The family-fun fall festival guide
8 family-friendly harvest fests from coast to coast
The West
Gibsons, British Columbia
October 10″“11, 2009
With a craft fair, quilting and baking contests and more, this costal community fair is a favourite of those living along the sunshine coast. All the proceeds from the fair go to local charities.
Saskatoon, Sask.
November 11″“14, 2009
Come celebrate Saskatchewan’s beef industry at the Saskatoon Fall Fair. Cattle farmers put their heart and soul into this event, which features multiple breeds of cattle. Livestock events abound, with the “Cinderella Classic”, highlighting top local heifers. Prizes, youth events, and live entertainment round out the three-day event.
The East
Thunder Bay, Ont.
September 26″“November 1, 2009
Celebrate harvest time, Thanksgiving and Halloween with the whole family at the annual Gammondale Pumpkinfest. The festival includes local food and refreshments, farm animals, draft horses, pony rides, horse-drawn hayrides, forest and corn mazes, scarecrow making and the “BOO’ barn.
Markham, Ont.
October 1″“4, 2009
Started in 1844, the Markham Fair is one of Canada’s oldest country fairs. Located just outside Toronto, the fair includes everything from freestyle Moto-cross demonstrations and magicians, to a midway and 4-H competitions. With lots of live music, agriculture and craft displays, a tearoom for seniors and fireworks — there is something for visitors of every age.
The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair
Toronto, Ont.
November 6″“15, 2009
The Royal has always been a special place to visit for Torontonians to get a taste of rural life. Now in its 87th year, the popular fair with its agriculture contests, marketplace and horse show will also feature the Tim Hortons Ag-tivity Centre for kids ages 4″“11, and Christmas at The Royal (Nov. 15) with eats, treats and holiday cheer.
The City of Kawartha Lakes, Ont.
October 1″“3, 2009
Held each fall since 1858, this fair held in the cottage-country town about 2 hours northeast of Toronto, features a midway, demolition derby, horse and dog shows, a parade and a Saturday night dance.
Festival d’automne de Rimouski
Rimouski, Que.
October 8″“12, 2009
The biggest fall festival in Québec, it has activities for the whole family. There are competitions, demonstrations, and a fair featuring craftspeople and regional foods. Enjoy the brunches, lively evening entertainment and a colourful nighttime parade on the Saturday.
The Maritimes
Halifax, N.S.
October 8″“12, 2009
Come out and experience Halifax’s premier family fall event. This year’s festival will feature a Canadian horse show-jumping competition and extreme rodeo championships. Other attractions include AgCot Discovery Centre, kids zone, Taste of Nova Scotia, entertainers, horse and cattle competitions and craft marketplace.
