Big events planned for fair next weekend

Jeff Helsdon, Editor

The 172nd edition of the Tillsonburg Fair promises Monster Trucks, a talent contest, movie stars, the annual ambassador contest, and of course, a midway complete with rides, games and food trucks with favourites like candy floss and saltwater taffy.

Running Aug. 14 to 16 at the fairgrounds, the annual event is put on by the Tri-County Agricultural Society.

Gates open on Friday at 6 p.m. with opening ceremonies and the crowning of the ambassadors immediately following. The Mini King and Queen is open to those ages six to nine, the junior ambassador contest is for those aged 10 to 15, and the ambassador is open for those from 16 to 23, with the additional proviso that the contestant can’t be married. All competitors receive a gift bag.

The winner of the ambassador competition can attend many events representing the fair board, will be part of the Santa Claus parade, and has the opportunity to take part in further competitions leading up to the competition at the Canadian National Exhibition.

“It’s a great opportunity to learn about agriculture, get out in the community, represent your community,” said Rosemary Dean, society third vice-president. “It’s good for your self-esteem.”

There is also a senior ambassador competition for those who are 70-plus.

Dean said as of last Friday there were no entries for the ambassador competition.

The Special Olympics versus first responders basketball game starts at 6:30, an event Dean said is always fun.

Tractor pull enthusiasts can get their fill of horsepower at the event that starts at 7 p.m.

The Copper Mug’s beer tent has local entertainers on tap, as well as beer. Ian BW, Trevor Kostyria and the Half Smokes will be performing on Friday night, starting at 7.

Think your baby has the longest hair, or will excel in the many categories of the baby show? Saturday morning starts with the perennial favourite in the Lion’s Auditorium. Registrations open at 9 a.m. and are open until 15 minutes before the competition starts at 10 a.m.

The baby show is followed by the pet show at 11 a.m., which is aimed at youth, and lets them showcase their pet’s attributes, including best trick. Those wanting to see livestock in action can check out the 4-H livestock show, which starts in the cattle barn at 11 a.m.

An ice cream eating contest, sponsored by Shaw’s Ice Cream, is slated for 2 p.m.

The monster truck show is new this year, and runs between 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. on Saturday.

“We haven’t had them here in a long time,” Dean said.

Pre-show pit party tickets are available online at ticketpro.ca

Smashes and crashes will be a good thing as the demolition derby takes place at 4 p.m.

The finals of Tri-County’s Got Talent take place from 1 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, with the winner announced on Sunday. Karaoke will follow in the beer tent from 4 to 6:30 p.m. The Sugar Kings will take the stage at 7 p.m., followed by Attic Apostles at 9 p.m.

The fair may not have Brad Pitt and Julia Roberts lined up for appearances, but the Batmobile and Batman will be there both Saturday and Sunday. Lightning McQueen will be there on Sunday only.

Sunday will open with the Monster Trucks from noon to 1 p.m, followed by the demolition derby at 2 p.m. Dean said the derby always brings participants from across Southwestern Ontario.

Kickin’ Kountry will heat things up in the beer tent on Sunday from noon to 2 p.m., before the announcement of the winner of Tri-County’s Got Talent at 2 p.m.

Midway passes

Magical Midways will again be supplying rides for the event. All-day ride bracelets are available before Aug. 13 for $25 from Chrissy’s Store, or by contacting fair board members at tillsonburgfair@outlook.com.

In addition, Dean said a little tyke area will be set up for kids under five who can’t ride many of the rides, with a parent seating area next to it.

“They can sit there while their kids play in their area,” she said.

The fair also features the return of Dotsy the Clown for face painting, the homecraft building, vendor area, and much more.

Dean also gave credit to the event attendees, donors, and sponsors, pointing out the fair couldn’t occur without the financial support.