Fall Fairs in Southern Ontario 2012

UPDATED FOR 2015: If the city’s got you frazzled and you’re itching to get away for a taste of the country, then you may want to visit one of the fall fairs near Toronto in 2015. Tractor pulls, demolition derbies, horse hitch competitions, pie-eating contests and beautiful baby contests will give you that down home feeling and earthy experience.

Rockton World’s Fair

Located 20 km southeast of Cambridge, Rockton World’s Fair has been operating since 1852. This southern Ontario fair, which runs from Oct. 9-12, 2015, offers Western and Heavy Horse shows, demolition derbies, sheep shows, goat shows, antique machinery displays, a craft show and sale, midway, Purina Dog Stars, square dance competition, talent show and karaoke contest. Adults $15 (includes a $5 food voucher), youth (6-15) $8 (includes a $3 food voucher), 5 and under free. Adult weekend pass $40, youth weekend pass $10. Sunday special family rate $30 (2 adults and up to 4 children).

Norfolk County Fair and Horse Show

Taking place over the Thanksgiving weekend on October 6-12, 2015, the Norfolk County Fair features Marianas Trench in concert on Friday, October 9, 2015 at 8 p.m. and Brent Kissel on Saturday, October 10, 2015. You’ll also find sheep shearing, cow milking, a Western Horse show, horse pull, midway, agricultural displays, celebrity chefs Massimo Capra and Christine Tizzard, skateboard competition, craft exhibits, talent competition and food vendors at Ontario’s 4th largest fair. Adults (14+) $10, Youth (6-13) $6, 5 and under Free. The fair is located at 172 South Drive, Simcoe, 519-426-7280

Norwood Fall Fair

Located 28 km east of Peterborough in Norwood, the Norwood Fall Fair is held from Oct. 10-12, 2015 and features an antique car show, tractor pull, crops competitions, crafts exhibits, midway, live entertainment, sheep and goat shows, Holstein and Jersey show, a petting zoo. Adults $10 (cash only); 12 and under Free; Adult weekend passes $20; Student weekend passes $15. Free parking. Enter via Alma Street.

Bolton Fall Fair

Closer to home, the Bolton Fall Fair runs from September 25-27, 2015 and features a truck and tractor pull, demolition derby, poultry and sheep shows, midway, car show, Caledon farmer’s market, antique tractors, battle of the bands, pet show, baby show and a pumpkin carving exhibition. Adults $10-$12, Children 4-11 $5, and 3 and under Free. A Saturday family pass for 2 adults and 2 children under 12 is $25. Bolton is 29 km northwest of Vaughan.

Markham Fair

This popular fair, which runs from Oct. 1-4, 2015, has been operating for 166 years. Highlights of the Markham Fair include a demolition derby on Saturday night, Monster trucks, a heavy horse show, FMX bike demos, pie and quilt exhibits, live bands and the President’s Choice Superdogs who perform on Friday. Admission is Adults (13-59) $15, Seniors (60+) $10, Children (5-12) $5, 4 and under Free. A Family Pass (2 Adults and up to 3 Children) is $30. Purchase Adult ticket online and get $2 off. Hours are Thursday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Bobcaygeon Fall Fair

The 153rd Bobcaygeon Fall Fair takes place Thursday, October 1 to Saturday, October 3, 2015 and features a truck and tractor pull, a Miniature Horse show, demolition derby, horse pulls, midway, a rooster crowing contest, a Western Horse show, talent contest, live music, dog show, pony rides and Saturday night dance. Adults $10, children 10 and under Free. Weekend pass $25. Demolition derby on Thursday, October 1 is an additional $10. The fair takes place at the Bobcaygeon-Verulam Community Centre, Fairgrounds and Curling Club.

Ancaster Fair

Located in the greater Hamilton area, the Ancaster Fair, which takes place September 24-27, 2015, features antique cars and tractors, demolition derbies, agricultural activities, a sawmill (Sunday only), steam engines, a quilt draw and rides. The fair is located at 630 Trinity Road, Ancaster. Fair hours are Thursday 5 p.m. to 1o p.m., Friday and Saturday 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (gate closes at 9 p.m. each day). Adults $10 ($8 if purchased in advance at Scotiabank branches beginning August 25, 2015), K-Grade 8, $5, preschoolers Free. Ride tickets are $1.75, 18 for $30 and $40 for $55.