Judge Archie Watson is shown awarding the red ribbon in one of the team competitions in the Heavy Horse Show on Saturday to a team of Belgians from Harvest Hill Belgians. Thompson Goddard Photo

NEWINGTON – Attending the Stormont County Fair is for many people a Labour Day Weekend tradition, and as in years past the turnout was great for the 2025 Stormont County Fair.

The fair ran on Aug. 29, 30, 31 and Sept. 1 at the fairgrounds in Newington and was the result of hours and hours of work for members and volunteers of the Stormont Agricultural Society. The SAS president, Alyssa Waldroff praised the volunteers who spent “countless hours before, during and after the fair to make it a success.” During the opening ceremonies on Saturday, she mentioned how “volunteers don’t necessarily have the time but they have the heart” and throughout the fair there was ample evidence of this.

SDG MP Eric Duncan commented how “This is one where the weather was damp, but the crops need it, so no one is complaining.” There was some rain on the Saturday, but people didn’t seem to mind and later in the afternoon the sun re-appeared to the delight of fair-goers. The sun shone and the weather pleasant throughout the remainder of the fair.

Visitors to the fair were able to enjoy a wide selection of events for all ages including a weekend long baseball tournament, live bands, the crowd favourite Demo Derby. The midway provided the opportunity to play carnival games, mechanical and inflatable rides as well vendors with lots of interesting products. When you add to this, a Games Truck, face painting, petting zoo, pony rides and agricultural shows to enjoy it was a busy and entertaining weekend.

A Holstein Show and Coloured Breeds show was held on Saturday in the cattle ring and the Horil ring was busy throughout the fair with horse competitions and mini-chuck wagon races during fair-time. Monday was full of agricultural activities with a beef show, sheep show and the opportunity to watch horse team competing in the Horse pull.

On Sunday in the cattle ring the Stormont 4-H Beef and Dairy Clubs held their Achievement Day and on Monday the Stormont County 4-h Small Ruminant Club Achievement Day was held. A big note of thanks is extended to the Judges, Ring Stewards, Announcers and other volunteers who ensured that things ran as smoothly as possible. It should be noted that the support of the parents and members of the clubs who held their Achievement Day at the 2025 fair is most appreciated.

During the fair, people were able to visit Stormont Hall and peruse entries in the competitions in several divisions including agricultural, school and 4-H competitions. The midway always seemed busy with people enjoying all the Stormont County Fair could offer and after working up an appetite, there were lots of different food vendors providing a bite to eat.

It is thanks to the work of an incredible team of people who spend months preparing and planning for the fair and the dedication of volunteers that leads to a successful fair. When the fair is over and the people go home with fond memories of the 2025 Stormont County Fair, there is still much work to be done. It is with support from the community and fair sponsors coupled with the work of volunteers, that every year is a memorable year for those attending Stormont County Fair.