One of the oldest and most beloved fairs in Western Canada is back and better than ever! The Carman Country Fair runs this weekend (July 10–12), kicking off summer in the Pembina Valley with a full weekend of agriculture, entertainment, and high-octane fun for all ages. “This is the 145th Carman Country Fair,” said Elaine Owen with the Dufferin Agricultural Society. “Very few fairs have been around that long, and even fewer keep reinventing themselves like this one.”
Rooted in agriculture: A 4-H showcase
From dawn till dusk, the heart of the fair beats in its agriculture displays and 4-H shows. “You’ll see kids in their uniforms all weekend,” said Owen. “They’re cleaning up barns, organizing panels, and showing cattle and horses. They’re a huge part of what makes this fair special, and they’re helping long after the fair is done.”
For those not in 4-H but still curious about farm life, the fair introduces Farmtastic Activities, a brand-new zone designed to bring farming to life for kids. “There’s a giant pink pig for a ‘Feed the Pig’ game, and we’ve got ‘Whack-a-Mouse’ instead of Whack-a-Mole because no one wants mice in their crops!” Owen laughed. “It’s a blast. I haven’t laughed this much in years.”
Foam parties, petting zoos, and diaper derbies
Looking for family-friendly fun? Look no further than the foam party, a big hit from last year that’s back by popular demand. “You could hear kids laughing from across the fairgrounds,” said Owen. “They had the best time, and so did we watching them.”
There’s also a petting zoo, Egg on the Move exhibits, and even Diaper Derbies and Toddler Trots for the youngest fairgoers. “We’ve got races for the kids, too,” said Owen. “You know, those stick horses with a head on the end? We built a course for the little ones, and yes, we tested it ourselves!”
New this year: Dirt bike barrel racing
Move over horses, the dirt bikes are revving up. New this year, dirt bike barrel racing will tear up the track in front of the grandstands on Saturday.
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“We’ve got divisions for different age groups, including five-year-olds,” said Owen. “These kids are incredible. We’re hoping for a few more entries, so if you’ve got a dirt bike, sign up online at carmancountryfair.ca.”
And that’s just part of Motorsports Saturday, which also includes a Demolition Derby and Antique Tractor Pulls. “We’re mixing it up this year,” Owen said. “We’ve got engines and action, and it’s not just for the dads; moms love it too. I used to drive my son’s Challenger, and it flew!”
Live music, local talent, and fireworks
The fun doesn’t stop when the sun goes down. On Saturday night, Canadian country artist Katie Toupin takes the stage, followed by a dazzling fireworks show presented by Greenland Equipment. “I’m really looking forward to that,” Owen said. “And the social afterward is always a blast.”
Plus, don’t miss the exhibit building, where local talent shines in everything from quilting to baking. “There’s a group of ladies in Carman who love to quilt... and wow, their stuff is incredible,” said Owen. “And the kids' entries are pouring in, which I just love. As a kid, I entered too... and I was even crowned Miss Junior Bake Queen once!”
Her winning haul? “$27,” Owen laughed. “Fifty years ago, that was enough to open my first bank account!”
Don’t miss this fair
Whether it’s your first visit or your 45th, the Carman Country Fair is a can't-miss summer tradition. With free kids’ activities, thrilling motorsports, heartwarming ag education, and toe-tapping music, there’s something for everyone.
“This fair is agriculture to its core,” said Owen. “It’s fun, it’s educational, and it brings people together. That’s what it’s all about.”
Plan your weekend now at carmancountryfair.ca. See you this weekend (July 10–12) in Carman.