The Western Fair is back for another year of food, fun, and friends.
The 10-day long event, which starts Friday at 3 p.m. and runs until Sunday Sept. 17, is in its 142nd year.
“For generations people have been making memories, and they come back to have those traditions. We hear year after year people come to the fair to experience those fair favourites, the traditional foods, the midway rides and games, and the demolition derby. Those attractions you really can’t see in the city any other time of the year. We’ve got a great response back so far and we hope the city and the community come out to make more memories with us this year,” said Skye Nicholson-Smith, Western Fair’s marketing and communications manager.
Elephant ears, corn dogs, and cotton candy are just a few classic fair foods you’ll find, but to celebrate Canada’s sesquicentennial birthday, there are some Canadian delicacies.
“We have the poutine croquette, which is kind of an ode to Canada 150. So that’s mashed potatoes, filled with gravy, cheese curds, breaded, and obviously fried golden brown. There’s also the doughnut battered Nanimo bar, which is another kind of Canadian item that we’re going to have this year. Then we’ve got a great menu in the ‘I Love Local’ tent. Everything from London, Ontario grass-fed beef burger, Hayters Farm smoked turkey wings, grilled flatbread with local cheese. There’s a lot for people to choose from,” said Nicholson-Smith.
Besides festival foods, there’s lots of events to enjoy. The festivities kick off Friday Sept. 8 with a concert by 54-40. The next concert, Locash, will take place Tuesday, followed by Cam and Madeline Merlo on Wednesday, and the Sheepdogs on Thursday. If that’s not enough, there’s also a demolition derby.
“That will be taking place in the Grandstand on the final Sunday. There will be competitors trying to win the top spot in the Figure 8 heat, and there’s a full-size straight stock demolition derby. We’ll also have the FMX, the freestyle motocross which leads up to the demolition derby on the Friday and Saturday of the final weekend,” said Nicholson-Smith.
With so much to do in so little time, the Western Fair is offering some deals: two-for-one admission Monday through Thursday, 50 per cent off ride-all-day passes on the final day, and “bounce back” coupons.
“Anyone who comes to the fair … will receive a $5 bounce-back coupon. This allows them to attend another day of the fair in case they didn’t see everything they wanted to, or if they want to come back to see a specific event like the demolition derby. When they come back it’s only $5,” said Nicholson-Smith.
In order to let those children who may have issues with large crowds and lots of noise enjoy the festivities, the Western Fair will be hosting “Day of Dreams” for the second year in a row, on Wednesday, Sept. 13.
“It’s an opportunity for children who may not otherwise have been able to attend the fair because of crowds or too much going on. It’s a nice version of the fair where there’s rides, there’s some entertainment, but children can experience at their own speed in an environment tailored just for them,” said Nicholson-Smith.
With festival foods, concerts, derbies, midway rides and games, and more, it looks like its going to be a busy 10 days.
“We’re hoping to see the whole community come through. We want to experience the fair with as many people as we can. We just ensure, for those who do come down, it’s a great experience, they enjoy themselves, and they make memories they can share with their families and friends that they can pass on for generations to come,” said Nicholson-Smith
Tickets can be bought at the gate. $15 for adults, $10 for seniors (60+), and $5 for children 5-10 years old. Children 4 and under get in for free.
For more information you can go to the Western Fair’s website here.
Comments