Dating back to 1859, the roots of the Harriston Minto Agricultural Society run deep. Our flagship event is the Harriston Minto Fair, which runs on the third weekend of September annually. This event is what started the Society, and has been running for over 150 years. The Harriston Minto Agricultural Society is formed by the members of the community, mostly those who exhibit at the fair, and has a Board of 18 Directors, and an Executive of six people.

In addition to the fair run each year, the Agricultural Society is active in the community to promote agriculture and community betterment. This includes donating and volunteering for the Palmerston & District Hospital Foundation’s Annual Starlight Gala, supporting youth groups such as local 4-H programs, Wellington County Junior Farmers, our Harriston Minto Junior Directors, our Ambassador Program, and Norwell District Secondary School’s annual Relay for Life program, and supporting local groups during the fair weekend such as the Womans’ Institutes, Girl Guides and Brownies, Shrinners, Cancer Society, Minto Optimists, Harriston K-40 and Kinsmen, the Horticultural Society and the Minto Food Bank. A portion of our gate proceeds is contributed to the Town of Minto, and all proceeds from our annual Share the Wealth draw have historically been given to the Palmerston & District Hospital Foundation.

The fair also provides an entertaining weekend for all ages and interests. Many college and university students as well as local residents and their extended families make fall fair weekend a time to come home and reunite with each other.