From prize-winning poultry to red-ribbon rutabagas, the best of the farm is celebrated at dozens of local fall fairs, a proud rural tradition that lives on in Beaverton, Orono, Markham, and Woodbridge, as well as many other towns. Like generations before them, school children compete in the spelling bee and 4-H Club members show their dairy calves. In addition to the farmyard competitions today's fairs are just as likely to include contests for the dog with the longest ears or best air guitar. From the tractor pull to the talent show there’s something to amuse the entire family. Stroll the midway and take in the smells of corn dogs and cotton candy.

City dwellers go straight to the farm to learn more about food production in the first annual Gates Open 2007 event, a driving tour  of Durham Region’s farms where local chefs serve regional dishes.

Kleinburg’s Binder Twine Festival harkens back to the days when the village hardware store laid in supply of twine for farmers ready to bind their wheat sheaves. Today it’s a celebration of arts, food and entertainment, including a competition for the Binder Twine Queen that relies, not on beauty, but skills like hog-calling, flap jack flipping and nail driving.

In the 1820s when many settlers were struggling to carve a log cabin homestead out of the virgin wilderness, a music-loving group of former Quakers built a remarkable three-tiered church in the hamlet of Sharon. Today the graceful Sharon Temple is a favourite venue for concerts and hosts an old-fashioned harvest festival.

As much a part of autumn as the falling leaves, studio tours are a great way to enjoy the fall colours while meeting painters, potters, carvers and crafters in their rural workshops. Both Uxbridge, Port Perry and Richmond Hill are known for their respected studio tours.

Whether you are looking for vintage teacups or Eastlake parlour chairs, you’re bound to find something to capture your fancy at the annual Port Perry Antique Show & Sale.