Tavistock Fall Fair
“September 5 – 7, 2025 – “Celebrating “Seed to Harvest!“
The Tavistock Fall Fair, a cherished tradition since 1852, returns from September 5th to 7th, 2025, embracing this year’s theme: “Seed to Harvest.” This annual event offers a vibrant blend of agricultural showcases, family-friendly activities, and community celebrations, reflecting the rich farming heritage of Tavistock, Ontario.
Parade and Opening Festivities
The fair kicks off with a lively Parade, featuring colorful floats, marching bands, and community groups, setting an enthusiastic tone for the weekend’s events. This procession through the heart of Tavistock embodies the community spirit and welcomes attendees to the festivities.
Agricultural and Livestock Exhibitions
Central to the fair are the Livestock Shows, where local farmers present their finest cattle, sheep, and other livestock, demonstrating the quality and dedication of the region’s agricultural community. The Cattle Show highlights top-tier breeds, while the Petting Zoo offers attendees of all ages an interactive experience with various farm animals, fostering a deeper connection to rural life.
Homecrafts and Creative Displays
The Homecrafts section showcases the artistic talents and culinary skills of local artisans. Exhibits include handmade quilts, intricate needlework, baked goods, preserves, and other crafts, celebrating the domestic arts and the creativity within the community.
Classic and Antique Vehicle Displays
Automobile enthusiasts will appreciate the Antique and Classic Car Show, featuring a collection of meticulously restored vehicles that offer a nostalgic journey through automotive history. Additionally, the Historic Wheels exhibit provides insights into the evolution of transportation, complementing the fair’s theme of growth from “Seed to Harvest.”
Interactive and Children’s Activities
Families will find a plethora of activities designed to engage and entertain younger attendees. The Children’s Pet Show allows kids to showcase their beloved animals, fostering a sense of pride and responsibility. The Baby Show celebrates the youngest members of the community in a heartwarming gathering. For those seeking adventure, Bubble Soccer offers a fun and energetic experience, while the Egg Drop Competition challenges participants to engineer solutions to protect their eggs from breaking when dropped from a height. The Lawn Tractor Races and Bike Rally provide thrilling spectacles and opportunities for friendly competition among participants of all ages.
Midway and Entertainment
The Midway brings classic fair excitement with a variety of rides and games, creating an atmosphere of joy and festivity. Live performances and Live Music throughout the fairgrounds add to the celebratory mood, featuring local bands and entertainers that showcase the region’s diverse talent.
Touch A Truck and Community Engagement
The Touch A Truck exhibit offers an interactive experience where attendees can explore various vehicles, including farm equipment, emergency response units, and construction machinery. This hands-on activity educates and fascinates visitors, highlighting the machinery integral to both agriculture and daily life.
Join the Celebration
The 2025 Tavistock Fall Fair invites everyone to partake in a weekend filled with tradition, education, and entertainment. Whether you’re drawn by the agricultural exhibits, creative displays, thrilling activities, or simply the opportunity to connect with the community, the fair promises an enriching experience for all. Mark your calendars for September 5th to 7th, 2025, and join us in celebrating the journey from “Seed to Harvest” in Tavistock, Ontario.
History of the Tavistock Fall Fair
The Tavistock Fall Fair has been a cornerstone of the Tavistock, Ontario community since its inception in 1852, marking over 170 years of agricultural celebration and community engagement.
Early Beginnings: In the fall of 1852, approximately fifty members of the East Zorra Agricultural Society convened for their inaugural show. These pioneering farmers collaborated to enhance livestock quality by collectively investing in breeding animals, including a stud horse, rams, and a bull. The initial fair is believed to have been held near Strathallan, just south of Hickson, before moving to the Adam Mohr farm near Tavistock.
Union Fairs and Formation of the Tavistock Agricultural Society: Parallel to the East Zorra society, the South Easthope Agricultural Society hosted fairs on the John Mogk farm in Tavistock. These two societies collaborated to hold union fairs until 1906, when legislative changes led to their amalgamation into the Tavistock Agricultural Society. The newly formed society held its first unified fair on September 16 and 17, 1907.
Development of Fairgrounds: The society acquired seven acres from Adam Mohr, which became known as Queen’s Park. In 1918, this land was deeded to the municipality with the stipulation that the Agricultural Society would retain usage rights for the annual fair. Over the years, enhancements such as perimeter fencing, landscaping, and the construction of various buildings, including a storage facility and cattle barn, were undertaken to improve the fairgrounds.
Modern Evolution: The Tavistock Fall Fair has continually evolved, extending from a two-day to a four-day event. Innovations like the introduction of Loonie/Toonie Night on Thursdays have been implemented to attract broader attendance. Each year since 1993, the fair has adopted a unique theme to inspire exhibits and activities. The 2024 fair, scheduled for September 6-8, embraces the theme “Bees and Honey”, reflecting the community’s appreciation for these vital pollinators.
Community Involvement: The fair showcases a diverse array of exhibits, including flowers, vegetables, culinary arts, handicrafts, woodworking, photography, and antiques. Special classes for nursing home residents and community organizations highlight the fair’s inclusive spirit. The event’s success is largely attributed to the dedication of volunteers and the active participation of the local community.
The Tavistock Fall Fair remains a vibrant testament to the enduring agricultural heritage and communal bonds of Tavistock, continually adapting to modern times while honoring its rich history.
