Emo Fair

“August 14 – 16, 2025 – Celebrating 125 Years of Community, Agriculture & Excitement!“

Step into a century-old tradition of rural pride, family fun, and thrilling entertainment at the 2025 Emo Fair, happening from August 14th to 16th, 2025! Established at the turn of the century in 1900, this year marks the 125th anniversary of the fair, making it a truly special celebration of agriculture, motorsports, and small-town charm.

Whether you’re a fan of livestock competitions, classic car showcases, high-speed racing, or family-friendly activities, the Emo Fair has something for everyone!

Agricultural Excellence – Horse & Beef Shows

Rooted in farming traditions, the Emo Fair is proud to highlight the region’s best livestock and equestrian events:

• Horse Show – Showcasing skilled riders and their horses, competing in a variety of classes and disciplines.
• Beef Show & 4H Beef Show – Celebrating top-tier cattle as farmers and young 4H members present their best livestock in a friendly competition.

Motorsports Excitement – Stock Car & Go Cart Races

For those who love fast-paced action, the Emo Fair’s motorsports lineup is sure to thrill:

• Stock Car Races – Experience the adrenaline-pumping action as drivers speed around the track, battling for first place.
• Go Cart Races – A fan-favorite event for all ages, featuring fast-paced karting action where racers show off speed and precision.

Parade, Midway & Classic Displays

The Emo Fair is a celebration of community spirit, featuring family-friendly attractions and exciting entertainment:

• Parade – A colorful procession of floats, marching bands, and community groups, kicking off the fair with energy and excitement.
• Midway – Packed with thrilling rides, carnival games, and delicious fair food, offering fun for all ages.
• Classic Car & Tractor Display – A stunning exhibit of beautifully restored classic cars and vintage farm tractors, perfect for history buffs and automotive enthusiasts.

Local Vendors & Market Square

Explore the Emo Market Square, where local artisans, farmers, and vendors showcase handcrafted goods, homegrown produce, and unique finds. It’s the perfect place to shop local and experience the creativity of the community.

Live Music, Beer Garden & Family Fun

• Live Music – The fair will be rocking all weekend with talented local musicians and bands, setting the perfect festival atmosphere.
• Lakers Beer Garden – A relaxing space to enjoy a cold drink, socialize with friends, and take in the fair’s entertainment.
• Petting Zoo – A must-visit for families, where kids can interact with friendly farm animals and enjoy a hands-on farm experience.

A Celebration of 125 Years of Tradition & Fun!

With its perfect blend of agricultural showcases, motorsports thrills, family-friendly activities, and live entertainment, the 2025 Emo Fair is shaping up to be one of the best yet!

Mark your calendars for August 14th to 16th, 2025, and come celebrate 125 years of history, community, and excitement at the Emo Fair!

History of the Emo Fair

The Emo Fair, officially known as the Rainy River Valley Agricultural Society Fall Fair, has been a cornerstone of community celebration in Emo, Ontario, since its inception in 1900. Over the years, the fair has evolved from a primarily agricultural showcase into a multifaceted event that attracts visitors from across the region.

Early Years and Agricultural Roots

In its early years, the Emo Fair focused predominantly on agriculture, reflecting the community’s farming heritage. Local farmers and their families would present their finest livestock, grains, and produce, fostering a spirit of friendly competition and communal pride. Exhibits included various species of poultry, quality oats, beans, peas, and other fresh garden produce. The fair also featured dairy and beef cattle showcases, along with displays of swine, goats, and workhorses.

Expansion of Activities

As the years progressed, the fair expanded its offerings to include a broader range of activities. Homecraft exhibits became a staple, with community members showcasing cakes, pies, bread, cookies, quilts, dresses, woolen sweaters, and scarves, all vying for ribbons. The event also incorporated carnival rides, musical performances in the grandstands, sulky races, and later, stock car racing. The 4-H booth became renowned for serving the first corn of the season alongside burgers, adding to the fair’s culinary attractions.

Emo Speedway

A notable addition to the fairgrounds is the Emo Speedway, a 3/8-mile high-banked dirt oval racetrack built in 1954. The speedway has become integral to the fair’s festivities, hosting various racing events that draw motorsport enthusiasts. Over the decades, the speedway has undergone periods of activity and dormancy, with significant revivals in the 1960s and 1980s, reflecting the community’s enduring passion for racing.

Community Involvement and Volunteerism

The fair’s success and longevity are deeply rooted in community involvement and volunteerism. Generations of families have participated, particularly through 4-H programs, fostering a legacy of agricultural education and community service. Volunteers have been instrumental in organizing events, managing exhibits, and ensuring the fair’s smooth operation, embodying the community’s commitment to preserving this cherished tradition.

Recent Developments

In recent years, the fair has continued to adapt and grow, introducing new attractions while honoring its agricultural roots. The event remains a highlight of the community calendar, offering a blend of traditional exhibits and modern entertainment that appeals to all ages. The fair serves as a testament to the enduring spirit of the Emo community and its dedication to celebrating local heritage.

For more detailed information about the fair’s history and current events, the Rainy River Valley Agricultural Society provides resources and updates on their official platforms.