The 120th annual Vermilion Fair wrapped up on July 25, drawing crowds to celebrate the oldest traditional agricultural fair in Western Canada. Hosted by the volunteer-run Vermilion Agricultural Society, the three-day event at the Vermilion fairgrounds in Alberta ran from July 23 to 25 under the theme “Born in a Barn.”
Nicole Polishuk, president of the society, described the milestone as a tribute to generations of farm families and volunteers. “Born in a Barn reminds us where we come from and honors the grit, determination, and community pride that have sustained this fair for well over a century,” she said ahead of the event.
The fair, which began in 1906, has run every year except for pandemic cancellations in 2020 and 2021. This year’s edition returned with traditional highlights including a parade, sheep show, heavy horse competitions, pony chuckwagon and chariot races, midway rides, and a fireworks finale.
Put on entirely by volunteers, the fair has become a staple of community life in the town of about 3,900 people. The society was recognized in 2024 as Fairboard of the Year by the Alberta Professional Chuckwagon & Chariot Association, an award that reflected years of dedication to keeping the event vibrant and true to its roots.
