Whether you prefer homecrafts, 4-H competitions, the rides, entertainment or even just the food, you will find something you’ll enjoy at the South Mountain Fair. Tinkess Photo, 2025
SOUTH MOUNTAIN – The Ontario government is investing $55,000 in the South Mountain Fair through the 2026 Experience Ontario program, funding local organizers say will help strengthen one of Eastern Ontario’s longest-running agricultural traditions while supporting tourism and the local economy.
The announcement was made May 12 as part of a provincewide investment of more than $20 million to support nearly 400 festivals and events across Ontario this year.
Held annually in the village of South Mountain in the Municipality of North Dundas, the fair has been a fixture in rural Eastern Ontario for well over a century. Organized by the Mountain Township Agricultural Society, the fair traces its roots back to the late 1800s and has long celebrated the region’s agricultural heritage through livestock shows, homecraft competitions, midway rides, entertainment and community events.
“From Ontario’s charming small towns to its dazzling urban centres, festivals and events bring people together, create lasting memories and showcase the best of our communities,” said Stan Cho, Ontario’s Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming. “As we work to protect Ontario, these homegrown experiences play a vital role in celebrating our shared identity, bolstering main street businesses and ensuring our province remains a place people are inspired to explore — and proud to call home.”
Stormont, Dundas and South Glengarry MPP Nolan Quinn said the fair remains an important part of the region’s agricultural identity and community life.
“Whether it’s trying the speciality food with friends or enjoying the rides with your family, The South Mountain Fair is a cornerstone of our community that champions SDG’s local agriculture,” said Quinn. “Through this investment, our government is ensuring that the South Mountain Fair can keep delivering a world-class event that builds more lifetime memories for friends, families and loved ones.”
The South Mountain Fair traditionally draws visitors from across Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry as well as neighbouring regions, providing an economic boost for local businesses and vendors while showcasing rural life and agriculture.
Teresa Palmer, president of the Mountain Township Agricultural Society, said the provincial funding will help organizers continue building on that legacy.
“We are incredibly grateful to receive the Experience Ontario grant, which will strengthen and sustain the South Mountain Fair,” Palmer said. “This support allows us to continue celebrating our community, traditions and agricultural roots with all the tourists and visitors who grace our Fair.”
According to the province, the Experience Ontario program, previously known as Celebrate Ontario and later Reconnect Ontario, has supported more than 2,700 festivals and events since 2018.
Tourism remains a major contributor to Ontario’s economy. According to the province, visitors spent approximately $33 billion in Ontario in 2024, supporting more than 300,000 jobs province-wide.
Terry Tinkess is a professional photographer, educator and journalist. He has been making a living with a camera and keyboard since 1999 and has been featured in such publications as The Ottawa Citizen, Cornwall Standard Freeholder, The Globe and Mail, The Miami Herald, Ottawa Construction News, The Ontario Construction Report, Ontario Home Builder Magazine, Reed Construction Data, Canadian Potato Business and most recently, The Record and Eastern Ontario AgriNews. Terry lives in Ingleside, Ontario with his wife Brenda, Mia the anxious Pittie and cats Wally and Chubbers.
