraft traditions
• Youth involvement
• Volunteer commitment
• Generational heritage
• Community unity

A Tradition That Endures

More than 170 years after its founding, the Middleville Fall Fair remains a treasured celebration, honouring the agricultural roots, creativity, and community spirit that continue to enrich Middleville and the Lanark Highlands.

About the Community

Middleville, Ontario: A Scenic Highlands Community Where Rural Heritage, Nature & Local Creativity Flourish

Located in the picturesque Lanark Highlands, Middleville is a warm, close-knit rural community known for its deep agricultural roots, scenic landscapes, and strong sense of local heritage. With charming country roads, historic buildings, and a vibrant creative spirit, Middleville beautifully reflects the character of rural eastern Ontario.

A Community Built on Farming, Forestry & Pioneer Ingenuity

Middleville took shape in the mid-1800s as Scottish settlers, farmers, and tradespeople established homesteads, mills, schools, and churches throughout the region. The village soon became a community hub for rural families, offering essential services and social gathering places.

Historic structures, traditional farms, and preserved rural landmarks continue to showcase the area’s rich heritage.

A Landscape of Forests, Fields & Highlands Beauty

The natural surroundings of Middleville include some of the most scenic landscapes in Lanark County:

• Rolling highland fields and mixed forests
• Winding concession roads perfect for country drives
• Maple bush and forested trails
• Pastures, wetlands & wildlife-rich natural areas
• Quiet rural vistas in every direction

This blend of forest and farmland creates a tranquil setting that defines community life.

A Community Known for Creativity, Rural Pride & Local Involvement

Middleville residents are deeply involved in community life and support:

• Local artisans, workshops & creative studios
• The Middleville Museum, preserving important local history
• Community events, markets & seasonal celebrations
• Agricultural organizations and rural associations
• Volunteer groups and multi-generational initiatives

Creativity and heritage sit at the heart of the village’s identity.

Heritage Preserved Through Generations

Middleville honours its history through:

• Well-preserved pioneer-era buildings
• The heritage-rich Middleville Museum
• Community archives and local stories
• Traditions rooted in farming and rural craftsmanship

These elements help maintain the community’s strong sense of place.

Agriculture Remains Central to Local Life

The rural region surrounding Middleville supports a vibrant agricultural base that includes:

• Beef and mixed livestock farming
• Hay, grain, and cash crop production
• Maple syrup producers
• Rural artisans, gardeners & homesteaders

This agricultural heritage is proudly celebrated each year at the Middleville Fall Fair, one of the community’s longest-standing traditions.

A Natural Companion to the Middleville Fall Fair

Together, the community and its fair highlight:

• Rural heritage
• Youth involvement
• Homecraft excellence
• Volunteer spirit
• Generational pride
• Deep community connections

A Community Where Nature, Heritage & Rural Creativity Thrive

Whether exploring forested highland roads, visiting local studios, supporting small farms, or celebrating cherished traditions like the Middleville Fall Fair, Middleville offers a memorable Lanark Highlands experience, where nature, heritage, and rural creativity flourish in perfect harmony.