Oro World’s Fair

“September 12 – 13, 2025 – “Celebrating 173 Years of Agricultural Heritage and Community Spirit!“

The 2025 Oro World’s Fair is set to take place on September 12 and 13, 2025, at the Oro-Medonte Fairgrounds, located at 80 Sideroad 15 & 16 E, Oro Station, Ontario. Established in 1852, this cherished fair celebrates its 173rd year, offering a delightful mix of agricultural showcases, family-friendly entertainment, and community spirit. (Oro World’s Fair)

Agricultural Exhibits and Livestock Shows

Agriculture remains at the heart of the fair. The Dairy Show, Beef Cattle Show, Rabbit Show, and Sheep Show highlight the dedication of local farmers and the quality of livestock in the region. Equestrian enthusiasts can look forward to the Western Fun and Gaming Show, Hunter Jumper Show, and Pony, Draft, and Haflinger Horse Show, each demonstrating the grace and strength of these magnificent animals. Additionally, the Flower Show showcases the region’s rich horticultural heritage and innovations. (Oro World’s Fair)

Family-Friendly Entertainment and Activities

Families will find plenty to enjoy throughout the weekend. The Inflatable Park offers interactive and educational experiences for younger attendees. The Baby Show celebrates the community’s youngest members, adding a heartwarming touch to the festivities. The Mini Pedal Tractor Pull provides fun and competition for children. These activities provide engaging experiences for children and families alike. (Oro World’s Fair)

Live Entertainment and Social 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. (Oro World’s Fair)

Motor Sports and Competitions

Adding excitement to the fair, the Tractor Pull, Demolition Derby, and Slow Tractor Race promise high-octane thrills as drivers compete in tests of endurance and strategy. The Classic Car and Truck Show offers a nostalgic journey through automotive history. These competitions are a favorite among attendees, highlighting the power and skill involved in these traditional fair events. (Oro World’s Fair)

Homecraft Exhibits and Community Engagement

Inside the exhibition halls, visitors can explore an array of Homecraft Exhibits, showcasing local talents in baking, quilting, preserves, and crafts. 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. (Oro World’s Fair)

Join the Celebration

The 2025 Oro World’s 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 Oro-Medonte. Mark your calendars for September 12 and 13, and be part of this cherished celebration at the Oro-Medonte Fairgrounds. (Oro World’s Fair)

History of the Oro World’s Fair

The Oro World’s Fair is a 170 year tradition in Oro Township. The first Oro Fair was held in 1852 at Rix’s Tavern at the NW corner of lot 15 on the first concession. The president of the first Oro Fair was Richard Drury, and Joseph Thomas was the first secretary-treasurer. The first members of the Oro Agricultural Society also included names such as Partridge, Hickling, Campbell, Atkinson, McCuaig, Caldwell, Fletcher, Crawford and O’Brien – and many of their ancestors still play prominent roles in making the Oro Fair successful. In it’s early years, the Oro Fair was held at various taverns in the township before it finally settled at the Township Hall in 1869. (It is on record that the 1855 fair, held at White’s Tavern in Dalston, netted Mr. White 8 shillings and 9 pence from serving refreshments to the Judges!) The year previously, the Oro Council had acquired land and built the Township Hall to serve as a focal point for the community. In these early years, membership fees for the Oro Agricultural Society which organized and ran the fair, a small legislative grant, plus donations from local citizens financed the Oro Fair.In 1877, looking for new areas of revenue to expand the Fair, a collection box was placed at the entrance gate on Fair Day – by sunset it contained a grand sum of $2.25 – a pretty penny in those days! This was the forerunner of the admission fee for Oro Fair, and the money collected to see the sights of Oro Fair continues to finance the improvements and events held at the Fair each year. In 1878, the Oro Agricultural Society opened the fair to all residents in the Dominion of Canada, believing that the produce of Oro could compete with the best the world had to offer. Hence, the grand title of Oro World’s Fair was born. In 1886, the directors of the Fair decided to omit the prize given out each year for the best yoke of oxen and decided to add more horse prizes – this marked the end of an era for Oro Fair. (Oro World’s Fair)

In 1914, it was decided to build a new building to display the fruits and vegetables that were the product of the early pioneer orchards and grain crops from the fertile fields of Oro. This building was also used for the School Fair, and in 1954, was moved to its present location at the north end of the fairgrounds and an addition was added to the building. This building continues to host the exhibits of Oro’s schoolchildren. In 1920, a horse shed was built near the center of the race track and provided much-needed protection for the horses on hot or rainy days. In need of repairs, and with the number of horses at the Oro Fair beginning to dwindle as tractor power dominated agriculture, the horse shed was torn down in 1966.

The Oro School Fair, sponsored by the Department of Agriculture, began as a separate event in 1915 and continued until 1939, when it was withdrawn. In 1948, it was reestablished in conjunction with the Oro Fair and has continued until the present day, adding much to the Senior Fair.

In 1952, the 100th Anniversary of Oro Fair was celebrated, and the Hon. Leslie Frost, then Premier of Ontario, led a procession of many floats depicting Oro’s past, and officially opened the 100th Oro Fair.

In the past years, the Tug-of-War teams, the Oxen-Pulling Competition, and the Chuck-Wagon races provided Fairgoers with lots of entertainment and friendly competition, however, these traditions have gradually died out with the passing of time, and new events have been added to take their place. The Oro World’s Fair Tractor Pull, Hunter-Jumper Show, Midway, Dog Show, Talent Show, Fashion Show, Western Fun and Gaming Show, the Demolition Derby and many other fun and entertaining displays are the attractions of our modern Fair.

In 1974, the one-day midweek Fair changed to a two-day weekend event, and the Annual Beef Draw was also established – which has become an Oro Fair Tradition.

Many will remember the meals served by the ladies of the Central Oro Church on the day of the Fair, an occasion that many residents of the township looked forward to very fondly.

In 1998, the Oro Agricultural Society purchased additional land for the Fair as the popularity of the event grew and more displays, vendors, and events came to be a part of the event. Just prior to this, two new buildings were also erected at the fairgrounds.

In 2002, the Oro Fair celebrated it’s 150th Anniversary, and this occasion was marked with a plaque presented by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food. This plaque marked the 150 years of hardwork and dedication to Ontario Agriculture by the Oro Agricultural Society and is proudly displayed by the entrance to the Township Hall.

In 2009 a new Food booth and Secretary-Treasurer office were added.  In 2017 the Tractor Pull celebrated its 25th anniversary. The pull has quickly become a highlight of the fair, and is extremely well known throughout the area. Many generations of families have gathered to celebrate our rich history, reminisce about our past and look forward to our future.

“It was as much a social as an agricultural event – the hall containing the products of the women’s deft fingers stood near the gate. At one side was a long shed, devoted to the display of farm produce – a grandstand, formed by nature from a grassy knoll covered with sweet smelling pines, rose at one side and made a convenient and delightful resting place. Now it was thronged with people and resounding with a joyous bedlam of all the noises that all the farms in Oro joined together could produce.”

Marion Keith (1874-1961)
(famous Oro-born Canadian author)