Get out of the city and get your country on!
The 185th Fergus Fall Fair is a tradition of fun experiences for the whole family celebrating agriculture, community and the bounty of the harvest season.
This year’s theme is “Sunshine, showers and fresh cut flowers.”
It doesn’t get any more Scottish outside of Scotland than the Fergus Scottish Festival and Highland Games. And you don’t have to be Scottish to enjoy this celebration of cultural heritage.
Organizers call this festival experience “Scotland without the airfare.” That sums it up nicely. Celebrating Scottish heritage, culture and sport, you’ll be immersed in the sights, sounds and flavours of Scotland.
Get here! Fergus Scottish Festival and Highland Games take place from August 12th to August 14th, 2022. Come tilt yer kilt!
We couldn’t have predicted the ramifications of what COVID-19 would do to our communities, our businesses, our festivals and events – and our future – particularly in an area where tourism is vital to our local economy.
But we know that the very things that make Fergus and Elora “Grand and Gorgeous” are the vibes of our neighbourhoods, the richness of our natural environment, our vibrant shops, boutiques, bars and pubs, and the arts and culture that aren’t just dates on a calendar, but are the essence of who we are together.
Sure, it’s different now. For a little while longer, we’re going to go with the flow and do our part to flatten the curve without losing our shape (we’ve got fabulous curves). As we roll out openings and make changes to our incredible shops and boutiques, restaurants and pubs, for the safety of everyone, we hope you’ll be patient.
Our trails are spectacular and fresh air is always healthy. We invite you to come and explore the views. The autumn colours right now are absolutely spectacular. Getting outdoors and taking in the sites is not only good for you, but it’s good for us too. It means we all remember what matters, how grateful we are to have the beauty of nature, and keeps us active while apart. Because one day, when this is over – and it will be over – we’re going to gather again. And we want you to come back. You’ll know your way around for your next visit!
And one day soon, when the world returns to a place where we can come together and celebrate the good life, you can bet we’re going to have some epic events. Better days ahead.
November 11th – Remembrance Day is honoured in many ways locally each year and if you find yourself in Fergus or Elora over this weekend, we invite you to take part in our many events.
Without a doubt, the most spectacular display to honour our fallen takes place on front lawn of the Wellington County Museum and Archives. In partnership with our local Legions, we honour the 526 fallen from Wellington County. Those who died in the First World War, World War Two, Korea and Afghanistan are remembered with a marker on the front lawn.
This informal and poignant tribute takes place at dusk on November 10, (5:30pm) and the candles will remain lit until November 12. Candles are provided by the Museum and everyone is encouraged to attend.
Early on Sunday, November 11th, members of the Fergus Pipe Band will be taking part in the 100th Anniversary of Armistice by performing at the Fergus Legion.
At 6am pipers will perform the piece Battle’s O’er to commemorate the end of World War One and pay tribute our fallen. All our welcome to start the morning of Remembrance with this important event.
Elora – Remembrance parade Nov. 11 starting at 11am, followed by a ceremony at the cenotaph in front of our municipal offices.
Fergus – Remembrance parade Nov. 11 starting at 10:30am, followed by a cenotaph service.
Salem – Remembrance parade, Nov. 11, starting at 9:30am; with a service at the cenotaph.
This Remembrance Day marks the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War.
On Nov. 11 1918, after four long years, the guns had fallen silent. In their place, across Canada church bells rang out to share the news that the Great War, regarded at the time as “the war to end all wars,” was finally over.
To commemorate the occasion, The Royal Canadian Legion, in partnership with the Government of Canada, is encouraging all communities across the country to participate in the Bells of Peace initiative.
Elora – Knox Presbyterian Church will ring its bell on Nov. 11 at dusk.
The Legion is awaiting confirmation from other churches in Elora.
Fergus – The Fergus Legion will ring the bell from the WWII corvette HMCS Fergus, usually on display in the club hall, in front of the Legion at 5pm on Nov. 11.
St. James Anglican Church will also ring their bells.
We invite you to join us as we gather to remember. #LestWeForget
Photo credit to Bill Longshaw and Olivia Rutt.
BOO!! Ah! Don’t be scared, the Halloween Haunt Street Walk brings the fun of Halloween out in to the daylight and invites kids of all ages to head to downtown Fergus for a frightfully fun time! There will be witches, ghosts and spooky creatures amongst us, wondering in the shops, creeping through the streets and possibly checking out books at the public library too, (because even ghosts like a good ghost story).
The Halloween Haunt Street Walk invites trick-or-treaters to roam through Downtown Fergus on Saturday, October 27 between 10am – 12pm.
It’s all about the spirit – or spirits – of Halloween brought to you by the Fergus BIA. Get your costume on and head to Downtown Fergus, where participating shops will open their doors and welcome in little monsters, princesses and super heroes too (and even their parents), to enjoy sweet treats and enjoy some Halloween fun!
Follow the balloons for stores ready to greet the trick-or-treaters. Along the way be on the look-out for these Halloween Haunt Street Walk events:
The Halloween Haunt Street Walk is geared for younger children and is all about family-friendly fun. So bring the little monsters and wander about our historic downtown. We’re sure you’ll have a Spooktacular time!
Take the day. Take the weekend. Hey, take two! Because exploring the Elora Fergus Studio is a true highlight to the fall season around here. It’s like a “Choose Your Own Adventure” for grown-ups! So grab your map, mark your route and head out to explore some of the finest artists in and around Fergus and Elora.
The Elora Fergus Studio Tour is a free self-guided tour that welcomes you into the workshops of local artisans. See art in various stages of creation, including pieces that are not always shown in gallery settings. Meet the makers. See unique creations. Ask questions. Get inspired.
Here’s just a few of the fine art mediums you’ll find on the tour:
Let’s face it, we’re all curious about creative spaces where artists make their art, because we are all curious about the process, the tools and the inspiration. Now’s your chance to find out about it all.
Start your tour at the Elora Centre for the Arts, a heritage building lovingly restored as a creative arts hub in the community. Here you’ll find:
The Elora Centre for the Arts will host an opening reception for the Elora Fergus Studio Tour on Thursday, Sept. 13 from 7pm to 9pm in the Minarovich Gallery. This free exhibit will be on display through to Sept. 30, 2018.
So many artists. So much time. Two weekends. 40 stops. Choose your inspiration.
Studios are open from 10am to 5pm – September 22 & 23/ September 29 & 30.
Come on and get your country on!
Sure, most people come to Fergus to see the beauty of the Grand River, our beautiful historic downtown or the many events that have put our community on the map, but one thing we really have to be proud of here are our “Country Roots.” It’s what started this community and it’s what feeds us today.
That’s why we hope everyone gets to the 182nd annual Fergus Fall Fair.
You don’t have to be from here to feel welcome at this community tradition because that’s the whole point. Here we celebrate the farmers who feed us, the next generation learning the value of working the land and the growing importance of agriculture in our changing world.
As progress and growth changes the landscape, we know that agriculture is the bedrock of our community and we are thrilled to see the Fergus Fall Fair thrive without losing the charm that is the 182 years of tradition and a heritage worth saving.
Get out of the city and get back to your country roots.
Here’s our pick for the things you absolutely must do to get a real Fergus Fall Fair experience:
1. Walk around the animal rings and watch the 4-H youth prepare their animals for the show ring, because any kid who never got to spend time on a farm really needs to watch the work it takes to get a cow ready for the big event. Hair dryers, colour sprays, clippers – the beauty of a fall fair is there is no behind-the-scenes. It’s all about the work and the care that goes into it.
2. Cheer on the 4-H youth as they compete in the show ring with their farm animals, like the dairy competition or the sheep show. You will begin to appreciate the hours and hours of chores, animal care and dedication it takes to get these animals show ready. Plus, watch the work it takes to walk a cow into a ring and ask it stand still! We’re totally fascinated by watching these young people work so hard. It’s serious business.
3. Don’t chicken out. Tour the barns and check out the birds. Seriously, everybody gets a real kick out of this. Up close and personal with some of the most beautiful chickens, ducks, geese and more. It will make you appreciate all the variations of birds and what it takes to keep them healthy
4. The Midway, because whether you ride a vomit-comet or just laugh at those who do, there is something so nostalgic about the sights and lights of the midway as the September sun sets.
5. Pies. Crafts. Cooking. Admit it, you want to see who won. And for those of us who have no idea how to bake, sew or glue anything to anything, this is impressive.
6. Four words: Farmer Olympics/Redneck Games. Tell us the curiosity of just exactly what that entails isn’t enough to inspire you check it out.
7. Truck pulls. We have no idea why these are so awesome, but there is something about them that brings us back every year. It’s exciting and we have no idea why.
8. The Extreme Bike Show is fun to watch. And then to realize that you probably shouldn’t try anything you saw at home.
9. Horses. And more horses. Because, they’re horses.
10. Eat a candy apple and cotton candy while you enjoy the live music, because a sugar rush AND live music? Right?!
It doesn’t matter how old you are, where you’re from or whether you know a Holstein from a Limousin, (those are cow breeds, folks), we are sure you’ll find the Fergus Fall Fair a jam-packed weekend of fun for the whole family.
Come celebrate our “Country Roots” – see where we come from and where we’re going at the 182nd Fergus Fall Fair.
Locals love harness racing and we hope you will too.
Come catch the action at this year’s newest series of races – Centre Wellington Derby Nights!
A trio of Friday race nights at Grand River Raceway will celebrate our unique community, featuring a race named exclusively for Township of Centre Wellington residents and offering $1,000 in cash prizes.
Plus for everyone:
• BBQ specials ($2 hamburgers & hotdogs, $1 pop)
• Drive a racehorse with the Hands On Horses Program (30 spots)
• 10 races including Racing Under Saddle with RUS Ontario
• Kids’ activities and barn tour in The NEIGHbourhood
Admission and parking are always free.
N0B vs. N1M in the Centre Wellington Derby:
This summer, the residents of Centre Wellington will head to the track, bearing their postal codes with pride as they compete for $3,000 in prizes and bragging rights as the champions of Centre Wellington Derby NightsPresent your proof of residence at the Registration Table between 5:30 – 7:30.
The track will host a trio of these events: June 29, July 27 and August 31. The feature race of each evening will be designated as the Centre Wellington Derby and the eight horses in the race will be randomly assigned to a postal code (N1M or N0B). The Centre Wellingtonians representing each postal code are registered for a draw following the race where 10 residents representing the winning horse will share a $1,000 cash prize.
*Must be 18+. Proof of residency includes photo ID with postal code listed, or photo ID accompanied by addressed letter showing postal code.
Centre Wellington Derby Nights at Grand River Raceway are presented by the Grand River Agricultural Society.
Aye, can you hear the pipes calling you back? Haste ye back to the Fergus Scottish Festival and Highland Games!
They say it’s like visiting Scotland, without the airfare. We think they’re right. So pack your bags, your kilts and your Scottish pride (hey, you can even borrow it – be a Scots for a day!) and come to one of the best festivals in the province.
The Fergus Scottish Festival and Highland Games is a true celebration of Scottish culture, in the spirit of promoting and preserving the cultural heritage, from the arts and ancestry to the traditional competitions of sport. For the town of Fergus, rooted in Scottish history, this event is a source of great pride for the community, volunteers and organizers.
And it’s party to be had! With a full line-up of music performances, dance and pipe band competitions, the traditional Tattoo and even some celebrity guests, we like to think of it as “Scotland without the jet lag.”
So get your tartan on and meet us there!
This is a free family-friendly musical event that takes place in downtown Fergus in the beautiful grounds of Templin Gardens on Wednesday evenings from 7-9 pm during the months of July and August.
The performances will be on:
July 4, 11, 18, 25 and
August 1, 8, 15, 22, 29.
Twilight at Templin includes a marketplace featuring items from local artisans, as well as food and beverages from local cafes and restaurants.
Each evening will conclude with a Piper playing from the limestone stairs in Templin Gardens that lead down to the water, illuminated with candles, for a fitting finale.
Templin Gardens is located in downtown Fergus, part of the newly developed Riverwalk alongside the rushing waters of the Grand River.
This event will run rain or shine. Dress for the weather and prepare to enjoy a wonderful night with friends.
