Homecraft Director Karen Lovenuck mentioned that there are several new classes in the Homecraft Division this year. She is shown admiring a fairy garden entry which captured first prize in the Junior Flower class. Thompson Goddard Photo

RUSSELL – With its roots deeply entrenched in the local agricultural community, organizers of the 2026 Russell Fair held between Aug. 13 and 16 of this year once again demonstrated that the needs of both rural and urban communities can be combined.

“It is rewarding to have had such support from our sponsors” commented RAS President Liz O’Gorman-Smit. She continued by expressing her thanks to the people who attended the fair, the sponsors, volunteers, student volunteers and members of the RAS Board of Directors.

Despite the cancellation of the displays from the Vintage Iron & Traditions Eastern Ontario due to rainy weather pre-fair, there were several agricultural displays and activities. Homecraft displays in the curling club building provided visitors with the opportunity to view entries in several classes which have their roots in the agricultural world as well as craft entries. There were several vendors in the curling club as well as a display from the Russell and District Historical Society providing people an opportunity to see items from the village’s past.

In the Agricultural Education Barn there were live farm animals such as sheep, horses, ducks, chicks and of course cows for people to view. Throughout the fair there were spinning demonstrations, sheep shearing demos as well as the opportunity to see a cow milked and the opportunity to discover information about the animals. In the nearby Agricultural Education Tent there was lots to see and learn about including that sweet harbinger of spring – maple syrup production.

There were cattle shows, Super Gymkana Western Games in the horse ring, tractor pulls and a petting zoo, all of which added to the added to the agricultural flavour of the fair. New this year was the Grain Discovery Zone which provided people with interactive activities as well as information on various aspect of the production of grains.

Throughout the fair days there were lots of different activities for people of all ages to enjoy. A crowd favourite at any fair is the midway with several mechanical rides, carnival games and food vendors featured at Russell Fair. There was a truck pull, tractor-pull, and a BMX exhibition provided by The Krusher Stunt Team for people to enjoy and for those who enjoying either listening or dancing to live music while visiting with friends and neighbours, there was lots of musical entertainment.

Fair organizers will have some time to rest following the fair before the planning for next year’s fair begins. It is a well-deserved rest, for once again this year their dedication and work ensured that the 2026 Russell Fair was one of the best!