Thank you
Western Fair wishes to thank all our guests for their continuing support along with all our employees, volunteers, vendors, exhibitors, entertainers, educators and sponsors for their invaluable contribution to our signature event.
Till next year, make today and every day a happy one until we see you ALL again.
Photo from 2023 Western Fair
Western Fair wishes to thank all our guests for their continuing support along with all our employees, volunteers, vendors, exhibitors, entertainers, educators and sponsors for their invaluable contribution to our signature event.
Till next year, make today and every day a happy one until we see you ALL again.
The Wet Paint Express premieres at the the Western Fair
Mural painted by artist Megan Oldhues, displayed in the Agriplex lobby at the Western Fair
Western Fair is working with The Wet Paint Initiative, a grass-roots initiative led by Risky Play Gallery. The project will bring together several world-class street artists; who will each paint both sides of an agricultural train (peanut wagons) showcased at the Western Fair.
The train will hopefully tour through other community events like this year’s Santa Clause parade after its premiere at the Western Fair before returning to Picard’s Farm, to be used for the peanut harvest.
The exhibit is located in the heart of the Western Fair’s Community Pavilion, where visitors are met with the unexpected sight of grand peanut wagons decorated with meaningful murals inspired by street art.
This year's Wet Paint Express - Peanut Wagon exhibit is a juxtaposition of urbanization that meets the rural spaces of Canadian agriculture- a connection that bridges and showcases the ever-evolving diversity in "small towns" like London, Ontario, that are no longer feeling small.
Well-known artists, such as Toronto's @HateCopy, up and coming artist Megan @Oldhues and London's very own @SoftFlirt, have left their mark on operating peanut wagons that will actively be used in the upcoming peanut harvest at Picard's Peanut Farm.
The Wet Paint initiative is a grassroots project aimed at creating greater creative meritocracy in the city of London, removing the stigma from street art mostly seen in junk yards and on railroad tracks, and supporting London's young talent to magnify a new era in the street art movement.
“The Wet Paint Express was designed to create a direct-line from London, to the global urban arts community,” said project curator Ken Galloway. “In doing so, we’re creating a new platform for art in the city, while inspiring emerging local talent to swing for the fences. We also wanted to lean into the agriculture inspirations that make London and the Western Fair so special.”
The Wet Paint Express's successful pursuit towards building a direct conversation focusing on the world of street art in rural spaces can be witnessed right here at this year's Western Fair. See artist @softflirt paint LIVE in the Agriplex foyer all ten days of the fair, adding to the expanding, traveling gallery of the agricultural peanut cart.
The Agriplex – Community Pavilion and other Fair buildings are open Monday to Friday 3pm-10pm and Saturday 11am-10pm & Sunday 11am-9pm, don't miss your chance to see art history in the making.
5 Reasons to Visit The Animal Barn at Western Fair
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Day of Dreams Returns + New Sensory Pods Increase Accessibility and Inclusivity of Western Fair
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.
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.
Media Contact:
Greg Blanchard, gblanchard@westernfairdistrict.com
1-226-210-4827
Day of Dreams Coordinator:
Kristen Witmer, kwitmer@westernfairdistrict.com
1-226-242-4953