Drumbo Fall Fair
“September 20 – 21, 2025 – Celebrating 175 Years of “Simply Country – Simply Fun!“
The 2025 Drumbo Fall Fair is set to take place from September 20 to 21, 2025, at the Drumbo Fairgrounds, located at 42 Centre Street, Drumbo, Ontario. Established in 1850, this cherished fair celebrates its 175th 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 Beef Show, Youth Rabbit Show, and Draft Horse Show highlight the dedication of local farmers and the quality of livestock in the region. Equestrian enthusiasts can look forward to the Youth Horse Show and Mini 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 Children’s Village offers interactive and educational experiences for younger attendees. Traditional fair games, the Inflatables, Pony Rides, Horse Drawn Wagon Rides, and the Pet 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.
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. The School Fair Exhibits highlight the creativity and hard work of local students, adding a youthful energy to the fair. 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 Drumbo 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 Drumbo. Mark your calendars for September 20 to 21, and be part of this cherished celebration at the Drumbo Fairgrounds.
History of the Drumbo Fall Fair
The success and longevity of Drumbo Fair since 1850 is based on strong community involvement and a desire to promote and improve the local agricultural industry. The Blenheim Agricultural Society was formed with this goal in mind.
Starting in 1850, Drumbo Fair was held as part of a summer community gathering. But by 1854, the first Drumbo fall fair was held on the Muma farm, north of Drumbo, where a new barn was used for inside exhibits and an excellent horse show was held on the grounds. The Blenheim Agricultural Society continued yearly to hold a fall fair which was rotated around the township until 1891 when a centralized site was purchased in Drumbo to allow the use of permanent buildings. By 1905, with the exhibit hall getting old, the Agricultural Society made arrangements with the Drumbo Curling Club to use the newly constructed arena for Drumbo Fair activities and display areas.
Although the details of the Drumbo Fair have changed over time, the strong community involvement has allowed the construction of the Agricultural Hall in 1967 and the Exhibit Hall in the late 1980’s, which have continued to serve the community. A major renovation project at the Agricultural Hall was completed in 2006.
Drumbo Fair has a long history of involving children in its activities. Foot races, livestock shows and baking in the early years naturally gave rise to the inclusion of the Blenheim Township School Fair as part of the Drumbo Fair. In the 1940’s and 50’s, the enthusiasm of the school fair parades and the crowds of children on the grounds were a highlight. The School Fair is still one of the best parts of the Drumbo Fair with art displays from the local schools and individual competitions in over 100 classes.
What started as families gathering to compare agricultural produce in a picnic atmosphere continues today as a friendly place to meet while celebrating community activities and the agricultural spirit of the area. Individually, we may have fond memories of different aspects of Drumbo Fair — the family entertainment, displays, opening night show, Ambassador Competition, horse shows or home crafts and photography — but the key elements that have lasted since 1850 are the strong community spirit and the fact that the Drumbo Fall Fair is the best place to meet friends on a September weekend.
