Pearl the Percheron Became the Fergus Fall Fair’s One-Tonne Crowd-Pleaser

When the Fergus Fall Fair appointed its first mascot, the new colleague arrived with a grey coat, a calm expression and about one tonne of professional presence. Pearl, a 16-year-old Percheron mare, made her debut as the face of the 189th fair in Fergus, Ontario, alongside her owner, Sarah.

By the time the fair closed on Sept. 20, Pearl had joined a weekend that drew about 23,000 visitors and set an attendance record for the fifth year in a row, according to post-event reporting from CityNews Kitchener. For a first mascot assignment, that is a sizeable welcome party—and Pearl was already dressed for the occasion.

A first mascot with a long parade résumé

The fair’s official introduction describes Pearl as more than six feet tall and about one tonne. Sarah and Pearl already spend time together riding around their farm, greeting people at community parades and appearing at local horse shows. The new mascot role gave that familiar partnership a home gate and a full weekend of meet-and-greets.

Pearl also entered the Heavy Horse Show with Sarah on the fair’s final day. CityNews Kitchener reported that the fair’s first mascot quickly became a popular attraction during the three-day event. Organizers also counted more than 4,000 entries from exhibitors, so Pearl joined a busy program of agriculture, competitions, entertainment and family activities.

Rita’s field note

“Mascot” can mean a feathered costume, a foam head, or a Percheron who can make the meet-and-greet area feel like the main event. Pearl brought the full horse-show silhouette, while Sarah brought the years of partnership that made the role feel natural. Together, they gave the fair a new tradition with a very impressive mane.

For Rita Raccoon, the assignment earns a neat verdict: the Fergus Fall Fair found a mascot who can greet a crowd, compete in the heavy-horse ring and make a one-tonne entrance look like excellent community manners.

Sources: Fergus Agricultural Society: Meet the 2026 Fergus Fall Fair Mascot; CityNews Kitchener: 23,000 people attend record-breaking Fergus Fall Fair.