Get your HAPPY DANCE on!
Western Fair announces Three Venues, Six Concert Nights, Thirty+ Musical Performances, Hundreds of Happy Places!
Western Fair Announces
Three Venues, Six Concert Nights, Thirty+ Musical Performances, Hundreds of Happy Places!
Western Fair is one of Canada’s oldest community traditions, offered inside a UNESCO City of Music, and what is one of the most-loved experiences at the fair – concerts! With that in mind, Western Fair is hoping you find your happy place at the fair this fall with its enhanced and expanded music offerings for 2024.
CONCERTS ANNOUNCED THROUGHOUT THE MONTH OF JUNE, WITH TICKETS ON SALE- JUNE 21.
New outdoor concert series and performance space called - THE RANCH
Additional concert night for the indoor concert - STADIUM SERIES
Expanded layout for the fair’s FREE concert venue - the MUSIC GARDEN
New Rock and Ride Promotion – Special opening weekend music lover’s promo.
New – The Ranch – Outdoor Concert Series – Live Performances Sept. 6,7,8
The Ranch will be trending in fair socials this September as London’s newest happy spot to Ranch-and-Roll to the music of three unique evening performances. One of your new Happy Places – we think. Nothing better than seeing your favourite music stars, under the stars. Western Fair’s newest outdoor concert space – The Ranch- is a rustic lot located where the Cattle and the Horses roam – well not really, but its right next door to the Fair’s agriculture and livestock display Barn.
NEW – The Stadium Series – Indoor Concerts – Live Performances Sept. 10,11,12
An additional concert night has been added to Western Fair’s Stadium Series at The Sports Centre, offering three indoor concerts for 2024. Don’t worry about the weather, enjoy your favourite artist indoors with reserved and general admission seating, plus the comfort of air conditioning (or heating if September is cool!) plus indoor bar, washrooms, ushers, and tiered seating. Sounds like your new Happy Place!
NEW – Larger Music Garden – Free Concerts - Live Performances nightly, Sept. 6-15
Listen for the beat and follow your ears to the larger-than-ever OEV Music Garden, one of Western Fair’s Happiest Places to relax, listen, dance and cheer to an amazing line-up of FREE live music nightly.
NEW - Rock and Ride Promo
If your two Happy Places are Rocking to the music and Riding the Midway - this special advance-only opportunity to SAVE is for you. Opening weekend concert ticket purchasers have the opportunity to buy a Ride All Day bracelet for just $30 in advance.
Join the fun, rekindle the magic, and Find Your Happy Place at Western FAIR 2024.
For more information:
Greg Blanchard, Western Fair Media Liaison
Hey Dreamers, the Big Day is almost here!
Western Fair is happy to announce that with the support of our Presenting Sponsor – Peter Inch & Associates, we have been able to extend this unique opportunity to more children and youth between the ages of three and eighteen.
A new and improved dream day for children with special-needs, and their families awaits!
Many fair attendees come for the sights and sounds of the Western Fair, but for some the bustle of the crowds, busy vendors, attractions, and sounds of free fall rides and bumper cars is not their idea of a wonderful day. Western Fair customizes a much more manageable sensory experience for Day of Dreams attendees which we hope creates an amazing memory they, and their family, will enjoy for a lifetime.
Western Fair is happy to announce that with the support of our Presenting Sponsor – Peter Inch & Associates, we have been able to extend this unique opportunity to more children and youth between the ages of three and eighteen. DOD will also move to a new date and time, Friday, September 13th from 11am to 3pm with participants enjoying a delicious lunch, provided by John’s Fruits and Vegetables and Coca Cola Bottling Company, getting their faces painted by the wonderful Dotsy the Clown, followed-up with entertainment from our fabulous fair attractions, and special meet and greets with their favourite personalities from Thomas the Tank Engine, Paw Patrol and Trolls at the Character Corner. (*Note: Acts are subject to change).
The fun continues outside from 1pm to 3pm, as Dreamers are invited to experience the magic of the Kiddyland Midway with no crowds, lights, and limited sounds. For bigger kids, who may not be able to ride all Kiddyland rides due to size and safety rules, DOD will offer the experience of the adult midway if they wish to do so at 3pm when the grounds and main midway open to the public. Day of Dream bracelets will be honoured by North American Midway Entertainment our Day of Dreams partner, for the duration of Friday, September 13th during public hours.
Application forms for families who feel their child’s special needs would be accommodated by this unique sensory sensitive opportunity to find their happy place should apply as soon as possible. 2024 attendance for this special event has been increased but is limited to 2000 attendees for this one-of-a-kind opportunity and registration spots go quickly. Application forms can be found on the Western Fair’s website at www.westernfair.ca. There is no cost to those who register, but availability is on a first-come, first-serve basis.
We are looking forward to helping you find your happy place at this year’s Western Fair.
For Media Inquiries:
Greg Blanchard, Western Fair Media Liaison
gblanchard@westernfairdistrict.com
Day Of Dreams Inquires:
Leah Locking, 2024 Day of Dreams Coordinator
One Fair, Hundreds of Ways to Find your Happy Place
Western Fair is our Happy Place, and one of Canada’s oldest community traditions, welcoming EVERYONE for 10 days of fun every September, and we are gearing up to share our Happy Place with you!
As one of Canada’s major fairs, and a Top 100 event in Ontario the ten-day extravaganza is back and packed with hundreds of ways to find your happy place this September 6-15, 2024. Thrill rides, food, concerts and entertainment, indoor displays and competitions, animals, and attractions will get you in a ‘happy place’ state-of-mind.
For Immediate Release: London, Ontario, Wednesday, May 22, 2024: Western Fair is our Happy Place, and one of Canada’s oldest community traditions, welcoming EVERYONE for 10 days of fun every September, and we are gearing up to share our Happy Place with you!
As one of Canada’s major fairs, and a Top 100 event in Ontario the ten-day extravaganza is back and packed with hundreds of ways to find your happy place this September 6-15, 2024. Thrill rides, food, concerts and entertainment, indoor displays and competitions, animals, and attractions will get you in a ‘happy place’ state-of-mind.
New Happy Places!
Nightly Sky Spectacular – Stay for the day and catch our nightly sky spectacular. Experience a stunning drone extravaganza, performed by animated, synchronized, drones dazzling audiences in the sky above. Choregraphed in a variety of aerial flight formations and sky messages to delight all ages and make a drone enthusiast out of you.
History of The Carnival – Step right up and enjoy a blast from the past. A unique display of various artifacts, photos, and historical pieces from the world of fairs and carnivals.
Adult Lego Competition – This one is for the Big Kids! Are you an adult fan of Lego (AFOL), then this MOC (My Own Creation) Lego competition is for you and your friends. Check out Western Fair’s Prize Book Competitions page for more details www.westernfair.ca
10 or More Creative Arts Entries = FREE Pass to the Fair. Fair 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, check out www.westernfair.ca
Character Corner – Meet and greet some of your favourite personalities from Thomas the Tank Engine, Trolls, and Paw Patrol in this interactive indoor kids fun zone.
Crystal Promenade - Enhanced outdoor shopping experience – make sure you check out this quaint stretch of outdoor fair exhibitors, especially in the evening when crystal light wrapped trees light up the glittering walkway, amongst all the rides, food, and attractions.
Fair Square Marketplace – All our fabulous indoor shopping is displayed in one mega square inside the Community Pavilion - tons of stroll-and-shop fun.
Fair Food Court - Check out new and favourite fair food concessionaires inside the Community Pavilion next to the Fair Square marketplace. Conveniently located indoor near Kiddyland, Guest Services, Public washrooms, and a dedicated seating area. Relax, make your feet happy, and enjoy a savory or sweet food option.
Fair Tunnel Mural - Check out the new urban art mural inside the Fair’s Tunnel Gate leading to Kiddyland from the main parking lot. Created by Moises Frank an amazing street artist and member of the Wet Paint Initiative, for the 2024 Western Fair.
Visit Happy at the Happy Camper Visit our beloved Western Fair Mascot – ‘HAPPY’ at the Happy Camper for a must-have photo. HAPPY is a mascot made from bits and pieces of all our happy places. Look for a giant, furry, candy floss pink Muppet-like creature, with corn dog fingers and a candy apple nose. Their big, pink, belly is wrapped in flossy fur like cotton candy on a stick, and it rolls like a bowl full of jelly, full of elephant ears, snow cones, and deep-fried cheese on a stick. Get a big pink HAPPY hug, with arms so long and warm you will never forget their embrace.
Outdoor Concerts - Outdoor performance square by day, and Western Fair’s new outdoor concert* venue by night, this space will be trending in fair socials this September as your new Happy Place. Nothing better than seeing your music stars, under the stars. * Fair Concerts will be announced by July 1, 2024, Canada Day.
Rock and Ride Promo – Discover Western Fair’s newest opportunity for advance savings with this special opening weekend music lover’s promo. Opening weekend concert ticket purchasers have the opportunity to buy a Ride All Day bracelet for just $30 when they purchase an outdoor concert ticket. Rock to the music and ride the midway, with an advance early bird opportunity to SAVE. Concert and ride fans can take advantage of the special discounted Ride All Day Midway Bracelet when they purchase a ticket to one of three Western Fair opening weekend concerts. Ride bracelet must be purchased with an opening weekend outdoor concert ticket. Ride bracelet can be used on the day of your concert selection or return to the Western Fair on another day with your $5 Bounce Back Admission coupon and ride the midway.
Stadium Series* – Western Fair’s Concerts at The Sports Centre, don’t worry about the weather, enjoy your favourite artist indoors with reserved seating, general admission floor and the comfort of air conditioning, indoor washrooms, ushers, and stadium seating. *Stadium Series concerts will be announced by July 1, 2024, Canada Day.
OEV Music Garden with returning favourites, new artists, and amazing Tribute Bands. Great selection of local libations available at The Music Garden, along with easy access to a multitude of food choices from near-by outdoor food vendors, grab a bite, then grab a seat in the Music Garden.
Returning Happy Places!
The Barn/ 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, and Ontario Pork Producers. 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 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. 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.
The Peanut Train – An agriculturally-based street-art project that brings together six world-class and local street artists to paint agricultural wagons (Peanut Wagons). The breathtaking six-car train is unveiled at the Western Fair each year and then travels through the London Santa Claus Parade during the holidays. The project was conceived by the Risky Play Gallery and is one of many Wet Paint Initiatives in London, Ontario.
Ride the Vibe - An intense performance of freestyle trial motorcycle stunts. Check out some of the best in the business with athletes who have performed at big name events all around the world. Find your Happy Place watching these fearless drivers leap onto a bus, perform helmet scraping low backflips, rolling nose-wheelies and more! Monday thru Sunday at the Fair.
Creative Arts Competitions Chance to win a ton of ribbons and prize money for talented community members who create and enter our fair competitions. Register 10+ entries and receive free admission to Western Fair. Register your arts, crafts, photography, baking, preserves, horticulture, quilts and more, check out www.westernfair.ca
Kiddyland Stage
Doo Doo the Clown– Western Fair’s favourite clown 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 and performing on the Kiddyland Stage daily.
Grand Illusion Show - Aaron Matthews offers a grand-scale illusion show that feels like it’s taken straight off a Vegas stage! Featuring grand illusions & interactive segments with the crowd, you can experience steel passing right through a human body mid-air, witness a human crawl through a magician’s stomach and his assistant cut in four pieces…have your mind blown by some of the worlds fastest illusions!
Bex in Motion - Take a spin with Bex in Motion, a one-of-a-kind performer who incorporates, comedy, acrobatics, juggling and mesmerizing hula hoop tricks like spinning up to fifty hula hoops at once! Bex puts on a show that is sure to move you!
Bella The Snow Queen – Bella’s magic show is a wonderous experience that will engage and delight all ages. Watch in amazement as her enchanting crystal ball will float across her hands and arms, delicate silks flutter in the air, magical sing alongs captivate your heart, hypnotic spinning snowflakes twirl from her hands. This snow themed princess show is an interactive magical combination of illusion, dance, singing unlike anything you have seen before.
Kids 10 & under and Big Kids 65+ are FREE at Western Fair.
Everyone else buy early and save - $12.00 Advance General Admission or $42 Advance SUPER PASS (1 Admission, 1 Ride All Day) until September 5, 2024.
Visit WESTERNFAIR.CA for all 2024 promotion and ticket information.
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 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
Join the fun, rekindle the magic, and Find Your Happy Place at Western FAIR 2024.
Form more information:
Greg Blanchard, Western Fair Media Liaison
gblanchard@westernfairdistrict.com
226-210-4827
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.