CALEDONIA—The 2026 Caledonia Fair welcomed over welcomed over 40,000 visitors this past weekend for a celebration of agriculture, community, and fall traditions.
From Friday, October 2 through Sunday, October 4, 2026 fairgoers enjoyed agricultural exhibits, 4-H competitions, livestock shows, midway rides, live entertainment, local food, homecrafts, and plenty of family fun.
Volunteers were once again at the heart of the fair, giving countless hours to organize competitions, exhibits, and activities while helping create a welcoming experience for visitors.
As in previous years, the popular High School Challenge brought plenty of school spirit and excitement.
The event has become a coming-of-age tradition for many local students, providing an opportunity to showcase teamwork, school pride, and friendly competition. Congratulations to Hagersville Secondary School, who were the champions of the 2026 High School Challenge.
There were a couple of unfortunate fights Friday night following the High School Challenge. The Fair Board clarified that, contrary to some reports circulating in the community, there was no stabbing. To the best of their knowledge, no one was seriously injured.
The safety of fairgoers remains a priority, with bag checks, security personnel, and the Ontario Provincial Police in place throughout the weekend.
Two ambulances were also on duty during the demolition derbies.
The Fair Fortune 50/50 draw was another highlight, with the prize surpassing $55,000 as of press time. The draw is a collaboration between seven southern Ontario fall fairs and supports initiatives including agricultural education, environmental conservation, and the arts.
The Caledonia Fair continues to bring families, farmers, volunteers, and visitors together to celebrate the community and create memories that last long after the fairgrounds have emptied.
CALEDONIA—Claire Avey prepares to show her black percheron in the heavy horse show on Saturday, October 3, 2026 at the Caledonia Fair. 
CALEDONIA—Members of the Seneca Cyclones get ready for their turn in the Elementary School Spirit Rally on Friday morning at the 2026 Caledonia Fair. The just-for-fun event brought together local elementary schools for a morning of relay-style challenges, team games, and spirited cheerleading performances. 
CALEDONIA—Harrison of Selkirk gets excited for cinnamon sugar mini donuts. 
CALEDONIA—Wyatt Steele and Jeannie Sheen of Hamilton enjoy the fair. 
CALEDONIA—Emma Smith of Cayuga prepares for the 4-H Dairy Show on Saturday, October 3. Young exhibitors showcased their skill, care, and dedication as they groomed, handled, and presented their dairy animals. 
CALEDONIA—Nathaniel Neill of Caledonia learns about Hydro One boom trucks with help from Hydro One linesman Calum of Brantford at the Touch-a-Truck event on Sunday, October 4. 
CALEDONIA—Ava and Brantley of Port Dover pose with Callie the Cow, the Caledonia Fair mascot. Callie was a popular sight throughout the fairgrounds, helping bring plenty of smiles and fair spirit to visitors of all ages. 
CALEDONIA—Jeff and Jack Smith of River Range Dairy in Caledonia take part in the Heavy Horse Show at the 2026 Caledonia Fair. The show highlights the strength, grace, and beauty of majestic working horses while showcasing the skill and dedication of their handlers and celebrating a proud agricultural tradition. 
CALEDONIA—Joseph Strohmayr of Caledonia takes in a farm diorama, one of many educational displays in the Meet Your Local Farmer tent.
—Haldimand Press photos by Rachel Vaarkamp.
The Caledonia Agricultural Society thanks the many volunteers, exhibitors, competitors, sponsors, and fairgoers who helped make another year of this longstanding tradition possible.
