Woodstock Fair 2026: What’s New, What’s Back & Why It Matters with Sandra Brown

The midway is back. Ribfest is joining the party. And one of Woodstock’s oldest traditions is getting ready for a very big weekend. I sat down with Sandra Brown of the Woodstock Agricultural Society ahead of the 189th Woodstock Fair, happening August 21–23 at the Woodstock Fairgrounds. We talk about what happened when the midway disappeared last year, what it takes behind the scenes to put on an event of this size, and why volunteers have become increasingly difficult — and increasingly important — to find. But this conversation is about more than the fair. Sandra was born and raised in Woodstock and has spent much of her life working and volunteering in the non-profit world, including Big Sisters, the Alzheimer Society and community fundraising. In a strange full-circle moment, her Grade 12 co-op placement was actually with the Woodstock Fair — long before she ever imagined she'd be helping organize it. We also get into something I keep coming back to on This is Woodstock: the difference between the Woodstock we hear about online and the Woodstock that exists when you actually get out into the community. The Woodstock Agricultural Society was founded in 1836 and is celebrating 190 years in 2026. Nearly two centuries later, volunteers are still a huge part of what keeps it going. And this year’s fair is packed. We talk about: The return of the Woodstock Fair midway Why Campbell Amusements pulled back from the fair The new partnership with Ribfest Demo Derby and Tractor Pull Livestock, goats, llamas, pigs and agricultural exhibits Homecraft, baking, flowers and local competitions Live rock and country music Kids activities and entertainment The changing role of agriculture in a growing Woodstock Why community events desperately need volunteers Sandra’s decades of work in Woodstock’s non-profit community Why negative voices online rarely tell the whole story 189th Woodstock Fair August 21–23, 2026 Woodstock Fairgrounds 875 Nellis Street, Woodstock, Ontario General admission is FREE. Students looking for volunteer hours — this is also a pretty good way to get them while actually having some fun. Fair schedule, midway passes, volunteer information and event details: woodstockfairgrounds.com Subscribe to This is Woodstock for more conversations with the people, businesses and organizations shaping Woodstock, Ontario. Learn more about the Woodstock Fair: https://www.woodstockfairgrounds.com/... Chapters: 00:00 — Meet Sandra Brown 02:45 — Growing Up in Woodstock 04:00 — A Life in the Non-Profit World 04:45 — The Grade 12 Co-op That Came Full Circle 06:05 — 190 Years of the Woodstock Agricultural Society 07:00 — Why Sandra Stayed in Community Work 08:15 — Bringing Greg Morton Back to Woodstock 09:35 — Why Woodstock Can Feel More Negative Than It Is 13:00 — The People Behind Community Events 15:20 — Growing Up With the Woodstock Fair 16:25 — Woodstock Has Changed — And So Has the Fair 18:30 — The Fair Needs Volunteers 19:20 — What Happened to the Midway Last Year? 20:55 — What’s Actually at the 2026 Woodstock Fair? 22:25 — Ribfest Joins the Fair 24:05 — Free Admission + $35 Advance Ride Passes 25:00 — How Do You Promote a Local Event in 2026? 26:35 — August 21–23: Tell Your Friends 27:15 — Ribs, Bands, Beer Garden & More 30:45 — Live Music Friday & Saturday 32:55 — How to Volunteer at the Fair 35:00 — Keeping a Woodstock Tradition Alive