About the Fair

A Proud Elgin County Tradition Celebrating Agriculture, Homecraft & Community Spirit Since 1817

The Wallacetown Fair, proudly hosted by the Dunwich Agricultural Society, is one of Ontario’s oldest agricultural fairs. First held in 1817, it has been a cornerstone of rural life for more than two centuries, connecting families, farmers, and neighbours through a shared celebration of agriculture, homecraft, and community pride.

A Fair Rooted in Pioneer Farming & Early Township Life

The Wallacetown Fair began during the early settlement of Dunwich Township, when farm families and homesteaders were clearing land, building communities, and establishing an agricultural economy along Lake Erie’s northern shoreline. Agricultural societies were central to these early days, helping residents improve livestock, share knowledge, and strengthen social ties within the growing township.

Early fairs featured livestock judging, grain displays, vegetable competitions, preserves, quilts, sewing, and demonstrations of vital homestead skills, traditions that remain integral to the fair today.

Agriculture at the Heart of the Wallacetown Fair

Agriculture continues to be the fair’s foundation, showcased through a wide range of exhibits and competitions:

• Dairy and beef cattle
• Sheep, goats, poultry, and small livestock
• Field crops, hay, grain, vegetables, and garden produce
• Woodworking, rural crafts, and homesteading displays

These exhibits honour the skill, dedication, and resilience of the farm families who have shaped Dunwich and Elgin County for generations.

The homecraft divisions, including preserves, baking, sewing, quilting, knitting, floriculture, photography, arts, and junior categories, highlight the creativity and domestic traditions that enrich rural life.

Youth Participation & Generational Strength

Youth involvement has always been a defining element of the Wallacetown Fair. Through 4-H clubs, junior categories, school exhibits, and agricultural learning programs, young people develop:

• Leadership and teamwork
• Hands-on agricultural and domestic skills
• Creativity and confidence
• Agricultural literacy
• A connection to community heritage

Families proudly participate across multiple generations, helping to keep the fair vibrant and deeply rooted in local tradition.

Driven by Volunteers & Longstanding Community Dedication

The Dunwich Agricultural Society, supported by countless volunteers, works tirelessly to preserve and promote the fair each year. Their commitment, preparing grounds, organizing exhibits, assisting participants, and celebrating local heritage, reflects the strong community spirit that has defined the fair since its earliest days.

A Celebration of Elgin County’s Rural Identity

The Wallacetown Fair highlights the region’s most enduring values:

• Agricultural excellence
• Homecraft traditions
• Youth engagement
• Volunteer leadership
• Generational pride
• Community unity

A Tradition That Endures

More than 200 years after its founding, the Wallacetown Fair remains a cherished celebration, honouring the agricultural roots, creativity, and community spirit that continue to enrich Wallacetown and rural Elgin County.

About the Community

Wallacetown, Ontario: A Historic Elgin County Community Where Farmland, Heritage & Rural Spirit Shine

Situated in southwestern Elgin County, just inland from the Lake Erie shoreline, Wallacetown is a warm and historic rural community known for its agricultural heritage, peaceful landscapes, and deep sense of local pride. With strong ties to early settlement, Scottish roots, and generations of farm families, Wallacetown embodies the quiet charm of Ontario’s rural southwest.

A Community Formed by Pioneer Settlement & Farming Tradition

Wallacetown traces its origins to the early 1800s, when settlers, many of Scottish descent, established farms, mills, and early homesteads throughout Dunwich Township. The village soon became an important gathering place for rural residents, offering shops, churches, community halls, and agricultural organizations.

Historic buildings, traditional barns, and long-standing family properties still reflect Wallacetown’s rich pioneer heritage.

A Landscape of Fields, Woodlots & Lake Erie Countryside

Wallacetown is surrounded by the scenic rural beauty characteristic of southwestern Ontario:

• Productive farmland and rolling fields
• Woodlots and wildlife corridors
• Quiet concession roads and peaceful rural vistas
• Proximity to the Lake Erie shoreline and coastal landscapes
• Open skies and wide horizons

This blend of farmland and countryside contributes to the community’s timeless character.

A Community Built on Involvement, Pride & Generational Connection

Residents of Wallacetown take great pride in their community. They support:

• Agricultural groups and rural associations
• Service clubs and volunteer organizations
• Youth activities and sports programs
• Church and community hall events
• Seasonal celebrations and long-standing traditions

This involvement strengthens Wallacetown’s warm, neighbourly atmosphere.

Heritage Preserved Through Generations

Wallacetown honours its past through:

• Century farms and generational properties
• Historic churches and local landmarks
• Community archives and shared stories
• Traditions rooted in rural and agricultural life

These heritage elements offer continuity between the community’s early days and its modern identity.

Agriculture Remains Central to Local Life

The surrounding region remains grounded in agriculture, supported by:

• Dairy, beef, and mixed livestock farms
• Corn, soybean, wheat, and hay operations
• Market gardens and small producers
• Rural artisans and homesteaders

This strong agricultural foundation is celebrated each year at the Wallacetown Fair, one of the region’s oldest and most important rural traditions.

A Natural Companion to the Wallacetown Fair

Together, Wallacetown and its fair highlight:

• Rural heritage
• Volunteer dedication
• Youth involvement
• Homecraft excellence
• Generational continuity
• Strong local pride

A Community Where Heritage, Farmland & Rural Warmth Flourish

Whether travelling its quiet concession roads, visiting neighbouring farms, enjoying community gatherings, or celebrating long-loved traditions like the Wallacetown Fair, Wallacetown offers a memorable Elgin County experience, where heritage, countryside charm, and community spirit come together beautifully.