One of the favourite activities during the 2026 Avonmore Fair was the demonstration of tractor driving skill provided by members of the Danse de Tracteurs St. Albert. Thompson Goddard Photo

AVONMORE – And what a fair weekend it was in Avonmore! From its beginning with a fair dance on Friday night featuring The County Lads, through a rainy Saturday and into a gorgeous Sunday there was plenty to do, lots to eat and an abundance of fun at the 2026 Avonmore Fair.

“You want something for everybody throughout the day, celebrating the community and promoting agriculture” commented Roxborough Agricultural Society President David Wattie in an interview with The Record.

One of the attractions of the fair is the annual 4-H Calf Rally. Thanks to work of the organizers and the erection of a tent over the showring, the rainy weather didn’t stop the dairy competition on Saturday and provided shelter from the sun during the beef competition on Sunday. The rain on Saturday resulted in the youth baseball tournament and the horse show being moved to Sunday.

There was still lots to see and do at the fair on Saturday despite the rain, with people able to enjoy checking out the fair exhibits in the Jean Canham Hall as well as in the Board Room at North Stormont Place. Volunteers served up some delicious food for breakfast, lunch or dinner on Saturday as well as a good selection of snacks available to purchase.

Over in the Agriculture and Environmental Education building there was plenty to experience with fun activities and viewing some of the local school exhibit entries. There was the opportunity to enjoy a magic show, receive a balloon animal or perhaps have your face painted as well as meet creatures during the presentation of Meet the Keepers or enjoy the dog agility shows.

Saturday the opening ceremonies were held in the Superstructure on the grounds with dignitaries in attendance. Throughout the weekend the building featured activities such as the popular Baby Show, talent shows and musical entertainment, with the MacCulloch Dancers and the MacLeod Fiddlers scheduled to entertain people. There was an onsite chainsaw carver, several inflatable rides, midway with vendors providing a special gift to remember the fair by, a game of chance or perhaps a bite to eat.

New to the fair this year were the performers of the Danse de Tracteurs St. Albert or as they are known by some The Dancing Tractors. Performing on Saturday and Sunday, there was much entertainment in the stands as four couples performed square dancing while driving vintage Massey-Harris tractors with the called by Louis Racine who designed the choreography. François Latour began the group in 2024 and explained during an interview with The Record, performers practice the movements on foot.

It was indeed a fair Sunday at Avonmore Fair as those attending the event were able to experience a double dose of multi-generational fun. With a soft wind flowing throughout the fairgrounds keeping the temperature most enjoyable, people were able to visit while in the background were the sights, sounds and smells associated with agricultural fairs.

The beef calf rally was held on Sunday, with the horse show and ball tournament rescheduled to the Sunday due to Saturday’s inclement weather. These familiar Avonmore Fair attractions were in addition to all the various experiences and led to a wonderful finale to the 2026 event. While the horse show delayed the final performance of the dancing tractors in the horse ring, no one seemed to mind having the opportunity to continue visiting or enjoy a snack while waiting. Trucks carrying the horses and beef cattle provided a backdrop to the precise movements of the tractors as the drivers made their vehicles circle left or performed the Do Si Do movement.

Leaving the fairgrounds in the late afternoon of July 19 fairgoers would be able to reflect on the incredible fortitude of organizers who didn’t let the fair fun be displaced by rainy weather. There is little doubt that thanks to the expertise of planners, volunteers and participants in the 2026 Avonmore Fair has provided memories to last a life-time in the hearts and minds of those who attended the event.

A sincere note of thanks is extended to all those who worked so hard to make sure people attending the fair had the best experience possible.