Written By David Gomez, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
GLENCOE - The Glencoe Fair returned this past weekend with the familiar mix of livestock shows, homecraft displays, midway rides, and community exhibits that continue to define its place in local life. On Saturday, September 20, the grounds were busy from early morning as families, farmers, and visitors came together to take part in a tradition that has been part of the area for more than a century.
The fair’s history stretches back to 1848, when the people of Mosa Township began holding agricultural fairs in villages such as Strathburn and Wardsville. In the decades that followed, Ekfrid and Metcalfe Townships organized their own fairs before eventually merging with Glencoe’s, forming what is now recognized as the Glencoe Agricultural Society. From early gatherings in Crystal Palaces and local racetracks to the modern format of exhibitions, rides, and contests, the fair has grown and adapted, but its focus on agriculture and community remains central.
That legacy was on full display on Saturday as the cattle ring filled with participants of different ages leading their animals before the judges. Some were seasoned competitors, others youth involved in 4-H programs, all moving in steady rhythm with their cattle. The variety of breeds reflected the diversity of local farming. Alongside the cattle were pens of swine and sheep shows, where younger exhibitors, dressed in uniform shirts, guided their animals with quiet concentration. These competitions, more than a display of livestock, spoke to the intergenerational role of the fair in passing on skills and responsibility.
Away from the show rings, the fairgrounds carried a different kind of energy. Families drifted toward the midway, where rides and games added colour and noise to the day. Children spun in small cars decorated with cartoon faces, older visitors tested their strength at the high striker game, and a climbing wall challenged anyone willing to strap in. The scent of food mixed with the sounds of laughter and music, underscoring how the fair balances its agricultural foundation with entertainment.
Inside the building and tents, rows of homecraft entries filled long tables. Preserved fruits and vegetables, baked goods, floral arrangements, and crafts each carried ribbons marking the judges’ decisions. Nearby, children’s marshmallow sculptures and colouring pages lined the walls. The Glencoe & District Historical Society added another layer to the experience with its display of archival photographs, books, and documents from the area’s past.
The commercial exhibits tent brought together local businesses and artisans, offering everything from handmade crafts to home products. Vendors set up tables selling felt creations, candles, and seasonal decorations. The grounds were decorated with pumpkins, corn stalks, and late-summer flowers, creating a harvest-like atmosphere.
As the day moved on, crowds gathered for the parade and live music, while families lingered around the livestock areas or returned to the midway rides. It was clear that the fair remains a meeting point for the community, a place where residents of all ages can take part in an event that connects everyday life with the traditions of farming and rural culture. The Glencoe Fair’s theme this year, “Country Nights & Carnival Lights,” captured that balance. The livestock and farm exhibits grounded the event in its roots, while the carnival rides and evening dance extended its reach to new generations of fairgoers.
Visiting the fair on September 20 showed that its strength lies not in any single attraction but in the way it draws together the threads of history, agriculture, and community. From the cattle ring to the vendor tents, from the rows of home preserves to the laughter on the midway, it continues to serve as both a showcase of local talent and a gathering place where the past and present of rural Ontario meet.
