About Us

Who We Are

Beginning as an Annual Fair 

Western Fair Association (WFA) has the good fortune of celebrating and collaborating with hundreds of thousands of people, maybe millions, for more than 150 years.  In 1867, two innovative and progressive groups of people, dedicated to farming and gardening, gave life to an event that will always be the dawn of our amazing story today.  

These innovators crafted the first Western Fair, a beloved event that has been the genesis of all things since. Individuals united in the belief that we would be stronger and more successful together, celebrating the excellence of Canadian agriculture and horticulture.  They are the ones who ignited our culture of continuous service to community through our mission as a not-for-profit agricultural society.  

They were pioneers, and their belief in our mission, their resilience in delivering a high-quality, well-respected annual fair year-after-year, stewardship of the lands and buildings of the Western Fair Association, and strategic, collaborative business and community decisions made throughout our long history has ensured our success and survival. What exists today is very much a proud product of our past.

Growing as a Multi-Faceted Community Champion

That same collaborative spirit and common-sense approach to community fuels WFA's work today. We stand out because of our unique, long-standing history of engagement in social enterprises, which have diversified our offerings from a singular, annual fair to a multi-faceted, multi-site offering of facilities and programming that enrich the communities we serve and set us apart in our region.  

Honouring our agricultural roots is extremely important to us, and we are proud of the traditional and innovative experiences we are delivering and developing for the future. We remain adaptable, as times and situations call for, while staying true to our core mandate and future goals. In our role as a Community Champion, WFA seeks to cultivate a sense of value, support, and connection by fostering a collaborative spirit within our team, and the community.  

By fostering these values, the Western Fair Association helps build a stronger community through unique experiences like the Annual Fair, Market, J-AAR Expo Centre and the Sports Centre.  We bridge urban and rural communities through agriculture initiatives: education, trade shows, horse racing, and The Grove, and our people work and volunteer through governance, community service, and programming creating a Western Fair District that is a place for all to belong.

The Heartbeat of the Community

Our innovative, progressive, and community-focused actions are guided by the collective heart of our people. For more than a century, dedicated individuals have been defining a culture that contributes to the wellbeing of our community for generations to come. We wish they could see us now, and we are so proud to continue their legacy, which started so long ago.  We carry their torch, lighting the way for a future focused on building a meaningful, responsible place for all to belong.

 

What We Do

Western Fair District is a leading year-round, not-for-profit agri-food organization dedicated to celebrating community and agriculture. With the support of passionate people, modern facilities, and quality events, we create experiences that connect and enrich our region.

We maintain two locations:

  • The historic Western Fair District located in Old East Village, London, Ontario, offering multiple venues and spaces that host a wide range of events, activities, and experiences for the community.
  • Dorchester Downs - a well-respected training facility in Dorchester, Ontario, supporting the standardbred horse racing industry, and Western Fair’s first-class harness horse racetrack.

Together, these sites reflect our commitment to innovation, tradition, and community engagement in everything we do.  

Some of the things we’re known for:  

  • The historic annual Western Fair our signature September community celebration.    
  • Popular Consumer/Trade Shows hosted in the J AAR Expo Centre.  
  • An award-winning Farmer’s and Artisan’s Market
  • Industry-leading Sports Centre.  
  • The Raceway and Dorchester Downs training facility.  
  • An innovative agri-food business and resource hub known as The Grove.
  • Great dining & banquet facilities at The Top of the Fair and The Grove Room.    
  • Queens Park – a beautiful community green space, WFA maintains and is the original grounds of the annual Western Fair on the site.    
  • A newly reimagined Gateway Casino also resides inside The District.

     

Our Commitment to Agriculture

Honouring our agricultural roots is extremely important to us, and we are proud of the traditional and innovative experiences we are delivering and developing for generations to come. Our renewed community-based relationship with Agriculture and Food rooted in our history is focused on, bridging the urban and rural communities we serve, supporting Canadian farmers, producers, and industry and building WFA’s future as a valued agricultural society.

  

Our Purpose, Mission & Vision 

Purpose: Heartbeat of Community & Contributing to the well-being of our community through our actions.  

Vision: Honouring our agricultural roots while creating vibrant, inclusive, and innovative experiences for generations to come.    

Mission: By fostering well-being, connection and innovation, WFA contributes to our vibrant community.  

Values: A Place to Belong: respect/ decency/ inclusive/ diverse/ accessible

            Focused on the Future: progressive/ unique/ innovative

            Meaningful: connected/ collaborative/ value-additive  

            Responsible: sustainable/ equitable