Richmond Fair
“September 18 – 21, 2025 – Celebrating 181 Years of Community and Agriculture!“
The 2025 Richmond Fair is set to take place from September 18 to 21, 2025, at the Richmond Fairgrounds, located at 6121 Perth Street, Richmond, Ontario. Celebrating its 181st year, this cherished fair offers a delightful mix of agricultural showcases, family-friendly entertainment, and community spirit.
Agricultural Exhibits and Livestock Shows
Agriculture remains at the heart of the fair. The Sheep Show, Beef Cattle Show, 4-H Beef Showmanship, and Open Junior Dairy Show highlight the dedication of local farmers and the quality of livestock in the region. Equestrian enthusiasts can look forward to the Saddle and Harness Horse Show, Heavy Horse Show, Open Horse & Pony Show, and Miniature Horse Show, each demonstrating the grace and strength of these magnificent animals.
Family-Friendly Entertainment and Activities
Families will find plenty to enjoy throughout the fair. The Kiddyland offers interactive and educational experiences for younger attendees. Traditional fair games and Inflatables provide fun and competition for children. These activities provide engaging experiences for children and families alike.
Live Entertainment and Community 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.
Homecrafts and Community Engagement
Inside the exhibition halls, visitors can explore an array of Homecrafts, 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.
Demolition Derby and Special Attractions
Adding excitement to the fair, the Demolition Derby promises high-octane thrills as participants compete in tests of endurance and strategy. The Lawn Tractor Pull offers a unique and entertaining competition for attendees. These events are favorites among visitors, highlighting the power and skill involved in these traditional fair activities.
Parade and Community Spirit
The fair kicks off with a vibrant Parade, featuring decorated floats, marching bands, and community groups, embodying the spirit and creativity of Richmond residents. This procession sets the tone for the festivities, bringing together neighbors and visitors in a shared celebration.
Join the Celebration
The 2025 Richmond 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 Richmond. Mark your calendars for September 18 to 21, and be part of this cherished celebration at the Richmond Fairgrounds.
History of the Richmond Fair
The Richmond Agricultural Society; a society formed in 1841 and was originally known as the Carleton County Agricultural Society.
In 1844 this society hosted the first Fall Festival, an event for families to enjoy viewing the best of their neighbour’s kitchens, crops, livestock, and machinery. In early years, agricultural societies used the Fall Festival as an opportunity to join resources, improve breeds of livestock, purchase specialized machinery, and to sell products from the kitchens, gardens, and farms. Still today, this cooperative spirit still exists.
In 1895, the RAS decided to move the location of the fair from Bell’s Corners to “Goodwood Park” in Richmond. One of the reasons for this move was the excellent horse racing track owned by Hugh Reilly as racing events at local fairs were very popular attractions for many years.
Goodwood Park was leased for the duration of the fair until 1927 when the Agricultural Society purchased the 17.4 acre property for $2,500, making it the permanent site of the fair. An additional 2.4 acres was purchased in 1962 from Harold Oscar Brown for $2,000.
In 1950, the Village of Richmond’s Town Hall was purchased and moved on to the site. Most commonly known today as the Dining Hall, the building continues to be a social centre for the Agricultural Society and the surrounding community.
The Richmond Curling Arena currently stands where the old Agricultural Display bulding stood up until 1979. During the Richmond Fair weekend the Curling Arena is filled with homecraft and commercial displays.
Although the Richmond Fair is no longer the main source of information about improved agricultural practices and new technologies, with the development of urban and suburban communities near our villages, all rural fairs play an important role in exposing the general public to agricultural practices.
The Richmond Fair occurs annually on the third weekend in September.
