About the Fair

A Proud Prescott & Russell Tradition Celebrating Agriculture, Craftsmanship & Community Spirit

The Vankleek Hill Fair, presented by the Vankleek Hill Agricultural Society, is one of Ontario’s oldest rural exhibitions. First held in 1844, it has grown into a cherished tradition that celebrates agricultural excellence, homecraft creativity, and the strong community bonds that define Vankleek Hill and the surrounding region.

A Fair with Deep Historical Roots

Established in the mid-19th century, the Vankleek Hill Fair began at a time when agricultural societies across Ontario were being formed to support emerging farm communities. Settlers in Vankleek Hill, an already vibrant milling and farming centre, recognized the importance of gathering to compare livestock, share farming techniques, and showcase the skills essential to rural life.

Early fairs featured livestock judging, grain and produce competitions, homecraft exhibits, and demonstrations of practical agricultural knowledge. These events strengthened community ties and contributed to the growth of farming across Prescott & Russell.

Agriculture at the Heart of the Fair

Agriculture remains the foundation of the Vankleek Hill Fair. Exhibitors from across the region proudly present:

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

These displays honour the region’s agricultural heritage and highlight the ongoing contributions of farm families who continue to define rural life in Eastern Ontario.

Homecraft divisions, including quilting, sewing, baking, preserves, gardening, floriculture, photography, and junior exhibits, remain an important aspect of the fair. They showcase the creative and domestic arts that have long enriched community life.

Youth Participation & Generational Pride

Youth involvement has always been central to the Vankleek Hill Fair. Through 4-H clubs, school participation, junior competitions, and hands-on agricultural learning, young people develop:

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

Generational involvement is particularly strong, with many families contributing to the fair for decades.

Dedicated Volunteers Keep Traditions Alive

The Vankleek Hill Agricultural Society and its volunteers are the driving force behind the fair. Their year-round commitment, organizing events, maintaining fairgrounds, preserving history, and encouraging participation, ensures the fair continues to thrive.

Their efforts reflect the cooperative spirit and rural pride that define Vankleek Hill.

A Reflection of Eastern Ontario’s Rural Identity

The fair embodies the community’s strongest values:

• Agricultural excellence
• Creative craftsmanship
• Multigenerational participation
• Youth involvement
• Volunteer leadership
• Strong community spirit

These qualities have helped sustain the Vankleek Hill Fair for well over a century.

A Tradition That Endures

Through decades of change, the Vankleek Hill Fair remains a proud celebration of rural heritage, creativity, and community, the heart of agricultural life in Prescott & Russell.

About the Community

Vankleek Hill, Ontario: A Historic “Gingerbread Capital” Rooted in Agriculture, Craftsmanship & Community Warmth

Located in the Township of Champlain in Eastern Ontario, Vankleek Hill is a vibrant and picturesque community known for its heritage architecture, rural landscape, and welcoming small-town spirit. With deep agricultural roots and a strong creative culture, the village has become one of the most distinctive communities in the Prescott & Russell region.

A Community Shaped by Early Settlement & Skilled Craftsmanship

Vankleek Hill’s history dates back to the early 1800s, when settlers were drawn to the region’s fertile farmland, rolling hills, and access to waterpower. Mills, workshops, and homesteads soon developed, forming the foundation for a thriving rural centre.

The village later became famous for its elaborate ornamental woodwork, earning the nickname “Ontario’s Gingerbread Capital.” Dozens of historic homes and buildings feature unique decorative trim, much of it created by local craftspeople who helped shape the community’s aesthetic identity.

This blend of agriculture and craftsmanship continues to define Vankleek Hill today.

A Scenic Landscape of Rolling Hills & Rural Beauty

The countryside surrounding Vankleek Hill reflects the classic charm of Eastern Ontario, featuring:

• Expansive farmland
• Wooded areas and rural forest corridors
• Rolling hills and scenic vistas
• Quiet country concessions
• Historic homesteads and barns

Each season transforms the landscape, offering bright green fields in summer, colourful foliage in fall, and peaceful snow-covered vistas in winter.

A Welcoming & Engaged Community

Vankleek Hill is known for its vibrant local culture and strong community involvement. Residents support:

• Local service clubs
• Arts and heritage groups
• Agricultural organizations
• Community fundraisers
• Seasonal celebrations and local traditions
• A lively downtown filled with shops, studios, and cafés

Community pride runs deep and continues to foster a warm, neighbourly atmosphere.

A Heritage Village with Creative Energy

The village’s historic character is evident in its:

• Well-preserved Victorian-era buildings
• Gingerbread-trim architecture
• Artisan studios and galleries
• Heritage streetscapes and public landmarks

Festivals, cultural events, and community gatherings keep village life lively and help connect residents with their heritage.

Agriculture Remains a Cornerstone of Local Life

Farms around Vankleek Hill play a vital role in shaping the region’s identity. Local agriculture includes:

• Dairy and beef production
• Field crops such as corn, soybeans, and hay
• Mixed livestock operations
• Market gardening and seasonal produce
• Rural craftsmanship and food traditions

This deep agricultural heritage is celebrated each year at the Vankleek Hill Fair, a key community tradition.

A Natural Companion to the Vankleek Hill Fair

The fair reflects the village’s strongest qualities:

• Pride in rural roots
• Volunteer leadership
• Youth engagement
• Creative homecraft traditions
• Generational participation
• Strong community connections

Together, Vankleek Hill and its fair tell a complete and heartfelt story of rural life in Eastern Ontario.

A Community with Heritage, Heart & Creative Spirit

Whether exploring historic streets, connecting with welcoming neighbours, admiring handcrafted architecture, or celebrating cherished traditions like the Vankleek Hill Fair, this small Ontario village offers a warm and memorable experience.

Vankleek Hill is a community where heritage is celebrated, agriculture remains essential, and community spirit thrives in every season.