175 years worth

of history

In 1847, the first running of the Woodbridge Fall Fair was organized by John Gamble, the first mayor of Vaughan Township and a parliamentary spokesperson for Ontario farmers, millers, and merchants, believing the agricultural sector and its workers to be at the heart of a community’s success. 

True to these values, the Woodbridge Fair was a place where farmers, residents, and business owners could enjoy the harvest time before winter. Fairs were, and still are, a central place for the community to come together and celebrate the joy of autumn, community agriculture, and history. 

The second annual fair was held in Burwick (now called Woodbridge), near the Humber River Flat Lands hosted by John Abell, the owner of Woodbridge Agricultural Works. He manufactured horse-drawn steam engines, farm equipment, stage coaches, and was president of the Woodbridge Agricultural Society from 1860–1886, serving as Reeve of the 1st Woodbridge Village Council from 1882–1885.

To this day The Woodbridge Agricultural Society continues to organize and put on an amazing community fair with the help of its many volunteers and sponsors. Our volunteers take pride in ensuring the Woodbridge Fall Fair is a fun, educational, and historical venue for many more years to come. 

In 2022 we are celebrating our 175th year, and plan on making this year's fair as beautiful and rewarding as the last. Please consider becoming a sponsor or even a volunteer this year. We thank you in advance for your ongoing support and engagement. Here’s to 170 more years!