West Niagara Fair an old-time country party with all the fun, food and rides
Published August 30, 2023 at 2:36 pm
The annual West Niagara Fair is everything you’d expect it to be – an old-school, local country fair, complete with rides, a Midway, and tons of tasty treats.
Held a week after the CNE in Toronto shuts down for the season, the fair has been a decade-long tradition in the West Lincoln community of Grassie. Much like the CNE itself, it also taps into the area’s long tradition of agriculture.
Being held this year from Sept. 8 to 10 at the fairgrounds (7402 Mud St. W.), organizers say, “Whether you’re a lifelong local or a first-time guest, we extend a warm invitation for three incredible days of family-friendly fun, mouthwatering food, and an abundance of displays and demonstrations showcasing the very best of our region.”
The West Niagara Fair has its own storied history. The first Beamsville Fair took place on October 8, 1857, while the inaugural Smithville Fair was held in 1878. Many other fairs dotted what was then known as “Lincoln County.”
However, with time, Smithville (West Lincoln) and Beamsville (Lincoln) fairs remained the sole survivors. They were also hosted by agricultural societies that owned their land, a testament to the unwavering dedication of the community.
In 2012, a milestone was reached when the Smithville and Beamsville fairs amalgamated, combining their rich traditions and expertise. Since then, the West Niagara Fair has continued to evolve, staying relevant to the changing times while preserving the cherished elements of a “traditional country fair.”
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“Today, we celebrate our history with gratitude and pride,” organizers say, “knowing that the West Niagara Fair has played a crucial role in fostering community connections and preserving agricultural heritage.”
