HAGERSVILLE—“We now come together with today’s Ag Day celebrations to honour the past, cherish the present, and to enthusiastically look forward to a bright future!”
That declaration by Town Crier Larry Davis kicked off the 2025 Agriculture Day (Ag Day) on June 6, the signature event of Hagersville’s 150th anniversary celebrations.
With sunshine and a gentle breeze, Ag Day was a true community showcase of agriculture and history. Large crowds enjoyed educational exhibits, activities, delicious food, souvenirs, animals, and farm machinery.
During the opening ceremonies, Claire Sault, Chief of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, said, “It’s so important that we remember yesteryear and preserve the heritage of the town and the families that made significant contributions to this town.”
“We also need to embrace tomorrow … to foresee what lies ahead and where we have to prepare for the future,” Sault said. “It’s the people of the town that make the culture what it is today.”
HAGERSVILLE—The return of Ag Day on Friday, June 12, 2025 saw thousands of visitors exploring agricultural actvities. Madison Willis (right) turns the crank for an old-fashioned rope making demo by the North Erie Shore Historical Society as Mary Makey assists. —Haldimand Press photos by Sheila Phibbs. 
HAGERSVILLE—Pictured (l-r) are Haldimand Mayor Shelley Ann Bentley, Hagersville 150 Co-Chairs Lisa Mattice and Nancy Snyder, Mississaugas of the Credit Chief Claire Sault, HN MP Leslyn Lewis, HN MPP Bobbi Ann Brady, and Haldimand Ward 4 Councillor Brad Adams. —Haldimand Press photos by Sheila Phibbs. 
HAGERSVILLE—The former County building at the Market Square was transformed into a museum. Pictured (l-r), Lynda and Geoff Brooker admired the Hagersville railway model that was created by Larry Lunn, who retired as a train conductor/engineer in 2011. —Haldimand Press photos by Sheila Phibbs. 
HAGERSVILLE—Sandra Neilson and her grandchildren, Ethan and Emma, met a larger-than-life chicken. —Haldimand Press photos by Sheila Phibbs. 
HAGERSVILLE—Haldimand Queen of the Furrow Abbey Cocking (left) with Taylor Legge, Ontario Queen of the Furrow. —Haldimand Press photos by Sheila Phibbs. 
HAGERSVILLE—Angela and Abi Evans started their Ag Day with the sweet taste of Hewitt’s ice cream. —Haldimand Press photos by Sheila Phibbs. 
HAGERSVILLE—Erica and Oreecia Goulbourne (7) of Caledonia explore the Market Square. —Haldimand Press photo by Tina Brajic. 
HAGERSVILLE—The Peart sisters, Carolyn Mullins (left) and Susan Elmes, returned to their hometown for Ag Day. They are next to a 1927 International “Speed” Truck. —Haldimand Press photos by Sheila Phibbs. 
HAGERSVILLE—Volunteer Isla Nigh was one of many to help complete a custom paint-by-number mural that will be displayed in the Hagersville Active Living Centre. 
HAGERSVILLE—Amelia McMillan was all smiles at the Caledonia Fair booth. 
HAGERSVILLE—Sheep shearing demonstrations drew many spectators as Brad Comfort explained the process and importance of the farm practice. 
HAGERSVILLE—Entertainment for the day included rides on CN Railway’s Little Obie. 
HAGERSVILLE—Entertainment for the day included music from bands like Fiddlestix on the Hometown Hoedown Stage.
Haldimand Councillor Brad Adams said, “Today is about more than looking back. It’s about recognizing what makes Hagersville special. For 150 years agriculture has been at the heart of this community. It’s the people, our families, our neighbours, our volunteers that give this town its character.”
Mayor Shelly Anne Bentley spoke of the passage of time: “Celebrating and also honouring the roots that have nourished this community for generations.” She thanked the Hagersville 150 Committee for planning Ag Day, “the perfect way to celebrate this milestone.”
Prior to Ag Day, Haldimand-Norfolk (HN) MPP Bobbi Ann Brady shared in the Ontario Legislature that Hagersville is a small community that “packs a wallop when it comes to charm, rural beauty, peace of mind, and a fascinating history.”
She told the Ag Day audience, “You all possess a strong community spirit that is the catalyst behind plenty of annual events and, of course, this milestone event.”
HN MP Leslyn Lewis applauded the “exciting return of Agriculture Day.” She said, “I am proud to represent a community that so powerfully reflects the values that build this country: hard work, resilience, and a deep connection to the land.”
She said bringing Ag Day back was a statement that “tradition matters, rural history matters…. When it comes to a community coming together, there is no limit to what we can achieve.”
This has been proven by the Hagersville 150 Committee members. Rob Phillips commended Co-Chairs Nancy Snyder and Lisa Mattice for their leadership, saying, “They re-prioritized their lives for the last year and a half.”
In turn, Snyder and Mattice gave a shout out to the committee and more than 100 volunteers, saying, “You truly are the heart of this event.”
Former mayor and late councillor Marie Trainer, and the Haldimand Federation of Agriculture, were acknowledged for their roles in “bringing Ag Day to shape” in the 1980s. Past committee member Marlene Phibbs was recognized for her previous contributions and her support of this year’s committee.
With Ag Day now over, Snyder gratefully said, “Our community truly showed up through sponsorships, volunteering, our incredible farmers and exhibitors’ involvement, the neighbourhoods for their understanding in regards to road closures and inconvenience, beautiful decorations … everyone bringing smiles and happiness – all to celebrate Hagersville.”
She concluded, “We really do live in the best little town.”
