Bobcaygeon Fall Fair
“September 25 – 27, 2025 – Celebrating 167 Years of Tradition!“
The 2025 Bobcaygeon Fall Fair is set to take place from September 25 to 27, 2025, at the Bobcaygeon-Verulam Community Centre, located at 51 Mansfield Street, Bobcaygeon, Ontario. Established in 1858, this cherished fair celebrates its 167th 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 Goat Show, Sheep Show, and Horse Show highlight the dedication of local farmers and the quality of livestock in the region. Equestrian enthusiasts can look forward to the Hunter Horse Show, Horse Pull, and the Off Kilter Equine Horse Show, 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 Midway offers interactive and educational experiences for younger attendees. Traditional fair games, the Pony Rides, and the Dog 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. These performances add to the vibrant and communal spirit of the event.
Demolition Derby and Tractor Pulls
Adding excitement to the fair, the Demolition Derby and Tractor and Truck Pull 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.
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.
Join the Celebration
The 2025 Bobcaygeon 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 Bobcaygeon. Mark your calendars for September 25 to 27, and be part of this cherished celebration at the Bobcaygeon-Verulam Community Centre.
History of the Bobcaygeon Fall Fair
The origin of the Bobcaygeon Fall Fair is one that goes as far back as 1792 when John Simcoe (first Lieutenant Governor of Upper Canada) helped to organize the Agricultural Society of Upper Canada in an effort to establish Upper Canada as an agricultural nation. In the 1800’s, hundreds of agricultural societies soon emerged across Canada. And in 1858 the Verulam Agricultural Society was born.
Throughout the years many changes have taken place, including the location of the fairgrounds, erections of buildings including the Bobcaygeon-Verulam Community Centre (1954) and the Curling Club (1967), loss of buildings due to fires, and acquisition of adjacent land.
As early at 1895, a parade was held, organized by Mossum Boyd and his foreman. At that time the locks were east of the present day swing bridge. The parade came up by the canal and turned onto the bridge at the bank corner. The parade proceeded to the fountain on the north side of town where the Fair was held around the Market Square. Today’s parade starts from the Market Square and ends at the current fairgrounds.
An original portion of the current grounds were purchased from Mossum Boyd in 1901 for $350. Fair-goers travelled by train, autos and boats to attend the fair. The first prize offered for a decorated auto was in 1915 when Mr. & Mrs. Harry Garlick motored from Toronto to the fair.
All through the years, many cattle, horses, hogs and sheep were shown. Eventually poultry and pets were added to the showcase. Harness racing as well. A time for all the farmers and their families, from inside and outside the municipality to show off their hard work throughout the year. Baking and sewing were also displayed for all to view and admire.
One problem discussed annually when the land was acquired for the fairgrounds was how the land would be used during the year. It was decided to rent the land for pasture to a local man with horses and cattle. Again, more improvements were made to the land, and eventually campers were seeking a location to pitch a tent and park their trailers for the night throughout the summer months. It is now the current home for the Bobcaygeon Trailer Park – which houses over 85 campsites as well as additional green space for overnight camping.
In 1974, the name changed from the Verulam Agricultural Society / Verulam-Bobcaygeon Agricultural Society to the Bobcaygeon Agricultural Society. We salute our founding members for their dedication, wisdom, foresight and labour in those early years, that we may now enjoy the fruit of their work and make our fair what it has always been – the Daddy of Em’ All.
