180 Years of Markham Fair!

If you’re a high school student in Markham, October is the beginning of many things: sore throats that plague the entire school, lush carpets of crisp maroon leaves, and the bipolar fall weather that ranges from negative three degree celsius to twenty-five degree celsius. But October is much more than lower temperatures and extra layers. Every year in Markham, on the weekend before Thanksgiving, the usually empty Markham Fairgrounds located on Mccowan Road are transformed into a magical place filled with games, exhibitions, rides, and food. As soon as the Markham Faircrow, the fair’s mascot, begins to appear on posters and signs all around Markham residents of all ages eagerly await the opening of the fair on the Thursday before Thanksgiving. 

This year, the Markham Fair opened its gates on October third and sadly closed its gates until next year on October sixth just like it has since 1844. The midway was once again packed full of iconic rides such as the ferris wheel, the Musik Express, and bumper cars for anyone seeking the adrenaline that comes with strapping yourself into a ride that can be packed into a box within hours. If you visited the fair’s farm you would have been greeted by the adorable sight of livestock and the familiar scent of manure and hay. And of course, no fair is complete without the amazing shows such as Monster Truck Madness, the Teen Talent Contest, and the iconic fireworks which take place at dusk. 

This year, the Markham Fair celebrates its 180th anniversary and while a lot about the fair has changed since then, it continues to provide the residents of Markham with core memories, hilarious experiences, and quiet, cozy moments. No matter how old you are, the fair remains unique and precious, year after year.  Perhaps you have fond yet fuzzy memories of your four-year-old self eating a funnel cake for the first time. Perhaps you recall looking out at the fair spread below you from atop the ferris wheel with your friends. That’s the real magic of the Markham Fair. You could every year and everything would remain unchanged yet unique, adding an undertone of nostalgia to every new memory and experience. We hope to see you at the fair next year too!