5 Reasons to visit the NEW Animal Barn... at this year’s Western Fair!
Organizers have been busy all summer, preparing for the Western Fair’s return, along with its new barn and agricultural display area, all part of the event’s new layout.
Rides, food, entertaining attractions, and concerts are a big part of a fantastic and memorable day at the Western Fair, but if you have not visited our agriculture area, and our educational farm animal displays…you must this year! Below are 5 Reasons to Visit the Animal Barn during your trip to the Western Fair:
#1: New Animals:
While we have many fan-favourite farm animals returning this year, the Agriculture Team is excited to welcome Water Buffalo calves to our livestock display this year! Hailing from Kamkreek Dairies, in Stratford, Ontario, Water Buffalo provide a higher fat/protein milk than conventional cow's milk and can grow up to 1600 lbs! Visit them at the Western fair this year.
#2: Returning Animal Friends:
Whether it is Stella the goat, and her kids, the West Edge Acres Clydesdales, Llama’s, Alpaca’s, Sheep, Mare & Foal, Donkeys, Dairy & Beef Cattle, or Pigs, there will be lots of livestock on display. Learn about where your food comes from, and if you have a question about any of our farm animals or farming in general, please ask one of our Animal Experts in the Barn, they love to talk to visitors about the important work they do. All animals at the fair are displayed in their appropriate penning, and cared for in accordance to their breed standards by our on-site animal experts and in consultation with local vets and livestock providers.
#3: New Farm Activities!
While you are in the Animal Barn area, be sure to check out our new & returning activities, including:
The Farming Game: a hands-on activity that allows you to go through a year as an Ontario grain farmer, learning how to make decisions on what to plant, manage, maintain and harvest your crops, whether to buy insurance or not, (hint – it is strongly recommended!), and more! Will you make it through the crop season as a first-year farmer?
Make sure your kids take a turn on our Free Pedal Tractor Course, donated by Case IH
Test your skill at throwing a straw bale.
Enjoy the Huron Tractor Straw Maze.
Dairy Farmers of Ontario – Bouncy Cow
#4: Past Favourites:
Many fairgoers will remember the Clydesdale Half Hitch and Farrier Demonstrations from West Edge Acres, and Western Fair is happy to announce they will be back again this year. In addition, be sure to check out:
Milking Demonstrations with Dairy Dave – see the new milking parlour this year!
Veggie displays from Growing Chefs! Ontario: Learn about growing vegetables with Growing Chefs! Ontario, with their self-guided QR code Garden Tour.
Commodity displays from Egg Farmers of Ontario, Beef Farmers of Ontario, District 1 Ontario Sheep Farmers, Dairy Farmers of Ontario, and Grain Farmers of Ontario.
The Inflatable Corn Maze
Equipment Displays from Huron Tractor and Stratford Farm Equipment
The opportunity to snap a selfie with one of our Bale Art Displays.
School Tours: For teachers and educators that are looking for a more immersive experience, please pre-register for WFD’s Annual School Tour program, presented this year by Libro Credit Union. A lucky class will win a prize sponsored by Kiwanis Of Forest City London. Registration can be found here: Register Here
#5 New BARN Location: Did you hear we are in a new location this year?
Be sure to visit your Farmyard Friends in their new home inside the Western Fair Animal Barn, located nearby to the Giant Ferris Wheel (closest gate is Egerton Street Entrance).
Please note, as a precaution for the safety of livestock housed at our Fair, WFA will not have displays of any poultry, or rabbits this year, due to on-going concerns with the Avian Influenza disease that impacts Poultry, and the RHDB-2 (Rabbit Disease). WFA looks forward to welcoming both livestock displays back in future when it is safe for them to participate.
As you prepare for your visit to the Animal Barn, be sure to get your tickets for the Fair, and visit our website to read up on hand washing recommendations when visiting an Animal Area.
For More Information:
Greg Blanchard, Director of Sales, and Retail, WFD
gblanchard@westernfairdistrict.com
(519) 438-7203 EX 239