By Chris Abbott
The Norfolk County Fair & Horse Show, the third largest fair in Ontario, is raring to go Oct. 8-14.
Now in its 184th year, it’s also one of the oldest fairs in the province, if not the oldest, said general manager Angela Hogeveen, and because of that ‘there’s so much tradition.’
“So many generational memories made. People spend their Thanksgiving with us and I think that’s what is so cool, so unique, that people come with their kids and their grandkids, their entire families. People come home from their schools and it’s sort of like a homecoming, which I think is really special.
“We’re in full swing preparing for everything, locking in all of the entertainment and the different programming we’re going to have. So, of course you’ll see your favourites like Bandaloni (one-man band), World’s Finest Shows midway, and the food and concession vendors that you’d expect – some that have been here for decades and decades, and some new food concessions, some healthier options, and some globally inspired food, which will be exciting.”
It will be once again be a full midway with rides and games.
“We are one of World’s Finest’s biggest shows.”
Hogeveen said they are really excited by their concerts this year. James Barker Band, an Ontario country band that since 2016 has had 13 Top 10 songs on the Canadian charts, headlines Friday’s trackside concert.
“People in Norfolk who maybe didn’t get to see them in 2021 - we had limited attendees and it sold out really quickly - now have their chance to see them and I think those that were here had a great time and want to come back. They’ve only grown in popularity since then.”
The Glorious Sons, more of a rock-focused band, said Hogeveen, headline Saturday’s concert. The Kingston band was nominated for Rock Album of the Year at the 2015 Juno Awards in 2015, and won Juno Rock Album of the Year in 2018 and 2020.
“They are super popular in this area, the (ticket) sales are phenomenal. I would encourage people to get your tickets sooner than later because we will see a sellout.”
Expect to see some new vendors in the exhibiting buildings. The Norfolk Fair Market on the Rec Centre floor has expanded to 75-plus vendors with handmade or artisan products.
“So that’s a great shopping opportunity.”
Local entertainment, including bands and solo performers, will be in the new ‘Lounge 5’ on the curling rink floor. New this year is a hypnotist act on Sunday and Monday. They will also have live band karaoke Sunday night. See norfolkagsociety.com for details.
Advance tickets for the fair for admission, parking and ride-all-day are available at any Roulston’s Pharmacy locations. Advance passes are available until Monday, Oct. 7, and at regular admission prices during the fair.
“You can save a ton of money with the ride-all-day bracelets,” said Hogeveen, but she noted the ride-all-day vouchers are only available in advance – they cannot be purchased during the fair.
Party on the Track concert tickets (19+), including reserved grandstand seats, trackside general admission and VIP, are also available through the fair website.
There will be five nights of motor sports, advertised as ‘high adrenaline, high octane,’ free with fair admission.
FMX World Tour – Stars of Freestyle Motocross perform Tuesday, Edge Motorsports Destruction Demolition Derby on Wednesday, Monster Truck Madness on Thursday, the OTTPA ‘Grand Daddy’ Tractor Pull on Sunday, and a stock compact, stock full-size and pro full-size demolition derby on Monday. Monday night’s demo derby tickets can be reserved online ($5), but there should also be ample free seating available, first-come, first-serve.
“We’ve got a full slate of horse shows, and the schedule will be on the website. We also have an exciting opportunity this year – we are hosting the finals of the Ontario four-horse hitch series (with teams of Clydesdales, Shires, Belgians and Percherons). We’ve had four-horse hitch, but we’ve now been selected as the championship location… bringing in some high-calibre teams that have qualified across the province.”
All of the livestock shows return this year, including sheep, goats, cattle and llamas, as well as poultry shows.
Homecraft exhibit entries need to be registered by Sept. 28.
“The Super Dogs are returning, four shows Wednesday only, and that’s a huge fan favourite.”
It all kicks off Tuesday, Oct. 8 with Young Canada – with free admission for all students.
“I grew up around here, spent my morning in the grandstand and experienced it all. There’s nothing like it. If anyone asking, I encourage them to come down and stand in front of the grandstand and hear and feel that energy. I think it’s so unique and so special to Norfolk County. In terms of school spirit, I think that’s kind of the peak. It’s competitive, it’s passionate, but it’s positive. The energy is just so phenomenal. To see the school spirit, the pride, and hear and feel the energy, it’s so cool.
“I hope that tradition continues because it’s a great way to kick off the fair. It starts it off with a bang, sets the tone and it’s awesome.”
If the weather is good, more than 100,000 people are expected at the fair over the seven days.
“It’s people from one-week-old up to 99-years-old… and there is literally something for everyone.”
119 people attended the volunteers meeting earlier this month, bringing a lot of new faces to the fair.
“A lot of new, eager people wanting to sign up, and of course we have core people who have been involved generationally with us. It’s really, really encouraging. We can always use more hands, and we’ve got new people, but we’ve got dedicated long-time volunteers who continue to support us. It’s really, really fantastic, because without them, we don’t run here. We are volunteer driven.”
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