Two Days, 128 Years: Powassan’s Derby, Pulls & Play
~ Saturday, August 30th and Sunday, August 31st, 2025 ~
Ready to wrap your summer with a whoop and a cheer? Powassan’s Fall Fair is back for its 128th anniversary on Saturday, August 30 and Sunday, August 31, and it’s bringing that perfect blend of old-school country charm and brand-new thrills. Gates swing open at 10:00 a.m. both days, and kids 12 and under get in free, so load the car, grab your sunscreen, and make a weekend of it.
Saturday kicks off in true small-town style with a “mini” parade and the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 23 Pipe Band marching in step for the opening ceremonies. Then the soundtrack shifts to toe-tapping live music from The County while the heavy horses dig in for the always-epic pulls, note the new start time at high noon, so don’t dawdle at the lemonade stand. And new this year, the kids can dash for glory in the Saturday Kids Races (aka guaranteed bragging rights on the ride home).
Sunday is the day to holler yourself hoarse: Edge Motorsports brings the Demolition Derby to the infield at 1:00 p.m., a metal-crunching, crowd-pleasing spectacle that’s become a Powassan hallmark. Keeping the vibe lively on Sunday’s mainstage are The Whitfields in the morning and The Gibbings Family Band in the afternoon, perfect bookends for all that high-octane action. And because the little drivers deserve their moment too, watch for the new Kids Derby on Sunday to crank up the cute factor.
Between the marquee shows, the fairgrounds are buzzing with hands-on fun. Amanda’s Exotic Pets sets up a friendly petting zoo, and the Muskoka Goat Away crew adds plenty of bleats and giggles. Got climbers? Point them to Climb N’ Fun’s rock-wall challenge, then roll up for Waxed Hands keepsakes, equal parts art project and time capsule. Tots can bounce their hearts out on the Cow Belly Bouncer (you’ll spot it by the happy squeals), and LEGO activity tables plus a dedicated kids’ activity tent mean the “I’m bored” chorus never starts.
Hungry? Thirsty? Curious? You’ll find classic fair food, a beer tent for the grown-ups, and aisles of vendors selling everything from handmade crafts to farm-fresh treats. Pop into the barns for the traditional fair competitions—homecrafts, produce, poultry, and rabbits—where ribbons and local pride are on the line. Bingo, penny sales, and Nevadas keep the grown-up games humming while the youngsters bounce between attractions. It’s the kind of wholesome, everyone-wins mix that makes the weekend fly.
Practical bits (so you can plan like a pro): Admission is $10 on Saturday and $15 on Sunday, with children 12 and under free both days. Gates open at 10:00 a.m. Come early for easy parking, bring a hat for the grandstand sun, and consider ear protection for little ears during the derby, your future self will thank you.
What makes Powassan’s fair special, year after year, is how it threads generations together. Grandparents trade horse-pull memories with grandkids who can’t stop talking about the rock wall. Parents get a keepsake from the waxed-hands station while teens film derby highlights for their feeds. Newbies discover they’ve been missing out on a Northern Ontario long-weekend tradition; regulars just call it “our fair.” If you’ve been meaning to go, or meaning to return, this is the year. Mark August 30–31, clear your camera roll, and meet us by the grandstand when the engines rev and the horses lean into the traces. Powassan will be waiting, as it has for 128 years, with open gates and a big community grin.
Disclaimer: Event dates, times, and activities can change without notice. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, please verify all details directly on each event’s official website and social media channels before making plans.
