Photo: The 36th annual Castor and District Fair ran Aug. 13 to 16 with exhibits, a parade, car show, family entertainment, fireworks, community meals and a charity run. Rural Alberta Report/C. Bowman

The 36th annual Castor and District Fair brought four days of exhibits, entertainment and community activities to Castor from Aug. 13 to 16.

Organized by the Castor and District Agricultural Society, the fair featured traditional competitions alongside a farmers market, children’s activities, community meals, a parade, car show and charity events.

The fair opened Thursday at the Castor Community Hall with the Castor Farmers Market and registration for competitive entries. Evening activities included a brats and beer fundraiser for the Castor Rodeo, a husband-calling competition and a cornhole tournament.

The husband-calling contest returned in 2026 with free registration and cash prizes, according to information published by the fair organizers on Facebook.

Judging took place Friday afternoon in categories that included baking, preserves, flowers, garden produce, photography, handicrafts, woodworking and writing.

Once judging was completed, the exhibits opened to the public. Friday’s schedule also included children’s crafts, a petting zoo, carnival games, a free community barbecue and a family street dance.

Castor Memorial Fireworks were launched near the airport at dusk Friday evening.

Saturday began with a free pancake breakfast at the community hall. Organizers encouraged those attending to bring donations for the local food bank.

The hall remained open throughout the day for people to view the fair entries and winning exhibits. A bouncy house, face painting and other children’s activities were also offered.

Vehicles were displayed during the Castor Cruise-In Car Show in the Dark Knight parking lot. A barbecue held in conjunction with the show supported the local Royal Canadian Legion.

The fair parade travelled along Castor’s main street Saturday afternoon after participants assembled at Theresetta School. Children were invited to decorate their bicycles and join the parade, with helmets required.

The Castor Museum opened following the parade and a Touch a Truck event gave children an opportunity to see vehicles and equipment used in the community.

Saturday evening included the Geoff Dean Memorial family barbecue, a free swim and music in the park beside the Castor Centennial Pool. The Castor Elks sponsored the activities.

The fair concluded Sunday with an interdenominational church service on the lawn north of Extendicare.

A three- or five-kilometre charity run and walk was also held, beginning at Theresetta School. Registration was free and participants could make donations in support of the Castor Centennial Pool.

The Castor and District Agricultural Society is a volunteer organization that operates the Castor Community Hall and rodeo grounds. In addition to the annual fair, it organizes the Castor Rodeo, Winterfest and a series of farmers markets