About the Fair
A Prince Edward County Tradition Celebrating Agriculture, Homecraft & Community Spirit Since 1836
The Picton Fair, presented by the Prince Edward Agricultural Society, is one of the oldest agricultural fairs in Canada, with roots dating back to 1836. For nearly two centuries, the fair has celebrated the agricultural heritage, creativity, and community pride that define Picton and the surrounding communities of Prince Edward County. It remains a meaningful reminder of the region’s farming past and its enduring rural traditions.
A Fair Shaped by Prince Edward County’s Early Farming Communities
The Picton Fair was established during a time when agriculture dominated life across the County. Early settlers, many of Loyalist heritage, built productive farms, orchards, mills, and homesteads on the peninsula’s fertile soil. The fair quickly became an annual highlight, giving farm families the opportunity to display livestock, share knowledge, and celebrate their achievements.
In the 19th century, competitions included cattle and horse judging, crop displays, produce exhibits, and domestic arts. The fair strengthened bonds among rural families and reflected the region’s hardworking agricultural identity.
Agriculture at the Core of the Picton Fair
Agriculture remains the fair’s foundation, with exhibits that showcase:
- Dairy and beef cattle
- Sheep, goats, poultry, and small livestock
- Fruit, vegetables, field crops, and garden produce
- Homesteading skills, woodworking, and rural craftsmanship
These displays honour the County’s deep farming heritage, from traditional mixed-family farms to modern agricultural enterprises.
Homecraft divisions, including baking, preserves, canning, sewing, knitting, quilting, floriculture, and junior crafts, remain a beloved part of the fair, celebrating the domestic arts that have flourished for generations.
Youth Engagement & Multigenerational Traditions
Youth participation is a vital part of the Picton Fair’s legacy. Through 4-H clubs, junior competitions, school entries, and hands-on exhibitions, young people develop:
- Leadership
- Confidence
- Practical farm and homecraft skills
- Agricultural literacy
- A strong sense of community heritage
Many families can trace their involvement in the fair back several generations, underscoring its lasting importance.
Driven by Volunteers & County-Wide Support
The Prince Edward Agricultural Society and its volunteers work tirelessly year-round to plan, organize, and preserve the fair. Their dedication reflects the County’s strong community spirit and the desire to protect its agricultural traditions.
A Celebration of Prince Edward County’s Rural Identity
The fair continues to highlight the values that define the region:
- Agricultural excellence
- Homecraft creativity
- Youth involvement
- Volunteer leadership
- Generational pride
- Community connection
A Tradition That Endures
After nearly 200 years, the Picton Fair remains a proud celebration of rural life, honouring Prince Edward County’s past while connecting today’s families with the enduring spirit of the region’s agricultural community.
About the Community
Picton, Ontario: A Historic County Town Rich in Character, Countryside & Community Life
Situated in the heart of Prince Edward County, Picton, Ontario is a vibrant community known for its scenic landscapes, historic charm, and deep agricultural roots. As the County’s largest town and cultural hub, Picton blends small-town warmth with a rich heritage, making it one of the most distinctive communities in southeastern Ontario.
Rooted in Loyalist History & Early Settlement
Picton traces its origins to the late 1700s, when United Empire Loyalists settled the peninsula following the American Revolution. The town grew around mills, farms, shipyards, and thriving commercial businesses that supported both agriculture and the bustling port on Picton Bay.
Historic homes, 19th-century commercial blocks, churches, and heritage buildings still line the streets, preserving the character of the town’s past and highlighting the craftsmanship of early settlers.
A Landscape of Rolling Farmland & Lake Ontario Beauty
Picton and the surrounding countryside offer some of the most picturesque scenery in Ontario, including:
- Rolling farmland and historic homesteads
- Vineyards, orchards, and market gardens
- Wooded areas and rural concessions
- The blue waters of Picton Bay and the Bay of Quinte
- Scenic drives through the County’s gently sloping hills
This blend of natural beauty and agriculture contributes to Picton’s unique charm.
A Community Built on Creativity, Heritage & Togetherness
Picton is known for its welcoming atmosphere and community engagement. Residents support:
- Heritage groups and cultural organizations
- Service clubs and volunteer groups
- Agricultural societies
- Local festivals and seasonal events
- Independent businesses, galleries, and historic venues
The community’s spirit is grounded in connection, cooperation, and respect for its heritage.
Agriculture Continues to Shape the Region
Despite its modern growth, Picton’s identity remains deeply tied to agriculture. Prince Edward County supports:
- Dairy and beef farms
- Grain, hay, and field crops
- Orchards and fruit production
- Vineyards and wineries
- Market gardening and homesteading traditions
These elements reflect the County’s long-standing agricultural legacy, a legacy celebrated each year at the Picton Fair.
A Partner to the Picton Fair’s Agricultural Traditions
Together, Picton and the Picton Fair highlight the region’s strongest qualities:
- Rural heritage
- Community involvement
- Volunteer dedication
- Generational continuity
- Homecraft tradition
- Agricultural pride
A Community Where Heritage, Landscape & Local Spirit Flourish
Whether exploring historic streets, driving through the County’s rolling farmland, visiting friendly shops, or celebrating cherished traditions like the Picton Fair, Picton offers a memorable experience, rich in beauty, history, and heartfelt rural charm.
