09/19/2025
An Open Letter from the St Lawrence Valley Agricultural Society
The Williamstown Fair has always been a celebration of community, tradition, and togetherness. It is a place where generations come together to create memories and share in the values that make our community so special.
This year, however, we faced a challenge we have not seen in the past. A small group of local individuals engaged in unacceptable behaviour, including incidents of bigotry, homophobia, racism, and aggression toward security guards, directors and fellow fairgoers. These actions do not reflect the values of our community or the thousands of visitors who came to enjoy the Fair, but they do cast a shadow on an event we all work so hard to make welcoming.
The Board of Directors has discussed these incidents at length, and we want to be clear: the Williamstown Fair has zero tolerance for abuse of any kind. Beginning next year, we will be increasing security presence to more effectively address situations should they arise. Any individual who engages in such behaviour will be removed from the Fairgrounds and banned from all future events.
We also want to express our gratitude to the overwhelming majority of our fairgoers who embody the kindness, respect, and spirit of community that have defined the Fair for over two centuries. It is your support, positivity, and pride in this tradition that make the Williamstown Fair the special event it is.
Together, we will ensure the Williamstown Fair remains a safe, family-friendly place where everyone feels welcome.
— The Board of Directors, SLVAS (Williamstown Fair)
