Rain cancelled the tractor pull on Sunday at this year’s Chesterville Fair, but youngsters were able to enjoy the Kids Peddle Tractor Pull on Saturday afternoon. Thompson Goddard Photo

CHESTERVILLE – The 93rd edition of Chesterville Fair has come to an end and it is time to thank members of the Chesterville and District Agricultural Society for the months and months of planning to ensure all attending would have an enjoyable experience.

This year the Opening Ceremonies for the 2026 Chesterville Fair were held at Royal Canadian Legion Branch 434 in Chesterville on Aug. 19. Local municipal leaders, invited guests from other agricultural societies and organizations enjoyed a time of fellowship and a delicious dinner followed by the cutting of the ribbon officially beginning the fair.

“It’s been a whirl-wind of a summer.” commented North Dundas Mayor Tony Fraser, continued how “The Chesterville Fair, in my mind, is the indicator that another summer has passed. Representing Stormont County Fair, scheduled for Labour Day weekend, Tammy Hart accompanied by her granddaughter commented how nice it is to work with the other local fairs which are an integral part of their communities.

CDAS President Sabrina Parent welcomed everyone to the event following an introduction by Master of Ceremonies Dan Glasser. She expressed gratitude for the work done by the CDAS Board and the volunteers, noting it is a lot of work but is well worth the effort, mentioning how each person bring their own talents to the organization.

A congratulatory message from Ontario Premier Doug Ford was read by Cheyanne Pyle, CDAS Vice-President made an address and awards were presented, with a Legacy Award presented to Mike Dean Local Grocer. Following this the Board of Directors were introduced and a ribbon officially opening the 2026 Chesterville Fair was cut.

This year, the Homecraft exhibits were displayed in the Chesterville arena, with Homecraft Secretary Carol Johnson mentioning the number of entries had remained stable this year. Following the judging by OAAS certified judges on Friday morning, a potluck lunch for volunteers and judges was enjoyed. There was plenty of things to enjoy on the Friday evening of the fair including live entertainment, a teen dance, inflatable rides, visiting the Exhibition Hall of view agricultural exhibits and the poultry show as well as the Truck Pull.

The warm summer weather on Saturday enabled a full day of fun, both inside and out, for fair goers. Following a demonstration of English Country Dancing in the arena, people were able to enjoy light refreshments in the tearoom there. The baseball tournament which began on Friday continued, with the Summer Spotlight Dairy Show in the Cattle Barn, the Kids Peddle Tractor Pull, the midway, and various family friendly events throughout the fairgrounds. The Saturday night Demo Derby was once again a crowd favourite, with a good turnout for this and live entertainment to enjoy in the BGM Entertainment Tent.

As promised by weather forecasters the rain came down overnight into Sunday, forcing the cancellation of the much-anticipated tractor pull as well as the mini golf course, a horse show and the enjoyable trackless train rides throughout the fairgrounds. Despite the fairgrounds being a bit wet in places, there was still a lot to see and do during the final fair day. The Fair Church Service was well attended as were other events including the Baby Show, viewing the many agricultural exhibits and the poultry show while enjoying the opportunity to visit with friends and neighbours. As well the Sheep Show continued in the Cattle Barn, many activities relocated into the arena and the Sunday Saddle Social postponed to Sept. 13.

All in all, there is little doubt that when looking back to the 2026 Chesterville Fair there will be many fond memories to recall as well as a big thank-you to the people who made it all work.