Written By Olena Riznyk
PARKHILL – The Parkhill Fair returned August 7–10 for its 165th year, bringing three days of entertainment, community pride, and family fun to North Middlesex. Organized by the Parkhill Agricultural Society, the event carried the 2025 theme “Small Town, All Heart” and drew an estimated 2,500 to 3,000 visitors over the weekend, filling the fairgrounds with activity and excitement.
“This is a good community event, a good community fair. I grew up in Parkhill and loved coming to the fair, and that’s why I got involved,” said Michael Whiting, President of the Parkhill Agricultural Society. “It takes a lot of people to make it happen – from our board of eight or nine who do the planning, to 20–30 people running activities, to another hundred helping in small ways.”
Festivities kicked off Friday evening with opening ceremonies, the Ambassador program, and the return of professional wrestling featuring Cody Deaner. Visitors also browsed exhibit displays of homecrafts, baking, photography, and fine arts, showcasing the talents of local residents.
Saturday offered a full slate of family-friendly attractions. The popular Baby Show and Prince and Princess competitions took centre stage in the arena, followed by kids’ games including the money scramble, bale toss, cookie stacking, and mini-tractor pull. All-day activities featured the Fun Zone, Bubble Zone, face painting, scout car racing, and a petting zoo with 4-H farm animals.
“We try to make sure we have fun things for little kids that are especially free,” Whiting said. “Our Fun Zone wristband is only $10, and we keep prices as low as possible because it gets expensive for families.” He noted that midway rides have become harder to secure due to high costs and insurance, but the fair continues to expand its offerings of farm animals, exhibits, and interactive games.
Saturday afternoon brought snowmobile drag races, while the evening concluded with the Parkhill Fair Dance under the beer tent. Food trucks and vendors kept crowds fueled throughout the day.
Sunday’s highlight was the demolition derby, a long-time crowd favourite. “It’s the best demolition derby in Middlesex County and beyond,” Whiting said with a smile.
As the fair wrapped up, organizers were already thinking ahead. “We’ll meet after this fair to discuss what worked and what didn’t,” Whiting said. “Often we do the same things because they work, but we’re always looking for new ideas.”
For more information or to get involved, visit www.parkhillfair.com or find Parkhill Fair on Facebook and Instagram.
