Markham residents heading to the 2026 Markham Fair will find new demolition derby events, more artisan vendors and line dancing alongside familiar midway rides and agricultural exhibits when the gates open Oct. 1.

The event marks its 182nd year and its 50th fair at the grounds at Elgin Mills and McCowan roads, according to Bullet Point News Stouffville. Fair president Devin King said the organization was established in 1844 and moved to its current location in 1977.

More than 800 volunteers help put on the fair, which draws more than 50,000 visitors each year. Its returning attractions include monster trucks, truck and tractor pulls, the demolition derby, livestock shows, agricultural exhibits and the midway.

King told Bullet Point News Stouffville that the fair aims to offer activities for families and visitors of all ages, while also bringing together the membership that helps sustain the event.

New derby events and line dancing

Among this year’s additions is Derby Cross, a new demolition derby category. King described new classes in which cars race around a course and tackle jumps.

The farm stock class is also returning, giving local farmers an opportunity to enter their tractors in a pull. The motorsport events sit alongside the fair’s displays of crops, flowers and plants.

Visitors will also have more artisan vendors to browse. Line dancing demonstrations and lessons are being added in the Crow’s Corral.

Those additions expand the entertainment offerings, while the agricultural exhibits and livestock barns remain central parts of the fair, King said.

Agricultural traditions remain central

King, who is a farmer, said one of his favourite aspects of the event is meeting others in the agricultural community and seeing what exhibitors have grown throughout the year. The exhibit buildings showcase crops, flowers and plants brought in by participants.

The livestock barns are another highlight, he said, including opportunities to see young people showing their 4-H calves. Those youth agricultural activities continue alongside the rides and other entertainment.

For families, King identified the midway as a major attraction. He said his own three-year-old daughter had watched the rides being assembled during preparations and wanted to return once they were ready.

Leading the fair during the milestone year is meaningful to King, who said he was honoured to serve as president. He also credited the volunteers whose work makes the annual gathering possible.

As preparations wrapped up, King said the aim was to welcome visitors and give them a chance to enjoy the event that volunteers work to organize each year.