Iron Bridge Fall Fair
“August 23, 2025 – A One-Day Celebration of Heritage, Fun, and Community Spirit!“
On Saturday, August 23rd, 2025, the village of Iron Bridge invites you to gather with friends, family, and neighbours for a day packed with laughter, creativity, and local pride at the 2025 Iron Bridge Fall Fair! Celebrating its 136th year, this beloved event—first held in 1889—continues to honour its rural roots while embracing new traditions that bring the community together for a truly memorable experience.
With a lively mix of entertainment, contests, music, and family fun, this one-day fair proves that big memories are made in small towns.
Parade of Colour and Community
The fair kicks off in classic style with the Iron Bridge Fall Fair Parade, a joyful procession of floats, vintage vehicles, marching groups, and local organizations, all decorated to celebrate the spirit of the season. It’s a sight to see as smiling faces line the streets, waving flags and cheering for their favourite entries. The parade sets the tone for the rest of the day—festive, welcoming, and filled with community pride.
Lively Entertainment and Local Talent
Throughout the day, the fairgrounds will be alive with the sounds of Live Music and Entertainment, featuring performances by local artists, dancers, and community groups. Whether you’re tapping your toes to a country tune or enjoying a comedy act or local theatre performance, there’s always something happening on stage to keep the energy high and the crowd smiling.
Cooking, Creativity & Competition
One of the highlights of this year’s fair is the Cooking Challenges, where local chefs and home cooks will put their skills to the test in timed culinary competitions. Expect delicious aromas, sizzling pans, and maybe even a few friendly rivalries as participants race to impress the judges with their farm-fresh creations.
Inside the exhibit hall, the Homecraft Displays showcase the incredible talents of local artisans and hobbyists. From baking and preserves to quilts, crafts, and seasonal décor, each entry reflects the time, care, and creativity of the community.
Young artists will also have their moment in the spotlight with the Youth Poster Contest, an annual tradition that encourages local youth to express themselves through art. The winning designs will be proudly displayed throughout the fairgrounds, showcasing the next generation of creativity.
Games and Family Fun
Kids of all ages will find plenty to enjoy with a wide variety of Games and Children’s Activities, including traditional fair games, crafts, and hands-on fun. With something new around every corner, families can enjoy hours of entertainment in a safe, welcoming environment.
Celebrate Fall the Iron Bridge Way!
Whether you’re tasting local flavours, admiring a home-sewn quilt, or dancing to live music with your neighbours, the 2025 Iron Bridge Fall Fair is all about community, tradition, and having fun together. Join us on August 23rd, 2025, and be part of a one-day event that celebrates everything we love about small-town Ontario!
History of the Iron Bridge Fall Fair
The Iron Bridge Fall Fair, located in the rural heart of Huron Shores (formerly Thompson Township), has a proud and enduring history as one of Northern Ontario’s oldest agricultural fairs, dating back to 1889. It was founded by the Thompson Township Agricultural Society with the goal of promoting agriculture, rural skills, and community engagement in the Algoma District.
In its early years, the fair was a classic example of a pioneer harvest celebration, offering competitions and exhibitions in livestock, field crops, vegetables, baking, preserves, crafts, and needlework. It quickly became the major social event of the season, bringing together farming families from across the region.
As the fair grew, it expanded its offerings to include school exhibits, 4-H Club competitions, pet shows, games for children, live entertainment, local vendors, and parades. Despite its small-town setting, the Iron Bridge Fall Fair has always reflected the big-hearted spirit of its community, with strong participation and enthusiastic volunteers.
Held annually at the Iron Bridge Recreation Centre, the fair continues to blend agricultural tradition with modern fun, all while emphasizing community pride, education, and family values. It has weathered the challenges of time — including changes in farming, rural demographics, and even global events — but remains a vibrant and much-anticipated event.
Now with over 135 years of tradition, the Iron Bridge Fall Fair stands as a testament to the resilience and warmth of Northern Ontario communities. It remains a gathering place where heritage is honoured, neighbours connect, and rural life is celebrated in all its colourful, down-to-earth charm.
