Norfolk County Fair and Horse Show

Inside one of the buildings, students from all over Norfolk County submit their artwork to be evaluated by the local judges. The top prize winners receive a small monetary cash prize. Larger prizes are offered for professional art, riding, horse, cattle and poultry shows. Other buildings feature commercial inventions and innovative technologies demonstrated to the local populace. Large vegetable and field crop competitions are held, including the classics like the heaviest pumpkin.[3] In the past years, winners have weighed in more than 1,000 pounds or 450 kilograms.[3] More than $120,000 are handed out every year in prizes related to gardening and agriculture.[5] Homecraft and Childcraft are a big part of displays with some of the finest in quilts and culinary arts at all age levels. Traditional and historic displays make this a "must see" area when tourists come to visit from near and from far. Commercial demonstrations and product offerings remain a big part of "the Fair."

Patrons can still see them first with a variety of products which are either handcrafted or have been recently advertised on television. Innovative services are also being demonstrated and/or sold within the confines of the commercial building. Haggling is allowed to the merchants and is strongly encouraged. The rides consist of some of the world's finest travelling amusements for children, teenagers, and adults alike. One of Canada's largest horse shows, this local competition features many kinds of horses from miniatures, jumpers, Clydesdales and even Percherons.[3] The horse competitions, pulls and an eight-horse hitch parade are all a part of the traditions of this annual fair.[3] Cattle, sheep, goats, llamas, poultry and animals from every field and pen put on their finest coats for judging at one of the most important fairs on the circuit. People attending the fair are encouraged to real close to meet them nose to nose on competition days.

All around the facility is student art, displays, and more special interest entertainment.

Both classic and new carnival-style foods like cotton candy, dixie dogs, pulled pork, French fries are everywhere.[6] Patrons can enjoy the fresh taffy and fudge made on site as the demolition derbies, tractor pulls and finest Canadian stage acts take place Friday and Saturday nights.[6] Popular bands like Emerson Drive, Blue Rodeo, and The Roadhammers have all entertained the fair with their individual style of beats and lyrics in the past years.[6] Coleman Hell[7] and Chad Brownlee[8] are considered to be the two most recent additions to the Norfolk County Fair entertainment lineup.

During the 2013 edition of the Norfolk County Fair, Canadian performer Carly Rae Jepsen performed in front of a packed grandstand audience.[9] She did a fair number of her famous songs and had the young people enthralled.

Canadian pop rock band Marianas Trench was scheduled to perform in the 2015 edition of the fair.[10] They have been active in the music scene since 2001.

Local schools are given opening Tuesday off from school to enjoy Young Canada Day at the fair; they receive a free admission and compete in competitions. While the festivities of the fair are occurring, the Simcoe Rec Centre is used to provide exhibition space for Flavourfest.[6] This celebration brings out the best in local produce and products that patrons can purchase on-site. On stage are demonstrations and shows with star chefs like Lynn Crawford and Massimo Capri in the kitchen while regional artists and bands perform.[6]