Durham Fall Fair
“August 29 – 31, 2025 – “Harvesting History – for 165 Years!“
From August 29th to 31st, the town of Durham will once again come alive with tradition, excitement, and community pride as the 2025 Durham Fall Fair celebrates an incredible 165 years of agricultural heritage! Since its founding in 1860, the fair has been a cornerstone of Grey County’s rural culture. This year’s theme, “Harvesting History – for 165 Years,” honours that legacy while inviting new generations to experience the heart and soul of a true country fair.
With livestock shows, family fun, thrilling competitions, and hands-on heritage, the 2025 fair promises a weekend packed with unforgettable moments for visitors of all ages. (Durham Fall Fair)
Agriculture in Action
True to its farming roots, the Durham Fall Fair offers a dynamic lineup of agricultural competitions and displays. Watch as top local farmers and 4-H participants showcase their finest livestock in the Invitational Dairy Show, Invitational Beef Show, and Invitational Beef Calf Show—highlighting excellence in care, breeding, and presentation. (Durham Fall Fair)
Don’t miss the exciting 4-H Invitational Sheep Show, where young handlers step into the ring to demonstrate their skill and dedication. For horse lovers, the fair features both an elegant English Show and a spirited Western Saddle Show, showcasing the talents of riders and their horses in different disciplines.
Fairground Classics and Family Favourites
The fair is a haven of family-friendly fun, beginning with the ever-popular Parade, which fills the streets with floats, community groups, farm equipment, and marching bands. It’s a festive kickoff to the weekend, full of colour and hometown pride. (Durham Fall Fair)
Little ones will love the Kid’s Pedal Tractor Pull, where they can test their strength and pedal their way to victory. The adorable Baby Show and cheerful Pet Show are also must-see events, offering a heartwarming glimpse at the youngest and furriest members of the community.
Visitors of all ages can hop aboard Wagon Rides and enjoy a scenic journey around the fairgrounds—perfect for relaxing while soaking in the country atmosphere.
Power & Performance
If horsepower is more your style, head to the track for the thrilling Tractor Pull and Antique Tractor Pull, where modern and vintage machines roar to life in friendly competition. It’s a classic rural showdown that draws crowds year after year.
The EGR Grey Guard, a fan-favourite performance group, will also be returning to wow audiences with their precise, disciplined routines and community spirit.
Creative Displays & Country Charm
Step inside the exhibit hall to explore the stunning Homecraft Exhibits, where community members showcase their best in baking, quilting, preserving, crafts, and more. These traditional displays are a colourful tribute to the skills and creativity that have shaped the region for generations.
Join the Celebration!
Come and be part of 165 years of tradition at the 2025 Durham Fall Fair—a weekend where we’re not just celebrating the harvest, but the heart of a community. From August 29th to 31st, discover why this fair is a cherished part of Ontario’s agricultural heritage!
History of the Durham Fall Fair
The Durham Agricultural Society has a long and rich history within the town of Durham and surrounding communities. It was established in 1858 under the name South Grey Agricultural Society and by an act of Parliament, the Society’s name was officially changed on April 26, 1934 to the current name of Durham Agricultural Society. Agricultural societies are Ontario’s oldest organizations and were established before the Government. As settlers moved into the Grey and Bruce Counties, they established their homesteads and planted their crops. A highlight for them was the fall season when the men would gather to exhibit and display their year’s produce and thus the Fall Fairs were born.
Over the years, the Durham Fall Fair has been held in several locations throughout this town: at the old Drill Shed in Upper Town, on the face of the hill on Garafraxa Street which is now an entrance to the Saugeen Valley Conservation Park, in a building at the corner of Lambton and Garafraxa Streets and in Moody’s barn near the foot of the hill. Near Moody’s barn was an open field enclosed by a rail fence which was known as the Fair Grounds. The Fairs were next held on the east side of Bruce Street between Lambton and George Street West and finally in 1879, the Fair moved to the present location on Saddler Street West. The current arena is the third set of buildings to house the Fair. In 1890, the Society purchased the current property from the estate of the late Thomas Brown for a sum of $150.00. During the late 1800’s the grounds were improved and more space was provided for the showing of horses. Further purchases of land included the hill and part of the flats. The “hill” provided a natural grandstand for the many visitors, overlooking the race track and flats below. At a later date, a covered and seated grandstand was erected at the foot of the hill opposite the starting point and finishing line of the race track. Later, hen houses and cattle sheds were erected, but stand no longer. In 1890, the addition of a half mile race track was built.
In 1952, the members of the Durham Agricultural Society agreed to turn over their property to the town of Durham for the sum of $1.00 as a site for its new Community Centre. In return, the Agricultural Society was granted the use of the grounds including the new building for eight days each year. Throughout the history of the fair, many events have been featured: the Saugeen Valley Steeplechase, a Fleece Wool Show, a Regional Sheep Show, a Jersey Parish Show, 4-H Calf and Swine Clubs, Pet Shows, Beauty Pageant, Skipping contests, Cream and Butter Commercial Features, Goat Show, Saddle, Heavy and Light Horses, Jr. Calf Club, and 4-H Horse Club, just to name a few, as well as the usual field crop, livestock, and homecraft divisions.
The Society has had many volunteers throughout its history. From 1917 – 1918 the Durham Agricultural Society was honoured to have William Scarf elected as President of the Ontario Association of Agricultural Societies. In 1954, Anna Koehler served as President of the Homecraft section of the Ontario Association of Agricultural Societies. Jack Milligan was OAAS District 10 Agricultural director from 1998 – 2000.
In the early years, the local schools closed for the fair and the Furniture Factory also closed for half a day. At the 100th anniversary of the Fair, centennial gates were erected by the Durham Agricultural Society and placed at the entrance to the Community Centre. The gates serve to remind us of the dedication and foresight of former Presidents and Directors. A Provincial grant of $1,000.00 was received for this purpose. The unveiling and dedication service was held in conjunction with the 1958 Fall Fair.
Over the years, the Fair has seen many changes and challenges. In 1995 an “Evening Out” was introduced featuring a delicious roast beef dinner and entertainment by the Paul Brothers and Shirley. This event was established in order to raise funds for the Society and with its success it has become an annual event held in May of each year at the Community Centre. This is a function that many people look forward to. It also serves for the unveiling of the beautiful homemade quilt that to be raffled in the Annual Quilt Draw for the Fall Fair weekend. Each year, as we celebrate another Fall Fair and another anniversary of the Durham Agricultural Society, we look back with pride and gratitude to all those who served the Society diligently. It is from their dedication that our Society today is healthy and active. We are looking forward to seeing everyone at the Fair!
