Looking for something to do this Thanksgiving weekend? The Erin Fall Fair is one of the most popular autumn events in the area. It’s a great opportunity to get out and enjoy some family fun! There are plenty of attractions, shows, midway-rides, agricultural displays, food vendors and more to keep you busy all day long. Here is a list of 10 fun things that you definitely don’t want to miss at this year’s Erin Fall Fair 2022!
Did you know that Heatherlea is only minutes away from the fair? This is a perfect time to visit one of the region’s only on-farm butchery & aging vaults! Bring your cooler for the meats and stop by for an early lunch before heading to the fair for the afternoon!
Don’t Go Hungry!
Gigantic Pumpkins
The giant pumpkins can’t be missed! They’re the first thing you’ll see at the Erin Fall Fair as you walk into the entrance. Most of them are on skids because the only way to move them is using equipment, like a skid-steer. These giants weigh in at a whopping 700-1500+ lbs! The giant pumpkins are transported in starting Thursday night for the judging competition on Friday. Good luck to the farmers that are facing off for the top prize at the Erin Fall Fair!
Mouth-Watering Food
There’s no shortage of food at the Erin Fall Fair! From BBQ chicken and pulled pork, to hot dogs, fries, burgers, ice cream and of course cotton candy! There’s definitely something to tempt everyone’s taste buds. The food trucks can be found between the midway and the automotive attractions.
Mid-Way Madness for the Whole Family
Popular with kids of all ages (and parents that can stomach the thrills!), the mid-way has an assortment of rides. We’ve seen tiny tot trains, spinning strawberries, the merry-go-round, bumper cars, the ferris wheel and more!
The midway is usually calm early in the day but becomes more bustling as time goes on and evening approaches. At dark, the lights and music are a spectacular scene as the carnival goers are having the time of their lives.
Tickets for the mid-way are available onsite for $1.75 each. You can also get a family pack of 16 coupons for $25 or 26 coupons for $40.
If you are looking for a deal, there are a few ways to save:
- Toonie Night means ALL rides are only $2 on Thursday from 5 pm – 11 pm
- Free Rides on Saturday & Sunday from 10 am – 11 am
- Bracelet Day means you can ride to your hearts content! $40 gets a bracelet for 7 hours of fun on Friday from 4 pm – 11 pm
- Advance mid-way ride tickets available at $40 for 35 coupons. Head into Hillsburgh Foodland or Budson’s Provisions for Country Living to pick up tickets before the fair.
Animals
If you’re an animal lover, you’ll be in heaven at the Erin Fall Fair! There are so many different types of animals to see. From chickens and ducks to cows, pigs, sheep and goats – there’s something for everyone. If you head to the cattle rings, you may catch the Heatherlea family showing their 4H calves in the beef show!
Home Crafts Exhibit (Horticultural Hall)
If you’re looking for some talented artists, food producers and growers, the Agricultural Hall is the place to be. It’s usually a little cooler in there too, which makes it a great break from being outside in the heat all day. You’ll find displays of winning art, quilts, jams, baked, home grown vegetables and more!
Rev Up Your Engines (Automotive Attractions)
Truck Pull
The truck pull is an evening attraction that attracts a big crowd! A truck pull is when trucks compete to see who can pull a weighted sled the farthest. It’s definitely something you don’t want to miss! This year it will be held on Saturday, October 8th at 5 pm.
Tractor Pull
The tractor pull is a very popular event! It’s held on Friday, October 7th at 6 pm. This is when tractors compete to see who can pull a weighted sled the farthest.
Demo Derby
The demo derby is a daytime attraction. Cars line up and crash into each other until there is only one left standing. It’s a lot of fun to watch. Find them at 1:00 pm on Monday, October 10th.
Lawn & Garden Tractor Pull
This event is for the smaller lawn and garden tractors. Don’t miss them at 5:30 pm on Sunday, October 9th.
Tips for watching the pulls and derby:
- grab some food first so you don’t go hungry and miss all the action!
- arrive early for the best seats on the bleachers
- blankets come in handy! Use it to keep warm or use it to sit on the lawn in front of the bleachers
- ear protection – you may want to bring hearing protection earmuffs, especially for little kids…it can get loud! Headphones won’t do it and ear plugs can be tricky for youngsters.
Antique Tractor Show
The antique tractor show features vintage tractors that pre-date 1965. With about 50 tractors on display, you won’t miss this one!
Festival Gardens/Beer Tent
A hideaway for adults only! The beer tent will be jumping with live music from the Settler’s Creek Band on Friday, October 7th at 7 pm.
Baby Contest
What is a baby contest? It’s where babies compete in different categories such as chubbiest cheeks, most hair, biggest eyes, best smile and more! You’ll have to register your baby in advance if you want to participate or you can watch it on Saturday at 11 am in the main hall (ag building).
Apple Dumplings
You can’t go to the Erin Fall Fair and not have an apple dumpling! These delicious treats are made with fresh, local apples and wrapped in pastry. Yum! Find them in the Erin Ag Building. You may have to pre-order, so check before you go.
Tickets for the Erin Fall Fair
Tickets can be found online or in-person. Ticket sales at the entrance are dependent upon capacity of the event and could be restricted, so you are best to buy online (you also save online!) to avoid disappointment. Ticket prices include entrance to the automotive attractions. Here are the entrance prices for 2022:
- Adult: $13.50 (incl. fees) online and $18 in-person (debit or credit only)
- Children (ages 5-12): $6.05 (incl. fees) online and $8 in-person (debit or credit only)
- Children under 5 are FREE
- Adult Weekend Pass: $40 (+fees)
So there you have it! These are just some of the attractions and events that you’ll find at the Erin Fall Fair this year. There’s something for everyone! So mark your calendars for a road trip to Caledon this Thanksgiving weekend.
**Be sure to check the Erin Fall Fair website for the latest details. Heatherlea and the author assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in the content of this site.
