Top 10 reasons Markham Fair still cream of the crop after 175 seasons

Four-day event Oct. 3 to 6 is one of oldest and largest fairs in the country

Yorkregion.com
Oct. 2, 2019
Heidi Riedner

This year's Markham Fair, Oct. 3 to 6, will mark its 175th running, making it one of the oldest and largest fairs in the country. The event is still bringing the community together to celebrate the fall harvest and showcase local talents and products, while adding the best in modern entertainment to its extensive roster.

Here are 10 reasons the Markham Fair is still the cream of the crop:

1. There’s nothing like the monster gourds on display to not only inspire freakish awe, but also get you geared up for Thanksgiving.

2. Great food! Funnel cakes, poutine, cotton candy and any other food you don't really eat at any other time. Lots and lots of food, often deep fried, on a stick, or deep fried and on a stick.

3. High-octane action, from monster trucks to truck and tractor pulls, capped off by approximately 50 "pre-loved" automobiles taking centre stage for the sole purpose of committing the maximum amount of damage possible and still be in running condition to win in Saturday night’s demolition derby.

4. An opportunity to see actual barnyard animals up close and personal at Old MacDonald’s Farm animal displays, 4-H Club shows and sheepshearing demos.

5. Midway Rides by World’s Finest Shows. Ride-all-day bracelet will allow you to ride all the rides on the day of your choosing, but you still have to pay for admission to the fair to go to the midway, and you have to get yours before Oct. 3. Midway ticket prices are: A single coupon for $1.75, 18 coupons for $30, and 40 coupons for $50. All rides take two or three coupons.

6. Channel your inner Little House on the Prairie with the Heavy Horse Show featuring the Six-Horse Hitch Class, and Homecraft exhibits featuring pies, quilts, photography and more.

7. Entertainment that runs the gamut --from President’s Choice Super Dogs to RCMP Musical Ride, Motus O dance theatre to Aerial Mystique Circus Show, and Toronto Banjo Band to Robyn Ottolini.

8. Loads to do for the kids, including a Paw Patrol Meet & Greet with Sky and Chase

9. You can get your hands dirty planting your own bean seed, keep them clean cooking a recipe, use them to milk a cow, spin a wheel, grind some wheat into flour or make some canola oil at the Agri-Food Tent.

10. Fireworks at dusk and free parking at the fair grounds, at the northeast corner of McCowan Road and Elgin Mills Road East.

For schedules, hours, ticket prices and more information, visit markhamfair.ca.