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The Sutton Fair & Horse Show and 169 years of fun and community

August 23, 2026

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By Angie Sullivan

Sun and storms made for a marvellous, and sometimes muddy, time at the 169th Sutton Fair & Horse Show, which ran from Aug. 6 to 9.

No matter the weather, the fair experience is about tradition, friends and family.

“At the end of the day, the Sutton Fair belongs to all of us. It belongs to the volunteers who work tirelessly, and the families who have been coming for generations,” said Emma Paisley, president of the Sutton Agricultural Society. “It’s for the exhibitors and competitors who share their hard work, the sponsors and community partners who support us, and every fairgoer who walks through our gates.”

For Brandon Winch and his sister, Laura Magee, the fair revolves around the “mini barn,” where the entire family participates in the livestock shows. They are members of the agricultural committee and have managed the space, which houses a selection of livestock including sheep, chickens, calves, cows and a gentle horse, for four years.

The mini barn provides fairgoers, especially children, a chance to see and learn about farm animals in an approachable way.

Madison Winch, 8, said, “I work at the mini barn for the whole fair and I show my calves.”

Madison’s three-month-old Jersey heifer, Envia, was a popular resident, with many young admirers stopping to pat her.

Her sister, 11-year-old Grace Winch, explained that it is a family tradition to show cows and chickens at the fair.

“My parents and aunt grew up with it, and now we are,” she said.

Oaklynn Magee, 5, said, “I love being able to walk my calf around the fair.”

Walter Andruszko has been coming to the Sutton Fair for two decades and brings his 1917 George White working portable steam-powered sawmill. Originally from Woodville, Andruszko now travels from Michigan each year.

Twenty-four-year-old Ang Andruszko has been coming to the Sutton Fair since she was 4.

“Normally I help with working the sawmill, but this year I broke my leg, so I’m just here to show support,” she said.

This was Manee Price’s first year at the fair, where she had her Sanctuary Natural Farm booth set up with handmade soaps, skincare products and artisanal crafts from Thailand.

“My kids love the fair, especially the rides,” said Price.

Marley Price, 13, and her sister, Andrea Price, 8, both agreed, saying they loved the Ferris wheel, the big boat and especially the swings.

One of the new attractions this year was the K-Pop Demon Hunters performance on the arena stage, held daily.

The Gibson family from Newmarket has been coming to the fair for the past four years, but the performance was a real draw for 5-year-old Evelynn Gibson.

“I really wanted to see them. They are my favourite movie and band,” said Evelynn.

James Gibson, 4, also enjoys the family tradition and loved meeting Sir Loin.

The very first Sutton Fair ran in 1855 and was originally a one-day event in October. Next year will mark the 170th running of the fair, continuing a tradition that spans generations.