About the Fair

A Perth County Tradition Celebrating Agriculture, Craftsmanship & Community Pride

The Mitchell Fall Fair, presented by the Mitchell & District Agricultural Society, is one of Perth County’s longest-running rural traditions. With a history dating back more than a century, the fair continues to honour the agricultural roots, creative spirit, and multi-generational community ties that define Mitchell and the surrounding region.

A Fair with Deep Agricultural Origins

Like many rural Ontario fairs, the Mitchell Fall Fair began in the late 19th century, when agricultural societies provided essential support to farm families. These societies encouraged agricultural improvement through livestock competitions, crop displays, and community gatherings.

Mitchell, an important farming hub along the Thames River, quickly embraced the fair as a way to bring local residents together, share knowledge, and celebrate the harvest.

Early fairs featured livestock judging, produce competitions, homecraft displays, and demonstrations of rural skills, reflecting the hard work and ingenuity of families who built the area.

Agriculture at the Centre

Agriculture remains the foundation of the Mitchell Fall Fair. Perth County is known for its highly productive farmland, and local farms proudly exhibit:

• Dairy and beef cattle
• Sheep, goats, and small livestock
• Field crops, vegetables, and forage
• Traditional crafts and farm-related handiwork

These exhibits highlight the skill, dedication, and agricultural excellence that define farming in the region.

The fair also features strong homecraft divisions, showcasing quilts, sewing, preserves, baking, floriculture, woodworking, needlework, photography, and junior projects that represent the creativity and practical skills deeply rooted in rural life.

Youth Engagement & Agricultural Learning

Young people have long played a central role in the fair’s success. Through junior classes, 4-H activities, school exhibits, and hands-on agricultural learning, youth gain:

• Leadership and responsibility
• Practical and creative skills
• Agricultural literacy
• Confidence and community pride

Generational involvement ensures that agricultural traditions continue to thrive.

Powered by Dedicated Volunteers

The Mitchell & District Agricultural Society and its volunteers are the heart of the fair. Their dedication, planning competitions, preparing grounds, preserving traditions, and encouraging community involvement, ensures that the fair remains vibrant and meaningful.

Many volunteers represent multi-generation families, reflecting the strong community spirit that has shaped the fair since its earliest days.

A Reflection of Mitchell’s Rural Identity

The fair mirrors the values that define Mitchell and its surrounding township:

• Agricultural pride
• Creative craftsmanship
• Volunteer leadership
• Community cooperation
• Multi-generation involvement
• Rural resilience

These qualities keep the Mitchell Fall Fair one of Perth County’s most beloved rural traditions.

A Tradition That Endures

Through decades of change, the Mitchell Fall Fair remains a cherished celebration of agricultural heritage, creativity, and community spirit, connecting Mitchell’s past with its vibrant present.

About the Community

Mitchell, Ontario: A Perth County Community Built on Agriculture, Heritage & Small-Town Heart

Located along the North Thames River in the Municipality of West Perth, Mitchell, Ontario is a warm and welcoming rural community known for its agricultural strength, historic charm, and strong sense of local pride. Though modest in size, Mitchell plays an important role as a service centre for surrounding farms and rural families throughout Perth County.

A Community Rooted in Early Settlement & Milling

Mitchell’s origins date back to the mid-1800s, when settlers established mills, farms, and small businesses along the riverbanks. The river powered early industry, including sawmills and gristmills, which helped the village grow quickly into a thriving rural centre.

The arrival of the railway further strengthened Mitchell’s status as a hub for agricultural trade and transportation, connecting local farm products with markets across Ontario.

Historic buildings, preserved streetscapes, and local museums reflect this early development and maintain the town’s strong connection to its past.

A Landscape of Fields, Rivers & Open Country

Mitchell is surrounded by the scenic beauty typical of Perth County:

• Flat, fertile farmland
• Quiet concession roads
• River valleys and wetlands
• Rural fields dotted with barns and homesteads
• Expansive skies and open views

This agricultural landscape plays an essential role in shaping the town’s personality and way of life.

A Friendly & Connected Community

Mitchell is known for its small-town warmth. Residents take pride in supporting local services, community events, sports programs, cultural groups, and volunteer organizations. The town’s sense of camaraderie is evident in its community halls, parks, arenas, and shared gathering spaces.

Local shops, family-run businesses, and essential services help maintain a lively and accessible town centre.

Agriculture at the Foundation of Local Identity

Agriculture remains the backbone of the Mitchell region. Local farms contribute to:

• Dairy and beef production
• Hog, poultry, and mixed livestock
• Grain, corn, soybean, and forage crops
• Rural craftsmanship and homesteading traditions

These operations shape daily life, local culture, and the community’s economic vitality.

The region’s agricultural pride is showcased each year at the Mitchell Fall Fair, a long-standing celebration of farm heritage and community spirit.

A Natural Companion to the Mitchell Fall Fair

The fair reflects Mitchell’s strongest qualities:

• Deep rural roots
• Youth engagement
• Creative homecrafts
• Volunteer dedication
• Multi-generation continuity
• Community cooperation

Together, the community and its fair tell a unified story of agricultural excellence and small-town resilience.

A Community with Heart & Heritage

Whether exploring its historic streets, connecting with friendly residents, enjoying its parks and river views, or celebrating traditions like the Mitchell Fall Fair, Mitchell offers a warm and memorable rural Ontario experience.

It is a community where heritage is valued, where agriculture remains central, and where community spirit shines in every season.