Acton Fall Fair
“September 19 – 21, 2025 – “The Best Little Fair in Ontario!“
The 2025 Acton Fall Fair is set to take place from September 19 to 21, 2025, at Prospect Park, located at 30 Park Avenue, Acton, Ontario. Established in 1913, this cherished fair celebrates its 112th year, offering a delightful mix of agricultural showcases, family-friendly entertainment, and community spirit.
Agricultural Exhibits and Livestock Shows
Agriculture remains at the heart of the fair. The Dairy Cattle Show, Beef Cattle Show, and 4-H Sheep Club Achievement Day highlight the dedication of local farmers and the quality of livestock in the region. Equestrian enthusiasts can look forward to the Heavy and Light Horse Shows and the Horse Show Competition, each demonstrating the grace and strength of these magnificent animals. These exhibits celebrate the agricultural arts that have been a staple of the fair since its inception.
Family-Friendly Entertainment and Activities
Families will find plenty to enjoy throughout the fair. The Kids Pedal Pull offers interactive and educational experiences for younger attendees. Traditional fair games and the Baby Show provide fun and competition for children. These activities provide engaging experiences for children and families alike.
Live Entertainment and Community Gatherings
Evenings at the fair are filled with lively entertainment. Live Music performances by local artists provide a festive atmosphere, inviting attendees to dance and celebrate. Throughout the fair, various acts ensure continuous enjoyment for all visitors. The Beer Tent offers a space for adults to relax and enjoy local brews while taking in the entertainment. These performances add to the vibrant and communal spirit of the event.
Homecrafts and Community Engagement
Inside the exhibition halls, visitors can explore an array of Homecraft Exhibits, showcasing local talents in baking, quilting, preserves, and crafts. These exhibits celebrate the domestic arts that have been a staple of the fair since its inception. Community members are encouraged to participate in various exhibits and competitions, fostering local talent and engagement.
Special Attractions and Community Spirit
Adding excitement to the fair, the Antique Tractor Pulls, Lawn and Garden Pull, and 4×4 Truck Pulls promise high-octane thrills as participants compete in tests of endurance and strategy. These events are favorites among visitors, highlighting the power and skill involved in these traditional fair activities. The Urban Farming Demos provide educational experiences, showcasing sustainable practices and innovations in agriculture.
Join the Celebration
The 2025 Acton Fall Fair offers a rich tapestry of events and exhibits that honor the area’s agricultural heritage and community spirit. Whether you’re a long-time attendee or a first-time visitor, the fair provides an opportunity to connect with the traditions that have shaped Acton. Mark your calendars for September 19 to 21, and be part of this cherished celebration at Prospect Park.
History of the Acton Fall Fair
The “Acton Fall Fair” has been around since 1913 however did you know, this was not the first fair to be held in Acton?
Starting in 1846, the “Esquesing Fair” would alternate between Acton & Georgetown. Throughout the decades, the fair had assumed different names while continuing to go back & forth between Acton & Georgetown.
The fair went through many changes. Between 1889 to 1892, the fair was called the Acton Union Fair, and it was held for two days during the week. In 1892, the fair was known as the Acton Horticultural & Agricultural Exhibition. In 1908, the fair was back to being the Esquesing Fall Fair, & it was advertised as “Open to the World – Esquesing Fall Fair at Acton” Admission to the fair was 25¢ & 10¢ for children. The following year, the fair in Acton had 459 entries in horse events alone.
In January 1912, the Township Society (who had arranged the Fair thus far) held their annual meeting & voted to cancel the alternating arrangement & just hold the annual fair in Georgetown. In the spring of 1913, the Town of Acton held a meeting where many citizens came forward to support an Acton Fall Fair. A committee was formed & they canvassed the town for funds. They had been so successful that not only was the fair able to happen, there was also a very impressive prize pool for the competitions.
George Havill was elected President & George Hynds was elected Secretary-Treasurer of the board. In 1913, the fair was advertised in The Acton Free Press as “Acton Fall Fair – Open to the World”. The fair took place over two days: Tuesday, September 23rd & Wednesday, September 24th.
More notable events in the years since:
1914: The fair was awarded our first government grant of $300 and $200 people viewed the exhibits, with $21.00 taken at the gate.
1924: After a deficit of $1.20 in 1923, admission to the fair was raised to 35¢
1942: The fair opened on a weekend for the first time, opening on the Friday & Saturday
1963: The 50th anniversary was celebrated & the first Miss Acton (Fair Ambassador) competition took place
1974: The fair was extended to 3 days
2013: The 100th anniversary of the fair was celebrated
As we look back over the years we realize that we owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to officers and members of the early fairs. The Acton Fair has carried on through wartime, depression and rainy fair days.
It is the hope of the Acton Agricultural Society that this history will be of interest to all who read it
