Drayton Fair kicks off season of local agricultural exhibitions

MAPLETON – Fair season is about to get underway across northern Wellington County.

First up is the Drayton Fair from Aug. 11 to 13 at the Drayton Fairgrounds at 49 Elm Street.

The theme for this year’s fair, hosted by the The Drayton Mapleton Agricultural Society, is “From pioneer days to modern ways.”

Gates to the fair open Aug. 11 at 5pm with a local truck and tractor pull beginning an hour afterward.

On Saturday, the gates open at 7:30am with numerous activities to fill the day.

Beginning at 9am, there will be an outdoor exercise bootcamp followed by children’s activities run by the Wellington County Library. 

For animal lovers, there will also be a goat show and a petting zoo from 11am until 4pm.

The day continues with exhibits, a dairy show, more children’s activities, face painting, a pet and baby show, and it will end with the Ontario Truck and Tractor Pulling Association tractor pull starting at 6pm.

On Sunday, gates open at 9am, with a Legion breakfast starting up the day.

There will be a second outdoor bootcamp, a worship service open to the public, more exhibits and face painting, a beef and sheep show, and a balloon artist. 

Demolition derby Sunday

Sunday’s activities will wind up with a demolition derby at 1pm.

“Our volunteers have been diligently preparing to offer our residents and visitors a great experience, and we thank them for that,” said Mapleton Mayor Gregg Davidson in a message to the community.

“This year, at the Mapleton/Drayton Agricultural Fair, we celebrate what shaped our community then, and the agricultural methods of today and the future.”

Friday night and Sunday admission for the event is $15. Saturday admission will be $10 until 5pm, and afterward it will go up to $15.

There is also the option to buy a weekend pass for $35, and a children’s weekend pass will be $5.

For more details visit draytonfair.ca.

Palmerston Fair

The Palmerston Fair is set to run from Aug. 25 to 27 with free admission and a theme of “Where have you bean?”

On the Friday there will be exhibits, a parade at 6:30pm, free pony rides and a try curling event.

The Saturday is packed full with events, including a pancake breakfast, Reptilia show, pet show and chili cook off.

The following day will begin with a church service and a Diamonds in the Ruff dog agility show and will end with a roast beef dinner hosted by the Palmerston Marlins.

For more information visit palmerstonfair.ca.

Arthur Fall Fair

Fair season continues  with the Arthur Fall Fair from Sept. 8 to 10.

“Tractors and tailgates” is the theme of the event.

More information is available at arthurfallfair.com.

Harriston-Minto Fall Fair

 The Harriston Minto Fall Fair will run from Sept. 15 to 17 with a theme of “Around the world in 3 fair days.”

Visit harristonmintofair.ca for more details.