About the Festival

A Proud Arnprior Tradition Celebrating Agriculture, Heritage & Community Spirit

The Valley Agricultural Festival, presented by the Arnprior Agricultural Society, is one of the Ottawa Valley’s longest-standing rural celebrations. With origins tracing back to the mid-19th century, the festival continues to honour agricultural heritage, homecraft traditions, and the strong community spirit that has shaped Arnprior and the surrounding region for generations.

A Fair Rooted in Valley Farming History

Like many historic agricultural societies in Ontario, the Arnprior Agricultural Society was formed to bring together farm families, encourage agricultural improvement, and strengthen community ties. In the 1850s, the fertile farmland and growing settlements of McNab Township made Arnprior a natural location for an annual fair.

Early exhibitions showcased livestock judging, grain competitions, produce displays, homecraft exhibits, and demonstrations of rural craftsmanship. These fairs were essential to the region’s agricultural development, serving as important meeting places for farm families across the Ottawa Valley.

Agriculture at the Heart of the Festival

Agriculture remains central to the Valley Agricultural Festival, continuing traditions that have defined the Ottawa Valley for generations. Exhibits regularly include:

• Dairy and beef cattle
• Sheep, goats, poultry, and small livestock
• Field crops, vegetables, grains, and hay
• Rural crafts, woodworking, and agricultural handiwork

These displays celebrate the dedication of farm families whose work helped build Arnprior’s early economy and continues to support the region today.

Homecraft divisions, featuring sewing, quilting, crafts, preserves, baking, floriculture, photography, and junior categories, are also cherished aspects of the festival, highlighting creativity and practical skills deeply rooted in rural life.

Youth Engagement & Multigenerational Pride

Youth involvement has long played a significant role in the Valley Agricultural Festival. Through 4-H clubs, school entries, junior categories, and hands-on learning, young people develop:

• Leadership
• Agricultural knowledge
• Creative and practical skills
• Responsibility
• A strong connection to community heritage

Generational participation is a hallmark of the festival, with many local families contributing for decades.

Dedicated Volunteers Keep Traditions Alive

The festival is powered by the commitment of the Arnprior Agricultural Society and its volunteers. Their year-round efforts, maintaining fairgrounds, organizing exhibits, preserving traditions, and encouraging participation, ensure the event remains vibrant and meaningful.

Their dedication reflects the Ottawa Valley’s well-known spirit of cooperation and community pride.

A Reflection of the Ottawa Valley’s Rural Identity

The Valley Agricultural Festival celebrates the region’s strongest qualities:

• Agricultural strength
• Community involvement
• Creative craftsmanship
• Youth participation
• Volunteer leadership
• Multigenerational heritage

These elements help sustain the festival as one of the Ottawa Valley’s most respected rural traditions.

A Tradition That Endures

Through generations of change, the Valley Agricultural Festival continues to honour Arnprior’s agricultural legacy and the enduring spirit of the Ottawa Valley.

About the Community

Arnprior, Ontario: A Gateway to the Ottawa Valley Rooted in Heritage, River Landscapes & Community Strength

Located where the Madawaska River meets the Ottawa River, Arnprior is a vibrant and historic community known for its rich heritage, scenic landscapes, and strong small-town spirit. With a blend of rural roots and modern energy, Arnprior stands as one of the Ottawa Valley’s most welcoming and distinctive communities.

A Town Built on Rivers, Lumber & Settlement

Arnprior’s story begins in the early 1800s when the area became a hub for lumbering and water-powered industry. With abundant timber, flowing rivers, and access to transportation routes, the community grew quickly into one of the region’s most important mill settlements.

Scottish settlers from the McNab estate played a significant role in shaping the town’s early identity, building farms, businesses, churches, and community institutions. Even as modern industry grew, Arnprior’s rural surroundings and agricultural connections remained strong.

Historic homes, stone churches, and heritage buildings still reflect the town’s 19th-century character and frontier roots.

A Landscape of Waterways, Farmland & Natural Beauty

Arnprior’s setting at the confluence of two major rivers gives the community a striking natural backdrop. The region features:

• Rolling farmland surrounding the town
• Forested riverbanks and scenic waterways
• Quiet rural roads leading into the Ottawa Valley
• Conservation areas, wetlands, and natural trails
• Four-season landscapes that change dramatically throughout the year

This rich mix of natural features has shaped both the lifestyle and identity of the community.

A Warm, Active & Community-Minded Town

Arnprior is known for its friendly atmosphere and strong sense of connection. Residents support:

• Local service clubs
• Agricultural organizations
• Arts, heritage, and cultural groups
• Youth sports and recreation
• Community events and seasonal celebrations
• A lively downtown filled with shops and eateries

This community spirit shapes the daily life of the town, keeping traditions strong while embracing new ideas and opportunities.

A Heritage Town with Modern Energy

Arnprior blends historical charm with contemporary growth. The town centre features:

• Restored heritage buildings
• Boutique shops and cafés
• Cultural venues and community gathering spaces
• Riverside parks and scenic viewpoints

Beyond the town core, modern neighbourhoods, expanded services, and recreational programs reflect Arnprior’s continued growth and appeal.

Agricultural Roots Remain Important

While Arnprior has grown into a larger town, agriculture remains a defining part of the region. Local farms contribute to:

• Dairy and beef production
• Field crops such as corn, soybeans, and hay
• Maple syrup and forest-based products
• Rural craftsmanship and homesteading heritage

This agricultural identity is celebrated each year at the Valley Agricultural Festival, which honours the area’s history and ongoing rural traditions.

A Natural Companion to the Valley Agricultural Festival

The festival reflects the community’s strongest qualities:

• Pride in rural heritage
• Generational involvement
• Volunteer dedication
• Youth engagement
• Creative homecraft traditions
• A deep sense of community belonging

Together, Arnprior and its festival tell a complete story of Ottawa Valley resilience and pride.

A Community with Heritage, Heart & Natural Beauty

Whether exploring riverside trails, walking through the historic downtown, enjoying rural roads, or celebrating longstanding traditions like the Valley Agricultural Festival, Arnprior offers a warm and memorable Ontario experience.

It is a community where heritage is honoured, nature shapes daily life, and community spirit thrives in every season.