More than 14,000 people attended the 180th Vankleek Hill Fair from Thursday, August 15 to Sunday, August 18.
With the exception of the COVID-19 pandemic years of 2021 and 2022, the fair has been held annually since 1844. Vankleek Hill Agricultural Society President Cory Nixon said the more than 14,000 attendees is a preliminary number he had estimated on Monday, August 19.
“It’s really good for the community,” he said about the large attendance numbers at the annual celebration and showcase of agricultural and small-town life.
Weather is always a factor at the fair, but it was hot and humid on Thursday when the opening parade made its way from the Vankleek Hill Community Centre to the fairgrounds. This year’s parade was one of the longest in recent memory.
At the opening ceremony, Nixon welcomed everyone to the fair. Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP) Stéphane Sarrazin said it is definitely fair season across the Province of Ontario.
Champlain Township Mayor Normand Riopel said it was a remarkable step for the agricultural society to be celebrating 180 years of the fair.
“180 years is a long time to celebrate,” said Ontario Association of Agricultural Societies President Glen Syme.
Vankleek Hill is home to one of 200 agricultural fairs across Ontario.
As heavy rain moved into the region on Sunday, organizers of the English Horse Show decided to cancel the event, but everything else went ahead as scheduled. The four days were filled with shows exhibiting cattle, produce, flowers, crafts, and competitions for heavy horses. Children’s activities, educational exhibits, and the midway also offered enjoyment and excitement.
A monster truck show was new this year at the fair. Nixon said it was a major draw for visitors on the opening night of the fair.
“The monster trucks were definitely a crowd pleaser,” he said.
Motocross and wrestling were other entertaining fair events.
The demolition derby on Saturday night was, as usual, a huge attraction. There were 86 vehicles participating in this year’s derby and Nixon said people remarked to him that it was one of the best they had seen.
