Gates Open: The Western Fair kicks off its 142nd year with 48 midway attractions

The games have been set up, the rides have been tested, and the gates to the 142nd annual Western Fair have officially opened.

The 10-day long event kicked off at 3 p.m. on Friday, and Brian Hough was one of the first visitors to arrive; he took the day off work and made an hour-long trip to make sure he was one of the first people in line.

It’s a tradition, he said.

“I was brought up on a dairy farm. So there’s animals here, cows and horses. I enjoy the agricultural part of it, plus a few rides.”

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After stepping off her first trip on the Polar Express, eight-year-old Sadie could hardly contain her excitement.

“It was really fun,” she exclaimed loudly, jumping up and down and pointing to the rest of her family. “They thought it was really fast, but it wasn’t.”

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The Polar Express is one of 48 rides at the fair, operated by North American Midway Entertainment. The company’s vice-president, Scooter Korek, said their Family Land section includes 26 rides for children.

“We’ve just had a great relationship working with this fair, and we’re really happy that we came here two years ago. It worked out very well with our schedule.”

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It’s the third year the operator has provided rides for the event, since the Western Fair District signed a 10-year contract with North American Midway Entertainment in the fall of 2014.

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Fair-goers can dine on poutine croquettes and doughnut-battered Nanaimo bars, a kind of ode to Canada’s 150th birthday, but guests can also count on the classic elephant ears, corn dogs, and cotton candy.

There are also a number of concerts for people to take in. The band 54-40 kicks things off on Friday night, and there will be performances by LOCASH, Cam, Madeline Merlo, and the Sheepdogs later throughout the week.

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.

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.

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.