Fair organizers deem the event a success

The Tillsonburg Fair was called a success by organizers after the three-day event over the weekend. The 13-ride midway helped to draw people, and there was an increase in sales of midway ride bracelets. See more fair coverage inside today’s paper. (Stuart Blower Photo).

By Jeff Helsdon

Editor

The 171st edition of the Tillsonburg Fair is in the books, and organizers are deeming it a success.

Joan Weston, a member of the Tillsonburg Tri-County Agricultural Society that presents the fair, explained the final numbers aren’t calculated yet. Still, she estimated at least 6,000 people paid to come through the gates, and possibly as many as 7,000. Add in those under five years of age, who are no charge, and that number could stretch to 8,000.

“This year we thanked Mother Nature,” said fair board vice-president Rosemary Dean. “We had three great days. Pretty hot, but it still brought people out.”

She said the demolition derby track got “a little sloppy” after rain overnight Saturday, but that didn’t keep cars or people away. Between Saturday and Sunday, there were 83 derby cars in the events.

There was a lot on the line for the Tillsonburg fair this year after a tornado warning and heavy rain throughout the weekend negatively impacted attendance. Gate receipts were down $14,000 from the previous year, but were back on track this year.

“If this was another bad year, we don’t know what next year would look like,” Dean said, joking that perhaps paying tribute to Mother Nature in the fair’s theme this year may have helped the cause.

The fair was officially opened Friday night, followed by the crowning of the senior ambassador, ambassador, junior ambassador, and mini king and queens. All were acclaimed except the latter two positions.

This is despite the fact that the ambassador, which is open to those between the ages of 16 and 24, provides a variety of opportunities, including representing the fair at various events, competing for the Canadian National Exhibition ambassador, and attending the Ontario Agriculture Society meeting.

“We have a problem getting them, or once they are crowned, we never hear from them again,” Dean said.

The board is considering changing the program next year to have a junior prince and princess for youth ages 10 to 15.

“Getting those kids prepared, and maybe those kids will be involved in the next one,” Dean said of the concept.

New this year was live entertainment and a beer tent organized by The Copper Mug. Dean said this went well, and there is a consideration of bringing back a talent contest like the one Rick Esseltine organized years ago.

The petting zoo was a big hit, the tyke zone was “packed all weekend” and the Special Olympics versus first responders basketball game was a hit.

“The smiles, the excitement and the fun you see in their faces, there’s no words to describe it,” Dean said.

Appearances from Batman and Lightning McQueen were called big hits, and the always-popular baby and pet contests went well.

The homecraft displays, a long-standing part of the fair, may become history as the organizers retire. The board is considering what to do on this front.

With the fair over, board members will start planning for the next one. Dean said they have already packed Magical Midways for next year. Some smaller fairs have struggled to book a midway, challenging their viability.

“They’ve been very good to us,” Dean said. “Without them, we wouldn’t be where we were. After we lost Campbell’s 10 years ago, we tried different groups and nothing fit before Magical Midways.”

Dean was encouraged that four new people expressed interest in joining the fair board.

“It’s great to get fresh ideas,” she said. “Especially the younger ones because they’re the ones who have children who will play the games, go on the rides, and can provide input on what will bring those people out.”

She closed by thanking the sponsors, volunteers and all who came to the fair.

“Without them, we couldn’t be planning for next year’s fair,” she said.