Ontario Agritourism Fair Showcase
~ What’s happening across Ontario’s agritourism landscape ~
Ontario’s agricultural fairs celebrate farming traditions, local food, community spirit,
and rural heritage across the province.
Explore More Agricultural Fairs Across Ontario
Ontario agricultural fairs and their agricultural societies remain vital today because they connect people with the province’s agricultural roots while supporting local communities. They provide an opportunity for farmers and producers to showcase their work, educate the public about where food comes from, and celebrate rural traditions that have shaped Ontario for generations. Agricultural societies also play an important role year-round, maintaining fairgrounds, supporting community events, encouraging youth involvement through programs and competitions, and strengthening local economies. In a rapidly changing world, Ontario’s agricultural fairs continue to preserve heritage, promote agriculture, and bring communities together.
Hanover Fair Showcase
The Hanover Fair is a long-standing agricultural fair celebrating farming traditions, livestock exhibitions, homecraft competitions, and family-friendly entertainment in the community of Hanover in Grey County.
Haliburton County Fair Showcase
The Haliburton County Fair is a traditional Ontario agricultural fair celebrating farming heritage, livestock displays, and rural community traditions in the Haliburton Highlands.
Great Northern Exhibition (GNE) Showcase
The Great Northern Exhibition is a long-standing agricultural fair celebrating livestock exhibitions, homecraft competitions, agricultural displays, midway attractions, and family-friendly entertainment in Clearview Township in Simcoe County.
Grand Valley Fall Fair Showcase
The Grand Valley Fall Fair is a long-standing agricultural fair celebrating livestock exhibitions, homecraft competitions, agricultural displays, midway attractions, and family-friendly entertainment in the community of Grand Valley in Dufferin County.
Glencoe Fair Showcase
The Glencoe Fair is a long-standing agricultural fair celebrating livestock exhibitions, homecraft competitions, agricultural displays, and family-friendly entertainment in the community of Glencoe in Middlesex County.
Georgetown Fall Fair Showcase
The Georgetown Fall Fair is a long-standing agricultural fair celebrating livestock exhibitions, homecraft competitions, agricultural displays, midway attractions, and family-friendly entertainment in the community of Georgetown in Halton Hills.
Forest Fall Fair Showcase
The Forest Fall Fair is a long-standing agricultural fair celebrating livestock exhibitions, homecraft competitions, agricultural displays, midway attractions, and family-friendly entertainment in the community of Forest in Lambton County.
Foley Fall Fair Showcase
The Foley Fall Fair is a traditional one-day agricultural fair celebrating livestock exhibitions, homecraft competitions, agricultural displays, and community entertainment in the rural community of Foley in Parry Sound District.
Feversham Fall Fair Showcase
The Feversham Fall Fair is a traditional rural agricultural fair celebrating livestock exhibitions, homecraft competitions, agricultural displays, and family-friendly entertainment in the small community of Feversham in Grey County.
Fenelon Fair Showcase
The Fenelon Fair is a long-standing agricultural fair celebrating rural traditions, livestock competitions, homecraft exhibits, and family-friendly entertainment in the heart of the Kawartha Lakes region.
Expo Shawville Fair Showcase
Expo Shawville is one of Western Québec’s largest and most respected agricultural fairs, celebrating livestock exhibitions, agricultural competitions, homecraft displays, midway attractions, and family-friendly entertainment in the community of Shawville.
Erin Fall Fair Showcas
The Erin Fall Fair is one of Ontario’s premier agricultural fairs, celebrating livestock exhibitions, homecraft competitions, horse shows, agricultural education, midway attractions, and family-friendly entertainment. Hosted by the Erin Agricultural Society, the fair has been a Thanksgiving tradition since 1850 and is widely recognized as “Ontario’s Preview to the Royal Winter Fair.”
The Ontario Association of Agricultural Societies (OAAS): Supporting Ontario’s Agricultural Fairs
The Ontario Association of Agricultural Societies (OAAS) is the provincial organization that supports and represents more than 210 agricultural societies across Ontario. These societies organize the province’s agricultural fairs, important community events that celebrate farming, food, and rural life. The OAAS provides leadership, education, and resources to help fairs operate successfully and remain strong.
A History Connected to Ontario’s Fair Tradition
Ontario’s agricultural societies date back to the late 1700s, when farmers formed local organizations to share knowledge and improve agricultural practices. These groups began organizing fairs to showcase livestock, crops, and rural skills. As agricultural societies expanded across the province, the OAAS was established to unite them under one provincial organization, offering coordination, support, and a shared voice.
Supporting Ontario’s Agricultural Societies
The OAAS helps agricultural societies through training programs, workshops, and its annual convention, where fair organizers learn new ideas and best practices. It also promotes agricultural fairs across Ontario, helping increase awareness and attendance. The organization advocates on behalf of agricultural societies with government and partner organizations, helping ensure fairs receive recognition and support.
In addition, the OAAS offers programs that encourage volunteer involvement, leadership development, and youth participation, helping agricultural societies remain sustainable for future generations.
Why the OAAS Remains Relevant Today
Agricultural fairs continue to play an important role in Ontario’s communities, connecting visitors with agriculture while preserving rural traditions. With more than 210 fairs held annually, the OAAS helps ensure these events continue to educate, entertain, and bring communities together.
By supporting agricultural societies and promoting the value of agricultural fairs, the OAAS helps preserve one of Ontario’s most enduring rural traditions.
