For 179 years, Expo St. Hyacinthe has been the largest fair of its type in the province with approximately 200,000 visitors each year. From July 27 to Aug. 6, families can enjoy variety shows, cooking workshops, animal competitions, and extreme rodeos. Kids have a zone dedicated to them called the Oasis Fun Zone, which will have pony rides, an inflatable playground, face painting, variety shows, a picnic area, and a water pond with paddleboats.

The event also features Le Fabuleux Cirque from July 27 to 31, offering workshops on circus disciplines, such as tightrope walking, juggling, and makeup. Moreover, there are cooking workshops for kids, teaching them how to make delicious butter cookies and for adults – learn to cook delightful recipes with professional chefs.

You can sample local produce and learn about Quebec’s agriculture, while observing more than 2,000 farm animals. Visitors get the chance to explore the Agricultural Museum’s collection of antique farm memorabilia and equipment. And for the first time, there will be an agricultural cinema showing a number of educational films.

There will be live musical performances from a variety of artists and bands as well as shows such as a demolition derby and a tractor pull. For the thrill seekers in the family, there are 25 carnival rides open every day from noon to midnight.

St. Hyacinthe is about an hour’s drive from Montreal. Admission costs $15 per day for children ages 5 to 11 and $20 for ages 12 and up. A pass is also available for the entire fair for $45 (before July 22) and $55 afterwards.

For more information about the event, visit expo-agricole.com.