Hanover Fair

“August 8 – 10, 2025 – A Weekend of Tradition, Family Fun, and Community Spirit!“

friendly activities at the 2025 Hanover Fair, happening from August 8th to 10th, 2025! Whether you’re drawn to livestock showcases, hands-on activities, thrilling competitions, or live entertainment, the Hanover Fair offers something for everyone.

Agricultural Showcases & Traditional Competitions

As a proudly rural fair, Hanover celebrates its deep agricultural roots with a variety of livestock shows and equestrian events:

• Livestock Shows – Featuring top-quality cattle, sheep, and goats, this competition showcases the best of local farming and the hard work of farmers and 4H members.
• Heavy Horse Pull – A thrilling test of strength and teamwork, where massive draft horses compete to pull heavy loads, showcasing both power and skill.
• Horse Drawn Wagon Rides – Take a relaxing and scenic ride around the fairgrounds, enjoying the beauty of the horses and the charm of the fair.

Exciting Competitions & Family-Friendly Fun

The Hanover Fair is filled with interactive and fun events designed for all ages:

• Tug of War Competition – Gather your team and show off your strength and strategy in this classic fairground showdown.
• Pet Show – A delightful event for animal lovers, where dogs, cats, and other furry friends take the stage to compete in fun categories.
• Baby Show – A heartwarming tradition, where the cutest little fairgoers get to shine in a friendly and fun competition.

For younger visitors, the fair offers Children’s Activities, including games, face painting, crafts, and hands-on farm experiences, ensuring a weekend full of excitement.

Homecrafts, Live Entertainment & Community Spirit

The Homecrafts Exhibit is a must-see attraction, where visitors can admire beautiful handmade quilts, baked goods, preserves, woodworking, and crafts. This showcase of local talent and creativity is a tribute to the traditions and skills of the community.

The Live Entertainment Stage will feature local musicians and performers, keeping the festival spirit alive with country, rock, folk, and family-friendly performances throughout the weekend.

A Celebration of Community & Tradition

The 2025 Hanover Fair promises a perfect blend of agriculture, entertainment, and family fun, making it a must-attend event of the summer. Whether you’re enjoying the livestock shows, thrilling competitions, homecraft exhibits, or just taking in the lively atmosphere, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Mark your calendars for August 8th to 10th, 2025, and join us for a fun-filled weekend of fair traditions at the Hanover Fair!

History of the Hanover Fair

The Hanover Fair, organized by the Hanover, Bentinck & Brant Agricultural Society (HBBAS), has been a significant event in Hanover, Ontario, celebrating the region’s agricultural heritage and community spirit. The town of Hanover itself was founded in 1849 by Abraham Buck, who was soon joined by other settlers, notably of German descent, such as Christian Hassenjager. These pioneers established a community that flourished through agriculture and industry.

The HBBAS, established to promote agricultural practices and community involvement, has been instrumental in organizing the annual fair. Over the years, the fair has grown to include a variety of events and attractions, such as homecraft competitions, livestock shows, live entertainment, and children’s activities, reflecting the evolving interests of the community.

In recent developments, the HBBAS initiated a significant renovation project in January 2025. This project involves transforming the Carriage Hall and administrative offices at Hanover Raceway into a multi-purpose banquet hall and conference space, with a total capacity of 460 persons and a state-of-the-art kitchen. The renovation is expected to be completed in late 2025 or early 2026, further enhancing the community’s event-hosting capabilities.

Today, the Hanover Fair continues to be a cornerstone event, fostering community engagement and celebrating the rich agricultural traditions of the region.