176th Ancaster Fair kicks off this week celebrating women farmers

The Ancaster Fair kicks off Thursday and this year’s theme is “In Her Hands: Family, Farm and Future,” shining a spotlight on the female contributions in agriculture.

The fair is held every year on the third weekend after Labour Day, showcasing the region’s agriculture through livestock shows, arts and crafts and attractions.

The theme shines a spotlight on the female contributions to the sector, and it comes after the United Nations declared 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer.

According to the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization, women make up 41 per cent of the global agrifood workforce, but make on average 78 cents to every dollar that men earn.

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The organisation says that closing that gap could raise global gross domestic product by $1 trillion USD and reduce food insecurity for 45 million people.

The fair’s 176th edition runs from Thursday through to Sunday, and will be held at the Ancaster Fairgrounds — at 630 Trinity Rd. South.

If it’s agricultural the Ancaster Fair’s got it: horse shows, a cattle show, sheep shows, llamas, rabbits, and an annual favourite, the demolition derby on Saturday.

Safety and security for all attendees are at top of mind after a rash of youth-related robberies and swarming incidents happened at not only the Ancaster Fair, but at other community fairs in the past.

Opening day admissions are $5 a person, with any high-need food donation item.

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