Lakefield Fair Set to Return This Month for 171st Edition

By Scott Arnold

For generations, the Lakefield Fair has brought together families, farmers, neighbours and visitors for a weekend that celebrates everything people love about rural life.

A community tradition since 1855 continues this month with the 171st edition of the Lakefield fair (photo via facebook @Lakefieldfair)

The countdown is on for the 171st Lakefield Fair, as the Lakefield Agricultural Society gets ready to welcome thousands of visitors back to the fairgrounds on July 25 and 26.

First held in 1855, the fair has remained one of the area's longest-running community traditions. While plenty has changed since those early days, the heart of the event has stayed the same, giving people a place to gather, reconnect and enjoy a weekend filled with agriculture, entertainment and family fun.

Whether it's a family's first visit or an annual tradition that spans generations, there's something about the Lakefield Fair that keeps people coming back year after year.

The weekend is packed with activities for all ages. Visitors can stroll through the grounds to browse local vendors, stop by the Homecraft Building, meet farm animals in the mini farm, watch livestock competitions, enjoy pony rides or take in demonstrations from the Heat Wave Blacksmith.

Families with young children will find plenty to keep them busy, including a Paw Patrol Meet & Greet, children's live music performances, a magician and a midway by Gable Brothers featuring rides and games.

For those who enjoy a little more excitement, the fair's signature events return once again. The ever-popular Demolition Derby takes over Saturday afternoon, while Sunday's Mud Bog is expected to draw another enthusiastic crowd. Visitors can also get an up-close look at a variety of vehicles during the Touch-a-Truck event on Sunday.

Agriculture remains at the centre of the fair, with cattle, sheep and goat shows highlighting the hard work of local farmers and exhibitors. There are also a few lighthearted competitions mixed into the weekend, including the Politician's Cattle Show on Saturday and the Politician's Lemon Loaf Competition on Sunday.

after 170 years the core of the fair still remains agriculture and the always popular cattle show remains a staple of the event (photo via facebook @Lakefieldfair)

Of course, no trip to the fair would be complete without classic fair food. Homemade cookies, sandwiches and refreshments will once again be available in the kitchen throughout the weekend, while the beer tent will be open both days. A silent auction will also be running during the fair.

Saturday's festivities begin when the gates open at 10:30 a.m., with opening ceremonies taking place at 3 p.m. Sunday's gates also open at 10:30 a.m., although livestock competitions begin earlier in the morning with the sheep show at 9 a.m. and the goat show at 10 a.m.

The fair has long been known for attracting visitors from well beyond the local area. Last summer, music legend Neil Young and actor Darryl Hannah, who own property in the region, were even spotted taking in the festivities — a moment that quickly caught the attention of fairgoers and local residents alike.

As another summer arrives, the Lakefield Fair is once again set to celebrate the traditions that have made it a fixture in the community for generations. From agriculture and local talent to midway rides and friendly competition, it's a weekend that continues to offer something for nearly everyone while bringing people together in one of the area's most enduring annual traditions.

Scott Arnold is a Journalist and Content Creator at PTBOCanada Media Inc

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