Perth Fair
“August 29 – 31, 2025 – “A Weekend of Family Fun” for 178 Years!“
Get ready to celebrate 178 years of tradition, excitement, and community spirit at the 2025 Perth Fair, taking place from August 29th to 31st! Established in 1847, the Perth Fair has become a cherished end-of-summer tradition in Lanark County, bringing together families, farmers, and fair-lovers for a joyful celebration of rural life. This year’s theme, “A Weekend of Family Fun,” promises something for everyone—from thrilling competitions and animal encounters to toe-tapping music and good old-fashioned fairground games.
Agriculture at Its Heart
At its core, the Perth Fair is a celebration of agriculture and rural heritage. Fairgoers can explore Agricultural Education exhibits, which offer a fascinating, hands-on look at farm life, local crops, and food production. Whether you’re learning how to milk a cow or meeting animals up close, these exhibits connect visitors to the roots of farming in a fun, interactive way.
Don’t miss the impressive lineup of Livestock and Horse Shows, where farmers and 4-H participants proudly showcase their best cattle, sheep, goats, and horses. These events reflect the dedication, care, and skill that define the local agricultural community.
Action, Entertainment & High-Octane Fun
The Demo Derby returns in all its bumper-crashing, engine-roaring glory! It’s a must-see event that gets the crowd cheering with every crunch and collision. If that’s not enough horsepower, the fair also features Truck and Tractor Pulls, along with the always-hilarious Lawn Mower Races and Pulling—a quirky and crowd-pleasing tradition where competitors soup up their mowers and go head-to-head!
Throughout the fairgrounds, enjoy Musical Entertainment from local and regional performers, as well as engaging Children’s Entertainment with singalongs, puppetry, and more. The Canine Entertainers will wow audiences with incredible stunts, agility, and clever tricks—great fun for dog lovers of all ages.
Family-Friendly Activities & Exhibits
Kids will have a blast with a wide variety of Children’s Games and Activities, including obstacle courses, crafts, and interactive play areas. The Midway offers classic carnival rides, games, and tasty treats that create lasting memories for the whole family.
Inside the exhibition buildings, explore the Homecraft Exhibits featuring quilts, baked goods, preserves, photography, woodworking, and more. These entries reflect the incredible creativity and community pride found throughout the region.
Also on display are Commercial Exhibits, where vendors showcase everything from local products to handmade crafts, tech gadgets to home goods—perfect for browsing or picking up a unique souvenir.
Join the Tradition at the 2025 Perth Fair!
Whether you’re watching a horse show, riding the Ferris wheel, clapping along to live music, or just enjoying a sunny afternoon with family and friends, the 2025 Perth Fair is the place to be this Labour Day weekend. Come celebrate “A Weekend of Family Fun” from August 29th to 31st—and be part of a tradition 178 years in the making!
History of the Perth Fair
The Perth Fair, held annually in Perth, Ontario, boasts a rich history that dates back to the mid-19th century. Its origins are closely tied to the formation of local agricultural societies aimed at promoting farming practices and community development.
Early Beginnings:
In 1838, the Perth Agricultural and Livestock Improvement Society was established, focusing on enhancing livestock quality in the region. By 1843, records from the Bathurst Courier and Ottawa General Advertiser mention meetings of the Perth Agricultural Society, indicating organized efforts to support agriculture. The society underwent a reorganization in 1846, adopting the name South Riding of Lanark Electoral District Agricultural Society, which was later simplified to the South Lanark Agricultural Society.
Establishment of the Fair:
The inaugural Perth Fair took place in 1845, providing a platform for local farmers and artisans to showcase their livestock, crops, and handcrafted goods. Early fairs were held at the Town Hall and surrounding market areas, with prizes awarded in categories such as working horses, oxen, clover seed, and apples.
Evolution and Growth:
In 1874, the society purchased 7.5 acres near the junction of Highways 7 and 15, known locally as Greenlee’s Corners, to establish dedicated fairgrounds. By 1882, the fair featured a comprehensive list of competitions, including livestock, fruits, flowers, vegetables, and handicrafts. Seeking a more central location, the fairgrounds moved west of Wilson Street in 1891 and later to the southern boundary of the town in 1912, where they remain today.
Modern-Day Fair:
Today, the Perth Fair is organized by the Perth & District Agricultural Society and takes place annually over the Labour Day weekend. The fair has expanded to include a variety of attractions such as livestock competitions, homecraft displays, midway rides, live entertainment, demolition derbies, tractor pulls, and children’s activities.
With a legacy spanning over 175 years, the Perth Fair continues to celebrate the region’s agricultural heritage and foster community spirit, remaining a beloved tradition for residents and visitors alike.
