5 Reasons to Visit The Animal Barn at Western Fair

 London, Ontario, August 30, 2023: Organizers have been busy all summer, preparing for the Western Fair’s return, along with The Barn and its agricultural displays. 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! 

Water Buffalo Calves! 

Last year’s crowd favourite will be returning this year! Traditionally from Southeast Asia, Water Buffalo are loving creatures and an important part of everyday farming life for families in that area, providing both meat and milk for the local populous. Hailing from Kampkreek 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. 

More Returning Animal Friends! 

Whether it is Stella the goat, and her kids, the West Edge Acres Clydesdales and foal, Llama’s, Alpaca’s, Sheep, Dairy & Beef Cattle, or Pigs, they are all visiting the Western Fair and we hope you take some time during your visit to check-out the Barn and meet all the livestock on display. 

Ask a Farmer. 

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 with their breed standards by our on-site animal experts and in consultation with local vets and livestock providers. 

Educational Displays 

Many fairgoers love to watch the Clydesdale Farrier Demonstrations from West Edge Acres while at the Fair, and we are delighted to announce they are back again this year. Check out our daily schedules for show times. In addition, be sure to check out all of our amazing farming education displays: 

• Milking Demonstrations with Dairy Dave – see the new Milking Parlour this year! 

• Commodity displays from:

  • Egg Farmers of Ontario 

  • Beef Farmers of Ontario 

  • District 1 Ontario Sheep Farmers 

  • Dairy Farmers of Ontario

  • Grain Farmers of Ontario. 

Visit the Barn’s Selfie Stop 

Western Fair offers 4 fantastic new backdrops to snap a special family photo. Check out the Barn’s new selfie stop with SuperWave the Racehorse. 

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For More Information: 

Greg Blanchard, Director of Equine Programming 

gblanchard@westernfairdistrict.com 

1-226-210-4827 or 519-636-1477 

BURTON, BEACHES & BERG – Three words sum up London ties to Western Fair Concert Line-up

Happy Days are here again this September 8-17. Music lovers get ready to rock with a triple-treat concert line-up with London linkages.

Tuesday, September 12, 2023, legendary musician Burton Cummings and his band take the stage for a highly anticipated concert. Returning to his roots, the Canadian icon will deliver a captivating performance that will transport audiences back in time while honoring his profound connection to London’s music community.

Burton Cummings & His Band

Burton Cummings, with his unmistakable vocals and unmatched artistry, rose to prominence as the lead singer and primary songwriter for The Guess Who, one of Canada’s most iconic bands. A key figure in the group’s success, Cummings played a vital role in shaping their sound, which catapulted them to international fame.

Over the years, The Guess Who and Burton Cummings have graced the stage of the Western Fair multiple times, leaving an indelible mark on the fair’s musical history. The Guess Who delighted audiences with their performances in 1994 and 2000, showcasing their timeless hits to enthusiastic fans. Meanwhile, Burton Cummings has had an enduring connection with the Western Fair, having performed in 1986, 1996, 1999, and most recently in 2018. Excitingly, Cummings is set to make a triumphant return in 2023!

Cummings’ connection to London runs deep, and at the heart of it lies the late Jack Richardson, a Juno Award-nominated Canadian music producer, and former faculty member of Fanshawe College’s Music Industry Arts program for almost 20 years.

Richardson considered a pioneering force in the Canadian music industry, played a pivotal role in producing The Guess Who’s biggest hit records from 1969 to 1975, working closely with Cummings and the band.

Tuesday, September 12, promises to be an unforgettable evening of melodic brilliance and nostalgic resonance. A celebration of the enduring legacy of both Cummings and Richardson, a testament to their artistic genius, and evidence to the profound connections between musicians and the communities that shape them.

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The Beaches

The Thunder Queens

Wednesday, September 13, 2023, prepare for an exhilarating night of rock and roll as The Beaches, one of Canada’s hottest all-female rock bands, takes the stage at the Western Fair. This highly anticipated concert will showcase the undeniable talent and infectious energy of The Beaches, supported by the thunderous sound of Thunder Queens, an emerging punk rock band from London itself. Thunder Queens is comprised of Violet Bruneel (guitar, vocals) Lola Hayman (drums, vocals), and Clara Magnan (bass, vocals) and together they have been making waves in the local music scene with their raw energy, blistering guitar riffs, and captivating performances. This all-female concert lineup promises to celebrate the strength and diversity of women in rock music.

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The buzz has begun, and anticipation mounts as the Trans-Canada Highwaymen prepare to take the stage at the Western Fair on Thursday, September 14, 2023. Comprised of four iconic Canadian musicians, this powerhouse collective promises an unforgettable rock and roll evening, displaying their incredible talent and indelible mark on the music industry sharing stories and laughter.

Trans-Canada Highwaymen. Chris Murphy, Moe Berg, Craig Northey, and Steven Page (left to right)

Consisting of Chris Murphy of Sloan, Moe Berg of The Pursuit of Happiness, The Odds lead vocalist Craig Northey, and former Barenaked Ladies member Steven Page, the Trans-Canada Highwaymen bring together an unparalleled array of talent and hits.
Their collective impact on Canadian music is immeasurable, and their combined discography is a treasure trove of beloved classics.

Among the members of the Trans-Canada Highwaymen, Moe Berg stands out not only for his musical prowess but also for his deep connection to the London community. As a faculty member of Fanshawe College in the esteemed Music Industry Arts program, Berg has nurtured and mentored aspiring musicians for years, shaping the next generation of talent.

Berg’s expertise and dedication to the craft have made him an invaluable resource for students at Fanshawe College. His experiences as a musician, songwriter, and producer have provided aspiring artists with unique insights into the music industry. Many musicians and bands owe their success to his guidance and production including London’s very own, Lost in Japan.

The upcoming Trans-Canada Highwaymen concert at the Western Fair serves as a testament to the enduring power of Canadian rock and the immense impact these musicians have had on the nation’s musical landscape. As they take the stage together, fans can expect a musical journey through the hits that have become the soundtrack of our lives.

Tickets on sale now.

Day of Dreams Returns + New Sensory Pods Increase Accessibility and Inclusivity of Western Fair

London, Ontario – August 2, 2023: Day of Dreams presented by Peter Inch & Associates returns to Western Fair on September 13th for children with special needs, and their families. The day is an annual event, with a tailored environment that makes the busy bustle of a traditional day at the fair a more manageable sensory experience.      

In partnership with North American Midway Entertainment the Western Fair is proud to provide Day of Dreams attendees with a free lunch along with their admission, select rides and entertainment.  

Day of Dreams is a unique opportunity for youngsters, designed to extend the fun of the annual Fair to those who may not otherwise experience it. With the support of Presenting Sponsor - Peter Inch & Associates, and along with Lunch Sponsors - John’s Fruits and Vegetables, and Coca Cola Bottling Company, children aged three to twelve will have the opportunity to experience select Kiddyland midway rides, be entertained by the best acts the Fair has to offer and visit The Barn and all the fair’s favourite farm animals.  This year, we are excited to announce that Dotsy’s Face Painting will be the Official Face Painter of the 2023 Day of Dreams! 

Application forms for families who feel their child would benefit from this opportunity to sample the Western Fair, at their own pace, can be found on the fair’s website at www.westernfair.ca with 500 spots available on a first-come, first-serve basis.   

To enhance Western Fair’s sensory-friendly efforts, two new Sensory Pods will be added to the fair’s outdoor layout this September.  Many fairs in the industry are embracing this initiative in an effort to increase the accessibility and inclusivity of this traditional family fun event. 

Sensory Pods will consist of two walled tented area’s that provide a place to step away from the regular fair environment for a moment to regroup before returning to the fun. Sensory pods will be equipped with a few helpful tools and activities, such as a place to sit, noise-cancelling headphones, and quiet activities to aid children and adults who need help processing the sights, smells, noises, and crowds at the fair. 

We hope this will be a meaningful addition to the Western Fair and that many who have not felt comfortable attending in the past, can share in the time-honoured fun and tradition of a day at the fair.   

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Media Contact:  

Greg Blanchard, gblanchard@westernfairdistrict.com 

 1-226-210-4827 

Day of Dreams Coordinator:   

Kristen Witmer, kwitmer@westernfairdistrict.com 

 1-226-242-4953 

Western Fair Announces 2023 Attractions

If You’re HAPPY and you know it, clap your hands for FREE Family Attractions.

London, Ontario, July 18, 2023: Today Western Fair announced its 2023 Attractions and Entertainment line-up! Happy Days are here again with music, entertainment, animals, and attractions set to provide smiles, laughter, and memorable interactive fun for the whole family this September.  

COMMUNITY PAVILION ATTRACTIONS: 

The Canine Circus – We’re taking the circus for a walk! Witness world-renowned furry four-legged cast members perform tail-wagging feats of courage, bone-dropping grand illusions, and Labrador-able stunts! Watch the miracles and mayhem unfold all around you! 

Smash Wrestling – Sit ring side for a unique blend of long-form storytelling that mixes the hottest independent wrestlers from all over the world with the Canadian superstars of tomorrow! Smash Wrestling brings people together to celebrate everything that we love about professional wrestling. 

COMMUNITY ARENA ATTRACTIONS:   

The Magic of Aaron Matthews - Imagine if Tony Robbins, Blue Man Group & David Copperfield put on a show together, you’d get Aaron Matthews! Aaron is ready to take you on a magical journey of impossible miracles, inspiring stories, shocking moments, mixed in with a little high energy dancing and gut busting laughter.  

The Culinary Stage – Good food is the foundation of happiness, so pull up a chair and enjoy live cooking demos and tasting seminars with Chef James Smith and friends.  Sample their culinary crafts, kitchen tips and food know-how at The Culinary Stage.  Enjoy cook-offs, main course and pairing possibilities, along with live Q&A during the shows.  Watch for summer social posts on this new fair experience!  

The Community Stage – London and area has amazingly talented individuals who want to perform for you, check out local residents showcasing their moves, songs, musical chords, culture, and humour. To inquire about performing visit PERFORM ON STAGE — Western Fair. 

BARN ATTRACTIONS: 

Farm Animals – Visit an array of pigs, sheep, goats, water buffalo, donkeys, dairy cattle, beef cattle, llamas, and alpacas, located in the Animal Barn (look for the Giant Wheel) closest to Egerton Street.   

Agriculture Education – Enjoy displays from Egg Farmers of Ontario, Dairy Farmers of Ontario, Beef Farmers of Ontario, Ontario Sheep Farmers, Grain Farmers of Ontario, Ontario Pork Producers and Growing Chefs! Ontario. Catch a milking demonstration with Dairy Dave, and a chance to hand milk a (fake) cow courtesy of Middlesex Dairy Producers. Try your hand at being a grain farmer with The Fair Farming Game. See what the ‘buzz’ is all about inside a honeybee hive and learn what a healthy vs. unhealthy hive looks like! (No Live Bees). 

Family Fun Activities at The Barn - Bouncing Barnyard – little ones will go YEEHAW when they take a ride on these fun, whimsical, inflatable farm animals with soft gripable ears to hold onto while they bounce around the mini-barnyard.  Take a spin at Case IH Pedal Tractor Course on one of our kid-sized tractors! Grab a selfie or family-gram at The Barn, and look for ‘Trigger’ the racehorse standing by his Sulky (race bike) – a great Western Fair photo op – one of 4 special photo back-drops you will want to take advantage of while at the Fair!  

OUTDOOR ATTRACTIONS: 

The Silver Starlets – All-female aerial acrobatics show. Full of glam, glitz and glitter, they twist, tumble, bend, climb and fall, getting the audience cheering, laughing, and sometimes even dancing right along with them. But do not let their tutus fool you; The Silver Starlets captivate their audience with family-friendly charm, beautiful grace, and amazing strength. These girls do not sweat...they sparkle! 

The Hockey Circus Show – A family-friendly hockey tribute show that combines acrobatics, juggling, and one-of-a-kind circus stunts into 3 periods of "arena" rocking fun. 

The Farmer’s Daughter Show – harvests bales of belly laughter and truck loads of fun.  Farm-tastic gymnastics, rowdy rope tricking, and a one-of-a-kind milk bottle walk finale combine for an udderly amazing show (filled with corny humour).  Yee haw!! 

KIDDYLAND ATTRACTIONS:  

DooDoo the International Clown - A staple at Western Fair for many years is back this September.  Nominated best clown in the world by his mom you should check out his silly, unbelievable comedy show.  Catch-up to him strolling the fairgrounds with his unbelievable antics.   

Bigger Balloon Man Show- James Johnson’s World Record Balloon Stunt Show involves the bizarre and fabulously weird stunt that puts members of the audience inside a giant 6-foot latex balloon! This is your chance to check out this fast-paced high-energy enthusiastic comic daredevil and enjoy upbeat music, fun props, and lots of laughs.  During the show James Johnson weaves comedy magic, stupid stunts, and fun audience participation into a show that’s hard to believe is possible. An interactive hilarious performance you don’t want to miss! 

Comedy Juggler Craig Douglas - Get ready for a wild ride as Craig sprints from one thrilling feat to the next. Bowling balls fly, machetes whirl and just wait until you see what he does with a couple of ping pong balls!  When Craig takes the stage, he sets a frantic pace with exciting feats of daring punctuated by his family-friendly comic patter. 

The Udder Show with Farmer Jim - Join host David Udderman, the cow, on his late-night talk show. This show will have you in stitches exploring the world of farm animals with puppets and songs!  

MUSIC GARDEN ATTRACTIONS: 

Check out Western Fair’s best place to relax and listen to an amazing line-up of FREE LIVE MUSIC, while sipping local libations. 

• After The Lounge - Rock  

• Asante - Hip Hop  

• County Road - Country  

• Errol Blackwood and Injah - Reggae  

• Farewell Stanleys - Pop Rock 

• Fleetwood Mac Mania - Fleetwood Mac Tribute  

• Full Petty Fever - Tribute to Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers 

• Full Throttle - Power Rock  

• Genevieve Fisher Band - Country 

• Graham Goss (with Jason Mercer) - Classic Rock  

• Gravity Wagon – Rock/Funk 

• Hotel California: The Original Tribute to The Eagles  

• Jim McGinley - Celtic, Rock, Acoustic 

• Leanne Mayer Band - Rock and Blues 

• Natalie and Darryn – Jazz/Adult Contemporary 

• Neon Nostalgic - Retro 80s 90s  

• Newport Electric - Rock 

• Sarina Haggarty – Rock/Country  

• Sir Elton's Greatest – Tribute to Elton John 

• Soul Sausage - Motown/Funk/Blues/Rock  

• The Mudmen - Celtic Rock  

• The Pairs - Celtic / Folk  

• The Sheridan Band - Celtic / East Coast Pub Tunes  

• UnRaveling The Wilburys - Tribute to Travelling Willburys  

• Wednesday’s Engine – Covers/Upbeat Party Band

• ZED - Led Zeppelin Tribute  

Previously announced: 

CONCERT ATTRACTIONS:  

Classic Rock 98.1 Presents: Burton Cummings and His Band - TUESDAY, Sept. 12, 2023, at 7:30 pm 

FM96 presents: The Beaches also featuring The Thunder Queens - WEDNESDAY, Sept. 13, 2023, at 7 pm 

Trans-Canada Highwaymen - THURSDAY, Sept. 14, 2023, at 7 pm 

Get your tickets at www.westernfair.ca 

COMPETITION ATTRACTIONS:  

Western Fair Creative Arts Competitions provide artists and hobbyists an opportunity to showcase your talents during the annual fair. Register your arts, crafts, photography, baking, preserves, horticulture, quilts and more for a chance to win ribbons and prize money! Check out www.westernfair.ca 

ADVANCE ADMISSIONS:  

Kids 10 & under, Big Kids 65+ are FREE at Western Fair, everyone else is $15 at the gate.  Buy early and save on Advance Super Passes - $42 (ride-all-day bracelet + fair admission) and Advance General Admission - $12. Buy your advance tickets now at www.westernfair.ca 

Corporate Group Sale Packages are also available for businesses that want to offer value pricing for their employees, as well as private groups of 15 or more.  Check out www.westernfair.ca 

Fair Share School Fundraising Program - This school group sale program provides discounted fair admissions, and for every ticket or super pass sold with your school’s specific promo code the school can raise money for programming or equipment. For every General Admission sold through the Fair Share School Program, the Western Fair will donate $1 to the school and for every Super Pass (admission plus ride bracelet) the Western Fair will donate $2 to your school. Check out www.westernfair.ca 

About the Fair:   

The Western Fair is the City of London’s largest community event, one of Canada’s major fairs and a Top 10 event in Ontario.  Western Fair is a ten-day, fun-filled event every fall, and delights in welcoming fair fans and families back September 8-17, 2023.  Check out admissions, promotions, attractions, and entertainment at www.westernfair.ca 

For More Information:  

Greg Blanchard 

gblanchard@westernfairdistrict.com 

Support Added - THE THUNDER QUEENS will open for THE BEACHES

THE BEACHES

also featuring 
THE THUNDER QUEENS 

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2023 

The Western Fair - LONDON, ON 
London Major Appliances Rink 

TICKETS ON SALE FRIDAY, June 9, 2023 at 10AM  

Doors: 7:00PM | Show: 8:00PM  

Concert Ticket Includes Admission to the Western Fair on Day of Show  

Order online at https://www.westernfair.ca/  

Tickets: $40.00 (plus HST and fees) All Ages / General Admission Floor, Reserved Seating 

 JUNO Award Winners for Breakthrough Artist (2018) and Rock Album of the Year (2022) 

Captivating the indie scene with rich 80s-tinted melodies and quick-witted lyrics, The Beaches have unleashed their neighbourhood namesake group onto the music world with Eliza Enman-McDaniel (on drums) and Leandra Earl (on keys and guitar) and sisters Jordan and Kylie Miller (on lead vocals/bass and guitar, respectively). They've been named one of Canada's greatest acts by Exclaim magazine, and the proof is in the plays with 6 no. 1 singles on Canadian Alt Radio and their single "Grow Up Tomorrow” at #1 on Alternative & Rock radio in Canada for seven weeks.    

Known for their rousing live performances that summon their audience into a realm of intoxicating energy and an undeniable connection, The Beaches have opened for Avril Lavigne, The Rolling Stones, Foo Fighters, Alanis Morissette, The Aces, Passion Pit, and the Eagles of Death Metal, as well as being guest performers at the She Rocks awards in Los Angeles in April 2023. There is no denying their lure on the stage and in everyone's playlists, including the great Elton John, who called their album "Late Show" the "best album of last year." They've sold out two shows at History in Toronto (2400 tickets per night) and received critical acclaim in Prelude Press, KUTX, Indie88, Exclaim, Under The Radar, CBC, Luna Collective, Raydar Mag, and Pop Sugar.   

After their 2X Juno wins in Breakthrough Artist (2018) and Rock Album of the Year (2022),  it’s apparent that The Beaches are one of Canada’s biggest bands. 

About The Thunder Queens 

Thunder Queens are Violet Bruneel (top, guitar, vocals) Lola Hayman (right, drums, vocals) and Clara Magnan (left, bass, vocals). They have been making sludgy feminist-driven songs since they were 9 & 10 years old, tearing up London, Ontario stages with music reminiscent of bands like Sleater Kinney, Sheer Mag, The Strokes & Starcrawler. Lola Hayman (drums, vocals) & Violet Bruneel (guitar, vocals) became friends while searching for loonies under the pinball machines at Call The Office.  

With their first EP released on Year Right Records in 2020, this two-piece grunge punk band have spent their ‘tween years opening for prominent bands like Status/ Non-Status, Ian Blurton, Red Arms, Metz, and Chastity. Their debut record will be released in Spring 2024, with explosive and youthful songs that will heal your inner teenager.    

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For media accreditation requests: 

Chris Campbell 
(519) 860-1603 
Chris@MusicTourism.ca 

Western Fair District 
Greg Blanchard 
(519) 438-7203 EX 239 
Gblanchard@westernfairdistrict.com