There was a real sense of community in the air at Carrington on Saturday 12 September, as the annual Carrington Fair once again brought together residents, families, local businesses, community groups and visitors for a colourful day of entertainment, shopping and connection.
Held at Carrington’s grounds on Werombi Road, the long-running fair was blessed with beautiful spring weather and plenty to see and do throughout the day.
For more than five decades, the Carrington Fair has grown from a local gathering into a much-loved community event, providing an opportunity for people to meet Carrington residents, discover local organisations and businesses, and enjoy a relaxed day out with family and friends.
Something Around Every Corner
Market stalls filled the grounds with an eclectic mix of homewares, arts and crafts, jewellery, clothing and accessories, beauty products, pet-related items and plenty of handmade creations.
Among the treasures were bags cleverly made from recycled denim, artworks by Bill Mitchell, garden items, resident-made crafts and even a colourful assortment of rubber ducks.
Carrington residents also played an important role in the day, contributing homemade treats to the cake stall and offering jewellery, clothing and other items for sale.
Food was never far away either. Visitors could choose from burgers, ice cream and other fair favourites, while Rock Salt Restaurant served traditional scones with jam and cream. The Lions were also on hand firing up the barbecue for a classic sausage sizzle.
The result was the kind of fair where visitors could spend hours simply wandering, browsing and discovering something unexpected.
Entertainment Throughout the Day
Music and dance added another layer to the atmosphere, with a full program of performances on the entertainment stage.
Camden Big Band, South West Sydney Orchestra Band, Elite Dance Project and Rebecca’s Dance Studio were among those taking to the stage, showcasing the depth of musical and performance talent found across the local area.
Adding a little rock ’n’ roll energy to the afternoon were Big Al and the SPINOUT Rock ’n’ Roll promotion dancers.
Their performance gave the audience a taste of social rock ’n’ roll dancing and encouraged people to see it as something they too could get involved in, while also offering a preview of the atmosphere being planned for the SPINOUT Rock & Roll Festival in Camden in February 2027.
Spirit of Camden Joins the Fair
Spirit of Camden was also among the community organisations represented on the day, hosting a stall promoting both the upcoming SPINOUT Rock & Roll Festival and the Camden Village website, camdenvillage.com.au.
The stall provided another opportunity to speak with visitors about what is happening around Camden, upcoming events and ways to discover local businesses, experiences and attractions.
Nearby, Camden Musical Society also supported the day by providing face painting, adding another family-friendly element to the fair.
More Than Just a Fair
While the market stalls, entertainment and food are all part of the attraction, the lasting appeal of Carrington Fair is its focus on people.
The event provides a chance for visitors to meet some of the residents who call Carrington home, connect with local makers and organisations and support the many people who contribute to the wider Camden community.
Carrington provides independent living and a range of care options for older members of the community, and the fair creates an opportunity for the broader community to come onto the grounds, connect and share in the life of Carrington.
After more than 50 years, that community connection remains at the heart of the event.
With sunshine, music, dancing, handmade treasures, plenty of food and people catching up throughout the grounds, the 2026 Carrington Fair proved once again that sometimes the best community events are simply those that bring people together.
