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.
Metcalfe Fair Showcase
The Metcalfe Fair is one of Ontario’s premier agricultural fairs, celebrating livestock exhibitions, homecraft competitions, agricultural education, midway attractions, and family-friendly entertainment. Hosted by the Metcalfe Agricultural Society, the fair has been a cherished rural tradition since 1856 and proudly combines historic agricultural roots with modern family entertainment. The 2026 fair marks its 170th edition.
Merrickville Fair Showcase
The Merrickville Fair is a long-standing agricultural fair celebrating livestock exhibitions, homecraft competitions, agricultural displays, and family-friendly entertainment in the historic village of Merrickville in Leeds and Grenville.
Meaford Fall Fair Showcase
The Meaford Fall Fair is a traditional one-day agricultural fair celebrating livestock exhibitions, homecraft competitions, agricultural displays, and community entertainment in the waterfront community of Meaford in Grey County.
McKellar Fall Fair Showcase
The McKellar Fall Fair is a traditional one-day agricultural fair celebrating livestock exhibitions, homecraft competitions, agricultural displays, and community entertainment in the rural community of McKellar in Parry Sound District.
McDonald’s Corners Fair Showcase
The McDonald’s Corners Fair is a traditional one-day agricultural fair celebrating livestock exhibitions, homecraft competitions, agricultural displays, and community entertainment in the rural community of McDonald’s Corners in Lanark County.
Maxville Fair Showcase
The Maxville Fair is a long-standing agricultural fair celebrating livestock exhibitions, homecraft competitions, horse shows, educational exhibits, family entertainment, and rural traditions in the historic community of Maxville in North Glengarry.
Massey Fair Showcase
The Massey Fair is a long-standing agricultural fair celebrating livestock exhibitions, homecraft competitions, agricultural displays, and family entertainment in the community of Massey in Sudbury District.
Marmora Fair Showcase
The Marmora Fair is a long-standing agricultural fair celebrating livestock exhibitions, homecraft competitions, agricultural displays, and family-friendly entertainment in the community of Marmora in Hastings County.
Markham Fair Showcase
The Markham Fair is one of Canada’s oldest and largest country fairs, celebrating agriculture, livestock exhibitions, homecraft competitions, midway attractions, live entertainment, and family-friendly experiences. Hosted by the Markham and East York Agricultural Society, the fair has been a community tradition since 1844 and proudly showcases Ontario’s agricultural heritage while welcoming more than 80,000 visitors each year.
Markdale Fall Fair Showcase
The Markdale Fall Fair is a long-standing agricultural fair celebrating farming traditions, livestock exhibitions, homecraft competitions, and family-friendly entertainment in the community of Markdale in Grey County.
Manitowaning Fall Fair
The Manitowaning Fall Fair is a long-standing agricultural fair celebrating livestock exhibitions, homecraft competitions, agricultural displays, and family-friendly entertainment in the historic community of Manitowaning on Manitoulin Island.
Magnetawan Fall Fair Showcase
The Magnetawan Fall Fair is a long-standing agricultural fair celebrating livestock exhibitions, homecraft competitions, agricultural displays, and family-friendly entertainment in the community of Magnetawan in Parry Sound District.
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.
