Beaver Valley Fall Fair
“September 5 – 6, 2025 – “A Celebration of Heritage and Fun!“
The Beaver Valley Fall Fair returns for its 154th year on September 5th and 6th, 2025, continuing a proud tradition that began in 1870. Hosted by the Beaver Valley Agricultural Society, this much-anticipated community event promises two action-packed days of entertainment, agriculture, and activities for all ages, set against the scenic backdrop of the Beaver Valley. (Beaver Valley Fall Fair)
Agriculture, Horses, and Heritage
Agricultural tradition takes centre stage at the fairgrounds with a variety of exhibits and demonstrations that reflect the area’s deep rural roots. The Homecraft Exhibits will showcase local talent in baking, preserves, crafts, quilting, and more. Visitors can also marvel at the Antique Tractor Display, a nod to the evolution of farming equipment over generations. (Beaver Valley Fall Fair)
Equestrian fans won’t want to miss the Light Horse Show, which highlights the elegance and precision of horse and rider. There’s also the Draft Horse Demonstration, where gentle giants show off their strength and training. For a more relaxing experience, hop aboard one of the Horse Drawn Carriage Rides for a scenic trip around the grounds.
Pet-Friendly Family Fun
Families will find plenty to explore and enjoy, beginning with the popular Pet Show, where local pets strut their stuff for prizes and applause. The Petting Zoo gives kids a chance to meet friendly farm animals up close, creating fun and educational moments. The Touch-a-Truck display also returns, letting kids climb aboard real-life tractors, emergency vehicles, and construction equipment.
Those looking for physical challenges can try the Inflatable Obstacle Course, or get hands-on in the Mini Excavator and Micro Excavator Challenges, where coordination and focus are put to the test.
Excitement and Entertainment
This year’s entertainment lineup is sure to thrill. The crowd-favorite Classic Championship Wrestling Show brings high-energy action to the fairgrounds, combining drama, athleticism, and larger-than-life characters.
The Active K9 Performance Team will demonstrate agility, obedience, and pure excitement with their impressive canine routines that never fail to wow the audience. Adding to the excitement, the Grey EGR Guard Combat Demo will provide a unique and engaging performance featuring historical combat displays.
Live Music, Competitions, and Beer Garden Vibes
Live performances throughout the weekend will keep the atmosphere buzzing. Enjoy Live Music from local bands and entertainers while relaxing in the Beer Garden, the perfect place to soak up the fair’s energy with friends and neighbours.
Don’t forget to check out the spirited Apple Peeling Competition, a fun and fast-paced event that ties in beautifully with the region’s apple-growing legacy.
Join the Tradition
Whether you’re in it for the farm vibes, family fun, or the wrestling ring, the 2025 Beaver Valley Fall Fair offers a full weekend of entertainment and community spirit. Make your way to this year’s fair and be part of a cherished tradition that has brought the Beaver Valley together for over a century.
History of the Beaver Valley Fall Fair
The Beaver Valley Agricultural Society is the oldest organization in our community.
It formed in 1870, as the Collingwood Township Agricultural Society, with those original members breaking off from the Euphrasia Township Agricultural Society which had formed almost a decade earlier.
The agricultural societies in Ontario formed with an eye to improving farm stock and crops, with this particular area’s climate being well suited to the production of pasture to feed the various cattle, horses, sheep and swine of those pioneering farmers, plus having excellent grain-producing qualities.
“I have long been of the opinion that much benefit would result to farmers by often meeting at this season of the year and comparing their experiences,” wrote William J. Marsh, the society’s first president, in his annual address in 1878.
From 1850, when Thornbury was little more than a sawmill, to 1870, when the agricultural society formed, Collingwood Township grew to have 3,576 people on 557 farms with 17,055 acres under crop, according to the census records. This fast became a thriving agricultural community.
The agricultural society renamed itself in 1967, becoming the Clarksburg Agricultural Society, in honour of Canada’s centennial year and because the fall fair was held in Clarksburg. When the fall fair moved in 1972 to the Beaver Valley Community Centre in Thornbury, another name change was in order and it became the Beaver Valley Agricultural Society.
The purpose of the annual fall fair hasn’t changed much over the last century and a half. People still show their various homecrafts, baking and preserves, bring their fruits and vegetables, flowers, and hay and grain crops. Animals are still a mainstay, though the huge numbers of cattle, horses, chickens, sheep and pigs that crowded the fairgrounds before the First World War has obviously seen changes.
The fall fair is more than just farmers comparing their annual notes on livestock and crop success and failure. In the days before the telephone, never mind the Internet, people had to meet to communicate. Now we choose to meet to celebrate the annual harvest, to educate tourists and residents alike on our farming history and culture, to promote the local agricultural industry and lifestyle, and to celebrate our community’s life and pride by providing the longest-running community event in The Blue Mountains.
Long live the Beaver Valley Fall Fair!
