September 18,19, 2026.  Glencoe Fair weekend

September 18,19, 2026.  Fair weekend.

For fair information: https://glencoefair.ca/

The Society always has a booth at the Glencoe Fair staffed by historians Harold Carruthers, Norm McGill and others coming and going.

Message from the Ag Society

For hundreds of years, the Glencoe Agricultural Society has hosted events, promoted new and established businesses, supporters, exhibitors and built upon Glencoe’s sense of pride and fellowship. Empowered by the incredible support of our sponsors and the exuberance of our townspeople, we look forward to continuously renewing – and building upon – our commitment to agricultural and philanthropic vitality. Throughout the year, Glencoe citizens and visitors from across the region can look forward to special events – large and small – that create the very best excuses to get out of the house and spend time with loved ones.

We always welcome feedback from our community members and monthly meetings are held to ensure we are aligning with the best interests of the people and personalities who sustain our vibrant community. The Glencoe Agricultural Society is bolstered by the thoughtfulness and dedication of our board members and volunteers as well as the continued support of our constituents. We invite you to learn more about our long, rich history and to see what exciting new initiatives we are looking forward to implementing. Should something spark your interest, please don’t hesitate to reach out to find out more about getting involved.

Some History about the Glencoe Fair

The Glencoe Agricultural Society annually hosts the fall fair for Glencoe and the surrounding community. It is an event that dates to the mid-nineteenth century when each township had their own fairs which then united in the 1870’s into a common fair held in Glencoe. Today the fair is always the third full weekend following Labour Day.

Even 150 years ago, these communities recognized the community- and business-building power inherent within a town fair. Large or small, these gatherings of farmers, craftspeople and exuberant citizens were the perfect way for neighbours to connect, long before FaceTime became something you did on your phone. More…

• Glencoe Spring Fair, Glencoe, Ont. Early 1900’s at the site of the current fairgrounds. Facing North where the swimming pool is today. The race track can be seen on the left. Photo is likely taken from the Crystal Palace.

Photo from G&DHS archives.

Local fairs have a long history here:

• Mosa Fair (1848 – 1874) Mosa Twp had its own fair held at various locations. Strathburn, Wardsville, etc.)
• Metcalfe Fair (1854 – ?) Metcalfe Twp had its fair which was later discontinued. North Metcalfe joined the Strathroy Fair, and South portion joined with Glencoe.
• Ekfrid Fair (1857 – 1876) Ekfrid Twp had its own fair, held in Appin. This was held behind old Town Hall which is where the community centre is today.
• Glencoe Joint Fair (1875, 1876, Spring 1877) Glencoe & Mosa Twp have a joint fair in Glencoe at the old Town Hall on McKellar Street. (The Village of Glencoe did not previously have a fair.)
• Glencoe Union Fair (1877 – 1878) Glencoe, Mosa & Ekfrid Twps had joint fall fairs at Glencoe Town Hall.
• Glencoe Fair (1879 – 1890) Glencoe, Mosa & Ekfrid Union fair at Graham property (10 year lease) at the South end of Glencoe. Fairgrounds called “The Driving Park”. A race track and Glencoe’s first Crystal Palace is built in 1879 on the Graham property.
• Glencoe Fair (1891 – Present) In 1891 the Mosa & Ekfrid agricultural societies unite and became “The Mosa and Ekfrid Union Agricultural Society”. Land at current fairground (North end of Glencoe) was purchased in 1891 and the first fair was held at the current fairgrounds. The property with race track was owned by John McAlpine and was leased for the fair. Glencoe’s second Crystal Palace was built in 1892. The grandstand facing the race track was built in 1892 on fair board property. In 1910 the property with race track was purchased by the fair board.