Photo : Scott stevenson

The horses just might steal the show at this year’s Cookshire Fair.

President Brandon Ward and his team of volunteers are working to bring fairgoers all the joy of watching light and heavy horses at the grandstand and in the equestrian ring.

“This year will be an extremely good show,” Ward told the Journal during a pre-Fair interview. Four new teams and up to 60 draught horses are expected.

The Fair’s Beef Show, featuring some of the best cattle from near and far, is also expected to draw more interest this year. “Our Beef Show is becoming one of the biggest in Quebec,” Ward said.

Like all the agricultural fairs with a long history in the Eastern Townships, the Cookshire Fair offers visitors and participants more than horses and beef cattle, of course. Fairgoers and participants will watch and show their sheep, dairy cows, goats, rabbits, and more. Even a dog show is scheduled this year—while non-participating dogs are not allowed on the fairgrounds.

The Cookshire Fair is also an important place for local youth to cut their teeth in the agricultural world. Many are showing their animals at an early age.

That’s how Brandon Ward got his start, showing horses from his father Ricky’s farm in Johnville. Like other Fair volunteers, he started out at such an early age he doesn’t remember how long he’s been involved.

All volunteer
The non-profit Compton County Agricultural Society, which runs the Fair, is led by a 16-member board of directors. Another 20 or more volunteers help make the Fair possible, Ward said.

‘‘Without volunteers, the Fair doesn’t exist. Everybody tries their best to make it for next year.’’
In fact, very few events the size of the Cookshire Fair—and with a 180-year history—operate without employees.
Don’t say rain!

But volunteers aren’t enough to guarantee its success. ‘‘It’s Cookshire Fair, so it has to rain, right?!’’ Ward commented, as he likes to each year. During the three-day 2025 event, Sunday was a rain day.

‘‘Last year, it was a very good Fair,’’ he said. ‘‘It would have been excellent without rain on Sunday. We’re always hoping to have three full days of participation.’’

All monies made by the event are reinvested in activities and the grounds, Ward added. The Main Building, for example, is patiently waiting for an extra fundraising event to give it a new coat of paint.

Or, maybe this year the sun will shine—not too hot—for three days!