Owen Sound Fall Fair Returns in Full Swing for 2025

The 173rd Owen Sound Fall Fair is poised to return to its vibrant roots, featuring a lineup of events reminiscent of its pre-pandemic days. Kicking off on Thursday, the fair promises to reintroduce popular attractions, including a Thursday night events schedule and a new kid-friendly midway. The Owen Sound Agricultural Society aims to create a memorable experience as they prepare to celebrate their 175th anniversary in 2027.

Hiliary Breadner, secretary-treasurer of the Owen Sound Agricultural Society, expressed enthusiasm for this year’s event, stating, “We are looking forward to having those parts of the fair back in action again. We are trying to get back bigger again.” The fair’s return comes after a series of challenges over the past five years, including the cancellation of the 2020 fair due to the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent scaled-back festivities in 2021.

In 2022, the fair faced additional hurdles when city officials deemed the grandstand unsafe, necessitating further reductions in planned events. Last year, after removing a building housing outdated facilities and repairing the grandstand seating, the society opted not to bring back the midway due to cost and availability concerns. Furthermore, a fire in spring 2024 damaged a third of the grandstand, yet the society managed to adapt, bringing in portable bleachers to accommodate attendees for key events.

This year, engineers have evaluated the remaining structure of the grandstand, allowing for use of the undamaged section, which has been fenced off for safety. Breadner confirmed that larger portable bleachers will also be added to increase seating capacity. As plans solidify, the society is excited to welcome the community back to the fair.

“Our mission is to educate people about where their food comes from and to kind of give them a taste of what we are all doing just on the outskirts of Owen Sound,” Breadner noted. Grey County’s agricultural sector stands as the region’s leading industry, and the fair aims to highlight its importance while providing entertainment.

The festivities commence at 16:00 on Thursday with the opening of the beer gardens and the Family Time Amusements midway. The evening will feature the Test and Tune local truck and tractor pull at 19:00.

On Friday, the schedule includes the Grey County 4-H Showdown beef show beginning at 10:00 in the barn, followed by homecraft competitions and demonstrations at 11:00. The society has adapted to unexpected challenges, such as the unavailability of the Julie McArthur Regional Recreation Centre for homecraft displays due to renovations at the Harry Lumley Bayshore Community Centre. Organizers have adjusted by focusing on junior work sessions and family-oriented activities, including a scarecrow-making competition.

The Friday itinerary continues with a seniors’ card party at 13:00 and the opening of the midway at 16:00. The 4-H sheep show is set for 17:00 in the barn, while local truck pulls will take place at 19:00 on the track. The popular beef barbecue dinner will be served from 17:00 to 19:00.

Saturday begins early at 09:00, featuring a horse show with events such as barrel racing and a keyhole race. The 4-H dairy show will run concurrently at 10:00, along with a poultry show in the north tent. At 11:00, the homecraft show will kick off, alongside the opening of the beer gardens and the baby show.

This year’s baby ambassador competition will award prizes valued at hundreds of dollars. Other engaging events throughout the day include a pool noodle pony workshop, a kids pedal tractor pull, and an antique tractor pull at 14:00. The entertainment tent will host ice cream and pie-eating contests at 15:00, and the demolition derby will take center stage at 19:00.

With almost 100 cattle registered for the Saturday beef shows, Breadner remarked, “That is a really good number. The 4-H shows bring quite a few participants, but this is going to be really good for the adults and the open participants.”

In addition to competitive events, vendors, food trucks, face painting, and various attractions will enhance the fair experience. The Owen Sound Fire Department will also be hosting a kids obstacle course, ensuring entertainment for all ages.

Daily admission is set at $10 for adults and $5 for children aged 5 to 13. Tickets, including weekend and family day passes, are available online, with full event details accessible at www.owensoundfallfair.com.

With over 100 volunteers dedicated to this year’s event, the Owen Sound Fall Fair promises to be an exciting celebration of community, agriculture, and fun.