Tillsonburg Fair bring rides, midway and entertainment

Jeff Helsdon, Editor

The 171st edition of the Tillsonburg Fair is just a day away and it promises all of the traditional attractions and some new twists.

The gates open at 4 p.m. tomorrow (Friday), with the official opening ceremonies at 6 p.m. Crowning of the fair ambassador, junior ambassador and mini ambassador will take place immediately after the ceremonies.

Rosemary Dean, vice-president of the Tillsonburg Tri-County Agricultural Society that presents the fair, said the midway from Magical Midways of Toronto will be returning. She didn’t have insight into which rides would be a part of it.

“I knew they had some new rides coming in so we are hoping that we get some of the newer rides but they don’t give us a listing,” she said.

Dean is happy the society has a positive relationship with Magical Midways in a time when some fairs are losing their midways.

“Midways are really hard to get. Recently Woodstock just lost their midway and their fair will be just bouncy castles. Midways are hard to find and keep them,” Dean said, adding Tillsonburg will have a few bouncies for smaller children.

Pre-sale ride permits, which are offered at a discount up until Thursday night, are available at Chrissy’s Corner Store, and the fair board office during the evening. Those interested can also contact the fair board at tillsonburgfair@outlook.com to make arrangements to get passes.

Friday night the big attractions will be the mini-tractor pull and the musical entertainment on the stage. The Copper Mug organized the latter and will have a beer tent set up. Musical entertainment will be Friday and Saturday, featuring Ethan Wall, Jay Rock, Hard Chords, Chase Beres and Right Turn Clyde.

The Special Olympics Tillsonburg basketball challenge will also take place Friday at 6:30 p.m. This event, played on the outdoor rink, will see special responders playing members of Special Olympics Tillsonburg.

“We love to have them come out and involved in our fair,” Dean said.

Saturday morning starts with perennial favourites – the baby show and pet show. Lightning McQueen will also visit.

Saturday afternoon will see cars in the arena cross demolition derby grind it out. Dean explained this differs from a traditional derby in there are bumps and hills in the course.

“It’s like racing and you try to take everybody out,” she said. “The last car running wins.”

Sunday afternoon will see another demolition derby take place. Both will be on the new derby rink adjacent to the Sam Lamb diamond. Batman with the Batmobile will also be at the fair.

More information is available on the Tillsonburg Fair Facebook page.