From log sawing competitions, to the fruits and vegetable competitions, to the rides at the midway, the Picton Fair has something for everybody. 

Residents from across the region piled into the fairgrounds for this year’s rendition of the local classic. “This year was our 189th Fall Fair. We had three days of fun in the sun, and our attendance was up,” said PEC Agricultural Society Secretary Treasurer Tina Hiddink.

Opposite rides and midway attractions, competitors tried their hand at a number of agriculture-based competitions. Residents also went head-to-head in arm wrestling, while skaters young and old aimed to impress the judges in the skateboard competition.

New to this year’s fair were the Superdogs. That’s the official name of a travelling pack of highly trained show dogs. Fair goers watched in amazement as the Superdogs ran through professional courses, over, under and through obstacles at breakneck speed. 

The Pet Valu Mutt Show, a separate dog show held in the curling club prior to the Superdogs, warmed residents up before the trained stars.

“Our goal as a society is to incorporate agriculture uses into everything,” said Ms. Hiddink. “We had livestock shows, saddle horse shows, and a mini horse competition with 12 entries. 100 cattle opened the show Saturday afternoon in the bovine show.

“We always encourage vendors who sell food from their gardens. There are free vegetables, craft, and arts all centred around agriculture.” 

Kids of all ages enjoyed the Magic Danny Wonderama Balloon Twisting/Strolling Magic show, along with the children’s midway, both available on Saturday and Sunday. In addition to Magic Danny, children’s entertainer Isabella Hoops, Symply Skynyrd, a Lynyrd Skynyrd cover band, and the Breezeway all put on shows at the Crystal Palace over the weekend.

The Reasons headlined the Saturday night and the live entertainment closed with headliners Los Desperados, an Eagles tribute band, on Sunday. When they weren’t having a blast on rides, watching the Superdogs, winning prizes at the midway, or enjoying classic rock, residents enjoyed the fruits of more than 300 local farmers. Entries have been on the rise over the past few years, and are crucial to preserving the fair’s unique identity. 

For the gear heads, the Picton Cruz Club held a show and shine. Residents will have noticed classic cars from decades past driving about town, spiffed and polished, a proud reminder of their glory days. 

Meanwhile, the 17th Annual Picton Fair Bake Off raised a record-breaking $20,225 for the new Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital. Desserts — pies, cakes, and cheesecakes — are judged by a celebrity panel, and then auctioned off by auctioneer Craig Carson to the highest bidder in this friendly annual competition. 

The main attraction Sunday afternoon was the demolition derby, with the winner taking home a $5,000 prize. Over 40 participants signed up to be knocked around in the driver’s seat. “It was a big event with a lot of community support. The grandstand was packed on Sunday,” said Ms. Hiddink. 

Organizers are already taking a look at what they did well this year, and how they can improve the experience in 2027. Planning and executing the event is a full-time job — all year round.  “We work on it 12-months a year. In February, we’ll attend the OAAS (Ontario Association of Agricultural Societies) convention, where we try to find new entertainment. We’re always trying to find something different,”  Ms. Hiddink says.