Blackstock Fair
“August 23, 2025 – A Smash Hit of Country Fun Since 1866!“
Mark your calendars for Saturday, August 23rd, 2025, as the Blackstock Fair returns for another exciting year of agriculture, entertainment, and small-town charm! First held in 1866, the Blackstock Fair is proud to celebrate 159 years of tradition, making it one of Ontario’s longest-running rural fairs. With a full day of family-friendly events, competitions, and demonstrations, the 2025 fair promises something for everyone.
Whether you come for the livestock shows, thrilling demolition derby, or the homemade pumpkin pie, you’ll leave with lasting memories and a deep appreciation for this proud agricultural community.
A Full Day of Rural Competition and Celebration
This year’s fair boasts an exciting lineup of livestock and equestrian events. The 4H Beef Show brings together dedicated young farmers to present their animals with pride and professionalism, while the Beef and Dairy Shows highlight the region’s farming excellence.
Horse lovers won’t want to miss the action-packed Saddle/Welsh Horse Show, featuring agility, grace, and showmanship in the ring. Then, get ready for raw power and tradition with the Horse Pull Competition, where majestic draft horses work in teams to pull heavy weights in a thrilling show of strength and teamwork.
Family Fun in Every Corner
The fair’s Kid’s World is a hub of fun and laughter for little ones, filled with games, crafts, and engaging activities. One of the most popular events is the Pedal Tractor Pull, where young competitors test their strength and pedal their way to victory on mini tractors.
Adding to the excitement is a visit from The Timber Ripper, a jaw-dropping lumberjack show full of chainsaw tricks, axe-throwing, and good old-fashioned wood-cutting skill that will have the crowd cheering in amazement.
Homemade Goodness & Heritage Skills
Step inside the exhibit halls to admire the stunning Homecraft Displays, showcasing local talent in quilting, canning, baking, floral design, and more. A highlight this year is the Pumpkin Pie Judging—a deliciously competitive event where the region’s best bakers vie for the title of top pie. Expect flaky crusts, spiced fillings, and plenty of mouth-watering aroma!
Don’t miss the Spinning Demonstration, where traditional textile skills are brought to life, offering fairgoers a glimpse into the artistry and patience behind handmade yarn.
Entertainment from Start to Finish
The fairgrounds will be alive with Live Music, featuring local performers and toe-tapping tunes that add rhythm to the day. From folk and country to upbeat classics, there’s a tune for every fairgoer to enjoy.
Of course, no Blackstock Fair would be complete without the Demolition Derby—a high-energy, metal-crunching, crowd-roaring spectacle that promises a dramatic end to an unforgettable day.
Join Us at the 2025 Blackstock Fair!
Come be a part of the tradition on August 23rd, and enjoy a full day of agriculture, heritage, family fun, and explosive entertainment at the 159th Blackstock Fair—where rural roots meet fairground fun!
History of the Blackstock Fair
The Blackstock Fair, held in the village of Blackstock, Ontario, has a long and proud agricultural history dating back to 1866. It was founded by the Cartwright Township Agricultural Society, which continues to organize the fair today. The fair was established to promote agriculture, animal husbandry, and community spirit in what was then a rural and farming-dominated region of Durham County.
In its earliest form, the fair provided a venue for local farmers to exhibit livestock, field crops, garden produce, baking, and handcrafts, while also offering a social occasion to celebrate the harvest and share innovations in farming. It quickly became a popular annual tradition for the area.
Over the decades, the Blackstock Fair expanded to include horse shows, 4-H competitions, homecraft displays, children’s games, parades, live entertainment, and more recently, events like lawn tractor pulls and classic car shows. Despite modern additions, the fair has remained true to its agricultural roots, with a strong focus on youth involvement and rural education.
Now held each year in August, the Blackstock Fair continues to attract families, exhibitors, and visitors from across the region. It is one of the few remaining one-day agricultural fairs in Ontario and is known for packing a lot of fun and tradition into a single action-filled day.
With over 155 years of history, the Blackstock Fair stands as a proud reminder of the enduring values of community, heritage, and rural pride, all brought to life through the dedication of volunteers and the support of local residents.
