Happy’s List of 50 Things for Kids
Agriculture fun just one of the many things for kids of all ages to enjoy this year!
Agriculture fun just one of the many things for kids of all ages to enjoy this year!
London, Ontario, August 26, 2025: Western Fair is a great place for kids to engage with agriculture in fun and educational ways. The Barn at Western Fair provides a chance to engage in agricultural activities that are packed with learning opportunities. This year’s Agricultural Fun, welcomes all your favourite farm animals to The Barn - make sure you visit: Horses (Clydesdale, Standardbred and Minis), Dairy and Beef cattle, Water Buffalo, Sheep, Goats, Alpacas, Llamas, Pigs, Chickens, Ducks and Rabbits. Your visit to the Barn should also include a walk through the Barn’s tunnel to a NEW Field of Fun exhibit which boasts Advantage Farm Equipment displays, small crop and vegetable plots, Straw Mania brought to you by Witty Stallaert Engineering —a playground made out of straw bales of all shapes and sizes, and a kid-sized Corn Maze sponsored by Advantage Farm Equipment —fun for the whole family.
Be sure to see the much loved Clydesdales from West Edge Acres in action every day during our Hitch Display, enjoy Live Milking demonstrations with Dairy Dave, and don’t miss the brand NEW Lunchbox Passport activity for kids, as well as the Bouncing Barn-yard, Bee Hives, Virtual Reality Horse Racing, Sensory Corn Bin sponsored by AON, Case IH Pedal Tractors & Farming Simulator and Educational displays from Egg Farmers of Ontario, Sheep Farmers of Ontario, Ontario Pork’s Pig Mobile, Grain Farmers of On-tario, and Dairy Farmers of Ontario.
Looking for more great things the kids, and your family, can enjoy at Western Fair this year, why not take some recommendations from Happy, Western Fair’s fun expert for 50 fun filled things to see, try and do during the fair’s 10-day run September 5-14, 2025.
Don’t forget Kids 10 and under and Big Kids 65+ are free, so a day at the fair is a great outing for Grandparents and the grandkids. Enjoy!
More Happy, More Fun Announced!
Western Fair keeps the good news coming with more ways to Find your Happy Place this September 5-14, 2025.
FREE Ride with your Fair ticket! NEW Fare to the Fair Program
London, Ontario, August 19, 2025: Enjoy your local transit system, save some gas, and don’t spend precious time scouting for parking, just take advantage of your FREE Bus Ride to the Fair courtesy of LTC and the Western Fair Association.
All you have to do is show your purchased 2025 Western Fair ticket hard ticket or on your phone when boarding a London Transit Bus and your ride to and from the Western Fair is free!
This amazing offer is available all 10 days of the Western Fair, starting 2 hours before the Fair opens each day, check opening times at www.westernfair.ca
Kids 4 and under ride free, kids 5-12 require an LTC FOB to ride free, FOBs are available free of charge at both LTC locations during their office hours (150 Dundas St. and 450 Highbury Ave N.) and will be given to caregivers only.
Happy Birthday HAPPY! – Free gift for first 500 fairgoers.
Western Fair’s mascot ‘HAPPY’ will be celebrating their birthday on the Opening Weekend of the 2025 Western Fair (September 5,6,7) and this is your personal invite to stop by and celebrate.
HAPPY is a friend to all at Western Fair, and they want to share their special day with you.
Stop by the Happy Camper – HAPPY’s home away from home, located inside the J-AAR EXPO CENTRE’s - Community Pavilion as soon as the gates open each day of the opening weekend, September 5, 6, 7. If you are one of the lucky first 500 folks to stop by and give Western Fair’s giant, candy floss pink, corn dog fingered, candy apple nosed mascot HAPPY a big high five or hug - you’ll receive a free keepsake to mark the special occasion.
What’s HAPPY’s gift to you? Your very own collectable HAPPY squishy – a small, soft, squeezable mini version of Western Fair’s mascot.
Step and Fiddle Competition (Return of an old favourite)
Dust off your dancing shoes, tune those strings, and join us September 13th
After a long hiatus, the beloved Step & Fiddle Competition is making a much talked about return to the 2025 Western Fair. This high-energy showcase of lightning-fast footwork and toe-tapping fiddle tunes was a crowd favourite many years ago and its comeback promises to be bigger, bolder, and more spirited than ever. Fairgoers can take in the competition beginning at noon on September 13th at the Carousel Stage, inside the J AAR Expo Centre - Lobby.
Whether you're a seasoned performer or a first-time spectator, get ready for an unforgettable celebration of tradition and talent. Dust off your dancing shoes, tune those strings, and join us September 13th as we bring back the heartbeat of the Fair! If you would like to compete, entries will be accepted up until September 6, visit www.westernfair.ca to enter online.
Special treat - join us for a Judges Showcase after the competition, where the days’ judges will entertain and all competitors can hop back on stage for a final number to cap off the event!
Whisker Wars, Hammer Time, Cow Call Idol
Chance to WIN! First place - $50, Second place - $30, Third place - $20
Daily FAMILY FUN - Fair Competitions
Western Fair’s NEW Carousel Stage is the home of high-energy showdowns where fairgoers compete for cash, bragging rights, and a whole lot of fun. It’s free to enter-register in advance at www.westernfair.ca or sign-up side-stage, if competition spots are still available – Limited Entries so register early if possible.
Knot So Fast! (KNOT UNTYING) - Sept 5 – Be the first to untie several knots on a cord or rope.
Baby Daze (baby LOOK-A-LIKE CONTEST) - Sept 6 - Come and show off your family resemblance.
Cow Call Idol (COW MIMICKING) - Sept 7 – Do your best imitation of the sound of a cow mooing.
The Shuck Stops Here (CORN SHUCKING) - Sept 8 - Race to remove the husks from cobs of corn.
The Great Mom Holler (MOM-CALLING) - Sept 9 – Kids scream for MOM!
Pair Pressure (SOCK SORTING) - Sept 10 – Be the fastest to sort and pair a basket of socks.
Hammer Time (NAIL HAMMERING) - Sept 11 - Compete to drive nails into a wooden beam the fastest.
Whisker Wars (BEST DECORATED FACIAL HAIR) - Sept 12 - Shape and decorate your mustache or beard.
The Big Peel (APPLE PEELING) - Sept 14 – Peel the longest, unbroken apple peel.
Last Chance to Enter Prize Book Competitions
Horticulture, Agriculture and Culinary Competitions Close August 29
Try your hand at creating a mixed cocktail garden, still life designs, miniature terrariums and so much more in Western Fair’s Horticulture Competition. Show off your tallest sunflower or naturally imperfect vegetables as part of the Agriculture Competition. Or submit your best pickled beans, blueberry pie, chocolate chip cookies, or cake design skills in our Culinary Competition. Youth categories available. Enter online at www.westernfair.ca by August 29th to have your best creations displayed and judged, for a chance to win prize money and a coveted Western Fair Red Ribbon!
Flavourous Favourites are BACK!
Find your Happy Place amongst deep-fried delights, fresh and fruity, sweet and savoury food fun at this year’s Western Fair. Some new selections promise to surprise and satisfy fairgoers, and many fair food classics abound, whatever you’re craving there are lots of big flavours to relish.
London, Ontario, August 12, 2025: Find your Happy Place amongst deep-fried delights, fresh and fruity, sweet and savory food fun at this year’s Western Fair. Some new selections promise to surprise and satisfy fairgoers, and many fair food classics abound, whatever you’re craving there are lots of big flavours to relish.
NEW Treats!
Dubai Strawberries - strawberries melted with chocolate and pistachio cream
Deep Fried Pizza on a Stick
Walking Tacos - Regular, Cool Ranch, Sweet Chilli Heat
Flannel Firecrackers - Dressed Caesar Beverage – find them at the Bud Light Music Garden
Dubai Chocolate – Sweet Sisters
Bake House Gourmet Cookies – Big, fat, deep filled New York Style cookies, Millionaire’s Shortbread, and rich fudgy Brownies all baked by Lumbersnacks.
3 New Pizza Pizza Flavours at the Fair: pickled pie, Mexican street corn, and triple pepperoni
Wine Garden – Inside the J-AAR Expo Centre Pavilion find a new nook catering to those who want to sip and sample local wines while they people watch. If your friends don’t love wine – beer and coolers served too.
Back by Demand!
Bubbas Butterfly Chips – freshly made to order potato chips
Back Bacon and Fried Bologna on a Bun
Rich buttery popcorn and juicy hot dogs return to The Grandstand along with ice-cold beer for Motor Mayhem showtimes throughout the fair.
Roasted Corn in a Cup, Flaming Hot Cheetos Corn and Takis Roasted Corn
Gourmet Waffle Burgers and Donut Burgers
Massive Deep Fried Mozzarella Sticks
Classics – Here Year After Year!
Deep Fried Oreos and Candy Bars
Blooming Onions
Fish and Chips
Halal chicken and beef shawarma, falafel, chicken and beef kababs
Jerk chicken, Roti, Doubles, Fried Rice, Chicken balls
Candy Apples, Fudge, Cotton Candy, Caramel Corn
Funnel Cakes and Elephant Ears
Mini Donuts, Mini Pancakes, Bubble Waffles and Apple Fritters
Ice Cream, Frozen Yogurt, Milkshakes, and Smoothies
Corn Dogs, Dillhole Hot Dog, Jumbo Hot Dogs, Burgers
Fries, poutine, dill pickle poutine, perogies, fried cheese curds
BBQ chicken, BBQ ribs, Pulled Pork and Brisket
Thirst Quenchers – Bubble Tea, ICEE, lemonade, slushies
Deli-style Subs
Labatt Beer and Coolers - Bud Light Music Garden
Pricing & Promotions
Kids 10 & Under and Big Kids 65+ are FREE at Western Fair!
In Advance (11-64) Buy Before September 4, 2025, at 11:59PM: General Admission: $15.00 SuperPass: $42 Advance (1 Admission, 1 Ride All Day) Get tickets, here.
At The Gate (11-64): General Admission: $20, Bounce Back: $6, Ride All Day: $50
Corporate & Group Sales Packages are also available for businesses that want to offer value pricing for their employees, as well as private groups of 15 or more. Sign up online, here.
Fair Share Fundraising Program. Supporting registered non-profits with their fundraising efforts. The program is an excellent opportunity for your registered non-profit to raise funds while also giving families an opportunity to buy tickets to the Fair at the lowest prices available. For Fundraisers who qualify they can generate $ with every Ticket or Super Pass sold to assist in raising money for your programming, equipment or cause. Western Fair will donate $1 for every General Admission ticket sold, and $2 for every Super Pass (admission plus ride all day bracelet) sold through the Fair Share Fundraising Program. Find out more at www.westernfair.ca
Find your Happy Place First Day of the Fair with Free Admission for ALL for a Limited Time.
Fall fairs are woven into Ontario’s community fabric and we would love for you to be a part of our special tradition. There are a ton of ways for community members to connect with, support and enjoy the fair. As we count down the days to this year’s event, read about all the ways you can join in the fun and celebrate and support a vibrant community tradition in a way that is meaningful for you.
Western Fair celebrates Community with Two FREE Admission Hours on First Friday (September 5 – 3pm – 5pm)
London, Ontario, August 6, 2025: Fall fairs are woven into Ontario’s community fabric and we would love for you to be a part of our special tradition. There are a ton of ways for community members to connect with, support and enjoy the fair. As we count down the days to this year’s event, read about all the ways you can join in the fun and celebrate and support a vibrant community tradition in a way that is meaningful for you.
Free Gate Admission for Two Hours on Opening Day – to celebrate Community
Enjoy free admission to the Western Fair for the first two hours (3pm – 5pm) on opening day (Friday, September 5, 2025).
We're so grateful for our customers continued support, and we want the community to create memories with us and enjoy some time at the Fair. To express our sincere appreciation, join us early on opening day and take advantage of two hours of free gate admission with our special Community Spirit Hours.
Don’t forget Kids 10 and Under and Big Kids 65+ are free every day of the Western Fair.
Newcomers to Canada in our Community – can use the Canoo APP for discounted fair admission.
Newcomers to Canada in our Community – can use the Canoo app for discounted fair admission.
Western Fair partners with the Canoo App to give newcomers to Canada VIP access to one of the oldest community traditions in Canada – The Fair! Western Fair is offering Canoo members special discounts on Super Passes and General Admission tickets to the Fair.
Canoo is available and free to new Canadian citizens in their first year of citizenship and new Canadian permanent residents within 5 years of arriving in Canada. You can become a member when you download the app from the App Store or the Google Play store.
Fair Share Fundraising Program
Western Fair is happy to launch our third year of our Fair Share Program. Originally set-up specifically to support local school fundraisers, the program will expand to support additional registered non-profits with their fundraising efforts. The program is an excellent opportunity for your registered non-profit to raise funds while also giving families an opportunity to buy tickets to the Fair at the lowest prices available. For Fundraisers who qualify they can generate $ with every Ticket or Super Pass sold to assist in raising money for your programming, equipment or cause. Western Fair will donate $1 for every General Admission ticket sold, and $2 for every Super Pass (admission plus ride all day bracelet) sold through the Fair Share Fundraising Program. Find out more at www.westernfair.ca
Community Competitions - Perform, Compete, Exhibit
Western Fair offers the chance to win a ton of ribbons, prize money and bragging rights for talented community members who create and compete in a variety of competitions available to all ages. Our creative arts competitions give all artists an opportunity to exhibit their talents and compete in visual arts, crafts, culinary, horticulture & more. The Carousel Stage will delight fairgoers with tons of community performances, and new this year, participate in Daily Competitions at the stage. Register online at www.westernfair.ca or if spaces remain sign up day-of, side stage, for a chance to win corn shucking, sock sorting, look alike, Mom hollering contests and more.
WFA Volunteer Program
Volunteers are an important part of Western Fair Association’s success. Whether you represent your community organization as one of WFA’s membership representatives or prefer to help your fellow fair fans make the most of their day through our volunteer program, volunteers are essential to making memorable moments for fairgoers. There are a few rewarding volunteer opportunities available to which you may offer your skills, time and talents in a way that positively affects people and our community. Learn more about volunteering at Western Fair visit www.westernfair.ca
Media Inquiries:
Greg Blanchard
Gblanchard@westernfairdistrict.com
226-210-4827
Kiddyland - New Sponsor, New Happy Place Announced for 2025 Western Fair
The annual Western Fair announced today its latest collaboration with longtime community partner the Kiwanis Club of Forest City-London who are excited to sponsor the annual fair’s much loved Kiddyland in its brand-new location beside the Barn.
London, ON, July 30, 2025: The annual Western Fair announced today its latest collaboration with longtime community partner the Kiwanis Club of Forest City-London who are excited to sponsor the annual fair’s much loved Kiddyland in its brand-new location beside the Barn.
Kiwanis Club of Forest City - London today announced a $10,000 sponsorship of Kiddyland at the Western Fair, a beloved kid-friendly zone featuring rides and attractions designed for young fairgoers. Both organizations are delighted to mark the occasion with Kiddyland’s move to its new location within the Fair, bringing together two family favourite happy places – Kiddyland and The Barn.
“Sponsoring Kiddyland as 'Fair Ambassadors' means we can provide a delightful space for young families to experience the thrill of the Fair while creating memories that will last forever. And I believe that each positive connection a child has can — and will — inspire many more,” said Paul Garret, President of the Kiwanis Club of Forest City-London. “Their focus on supporting children in the world, and our ever-present efforts to enhance and evolve free family fun for fairgoers particularly this year as Kiddyland moves in beside the Barn creates an experience many families with young children are going to appreciate because of close proximity. Kiwanis is helping to ensure the community we both serve has a unique and magical memory for children to carry with them long after a day at the Fair,” said Reg Ash, CEO, Western Fair District.
As one of Canada’s oldest community traditions, Western Fair welcomes everyone for 10 days of fun each September, with the goal of ensuring our attendees have a good time,
especially children. This sponsorship reinforces the ongoing partnership between Western Fair District and the Kiwanis Club of Forest City – London. “Our outstanding team of volunteers work tirelessly to fundraise at parking lots and events, and their commitment and determination makes it possible for us to provide this type of sponsorship," said Garret.
“Support like that provided by the Kiwanis Club of Forest City -London means a lot to this annual community celebration,” said Ash. “The vision of Kiwanis is to be a positive influence worldwide so that one day all children will wake up in communities that believe in them, nurture them, and provide the support they need to thrive. That’s why a collaboration with the Western Fair made perfect sense.” Said Garret.
About Western Fair Association:
The Western Fair District (WFD) is a multi-faceted, not for profit, Agricultural Society, based in the heart of London, Ontario. WFD is a member driven organization supported by an extensive group of volunteers and staff. Through its programming and facilities, it is a leading year-round agriculture, entertainment, commercial, sports and recreation destination for residents of the city of London and far beyond, anchored by its signature event, the annual Western Fair. www.westernfairdistrict.com
About Kiwanis of Forest City-London
The Kiwanis Club of Forest City-London supports charitable, educational, cultural, recreational and environmental projects that serve children from infants to 19 years of age and vulnerable adults. By fundraising, our volunteer-driven Club gives over $100,000 annually in support of local and global service projects and initiatives including a major portion of a $1.1 million donation to London Children’s Hospital by Kiwanis Clubs of Southwestern Ontario. The Club has also fulfilled a five-year $100,000 commitment to assist Kiwanis International in its worldwide service project to eliminate Maternal and Neonatal Tetanus, which claimed the lives of some 130 children each day before we began this project. We welcome members of the public to volunteer their time, to donate or join our Club.
Learn more at www.forestcitykiwanis.ca.
For more information:
Western Fair Association
Greg Blanchard Media Liaison
glanchard@westernfairdistrict.com
226-210-4827
Kiwanis of Forest City-London Brenda Martin Marketing and Communications
blmartin@rogers.com
416-617-4321