173 years and still going strong: Sunderland Fair returns September 15th and 16th

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard

BROCK: For 173 years, the Sunderland Fair has brought together generations of families, farmers, volunteers, and visitors, to celebrate the agricultural traditions at the heart of the community.

This September, one of Brock Township’s longest-running and most beloved traditions returns, with a theme which leaves little doubt about its rural roots: “Holy Cow, It’s Fair Time.”

The 173rd Sunderland Fall Fair takes place on Tuesday, September 15th, and Wednesday, September 16th, with two days packed with livestock, horses, tractors, family activities, local vendors, and, of course, the demolition derby which has become the traditional grand finale.

For Mayor Mike Jubb, the fair remains an important reminder of the community spirit and agricultural heritage which have helped define Sunderland for generations.

“The Sunderland Fair is one of those traditions which brings our entire community together,” Mayor Jubb said. “For 173 years, generations of families have come through those gates, to celebrate our agricultural heritage, reconnect with neighbours and enjoy everything which makes rural life so special.”

Festivities begin on Tuesday afternoon, and the fairgrounds open from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Families can visit Adventure Village and enjoy inflatables between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Tuesday evening will also feature the Durham West 4-H Tractor Pullers, taking to the grandstand at 6 p.m., for an evening of horsepower and friendly competition.

The fair returns bright and early, on Wednesday, September 16th, opening at 9 a.m. and continuing until 9 p.m. Adventure Village and the Inflatables will again provide plenty of fun for younger fairgoers, running from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m.

Agriculture remains at the centre of the celebration, with horse and cattle shows giving visitors a close-up look at the livestock and traditions which have long been part of the Sunderland Fair. The schedule includes: beef and 4-H shows, light and heavy horse competitions, a carriage derby, a dairy demonstration, and more.

Local and surrounding-area vendors will also be on hand, throughout the fair, offering visitors a chance to browse, shop, and connect with businesses and organizations from across the community.

While the fair offers something for visitors of all ages, the traditional Wednesday night demolition derby remains one of its biggest attractions. The grandstand crowd will gather, at 7:30 p.m., as drivers put their vehicles to the test in the final event of the 2026 Sunderland Fair.

“The fair has grown over the years, but what has never changed is the sense of community behind it,” Mayor Jubb added. “It takes an incredible amount of work, from volunteers and organizers, to keep a tradition like this going for 173 years. That dedication is something our entire community can be proud of.”

Admission is $10 on Tuesday, $15 on Wednesday, or $20 for a two-day pass. Elementary-aged students will once again receive free admission, helping make the annual event accessible for local families.

From the sights and sounds of the horse and cattle shows to the roar of the tractor pulls and the final crash of the demolition derby, the Sunderland Fair promises another two days of rural tradition and family fun.

After 173 years, the message is as clear as this year’s theme: Holy Cow, it’s fair time in Sunderland.