169th Tillsonburg Fair opens Friday

The Tillsonburg Tri-County Fair is marking its 169th anniversary when it returns this weekend.

“We’re excited,” said Rosemary Dean, president of the Tillsonburg Tri-County Agricultural Society.

Gates open Friday, August 18 at 4 pm Official opening ceremonies are at 6 pm, followed by the crowning of the ambassadors and mini king and queen.

“We’re hoping people will come out to support Friday’s Special Olympics basketball game versus first responders at 6:30. We also have the mini tractor pull Friday night (7 pm),” Dean said.

Fair admission is $8. Children 5-and-under are free. The fair runs Friday through Sunday.

The mini tractor pull happens in the area of ​​the demolition derby ring, near the cattle barn. The basketball game takes place at the JL Scott McLean Outdoor Recreation Pad.

Magical Midway will be providing rides at the Tillsonburg fairgrounds, inflatables and midway games, Friday-Sunday. A ride-all-day pass is available in advance for $25. During the fair, the ride pass can be purchased for $35.

“If you buy the ride (wrist) band, you can go on as many things, as many times as you want, all day,” Dean noted. “You can just keep on going.”

Saturday kicks off with baby show registration at 9 am in the Lions Auditorium for 0-6 months, 7-12 months, and 13-18 months. Judging begins at 10 am Last year’s baby show, organized by a committee consisting of Ilene and Nancy Chesterman, Bonnie Edwards, Laura Hawley and Ali and Laura Ziegler, had 19 babies.

The pet show, open to cats, dogs, and ‘others,’ is 11 am at the Kinsmen Bandshell.

There is a petting zoo all weekend, 4-9 pm Friday, 10 am-9 pm Saturday and 11 am-7 pm Sunday, and a rabbit show.

There is a 4-H show at 12 pm and an ice cream eating contest at 1 pm near the fair office, sponsored by Shaw’s Ice Cream.

Dotsy the Clown will be doing face painting and balloons Saturday and Sunday 11 am -4 pm. The Captain Corbin Show (and pirate ship) is Saturday only with shows at 11 am and 2 pm.

“We are also part of the FMX Freestyle Motocross Tour this year,” said Dean. “They are doing two shows Saturday (1 and 3 pm) and one show Sunday (1 pm). We’re excited to be part of their world tour – it’s something different for us.”

Bex in Motion, a hula hoop act, performs Saturday at 11 am, 3 pm and 8:15 pm with two more shows Sunday.

“Her hula hoop show at night is all lit up, it’s actually pretty cool.”

Homecraft exhibits are in the ‘Crystal Palace’ – look for the building with a green roof. Craft vendors will be outdoors this year.

“For the children who are not big enough to go on the rides we have a ‘little tykes’ area set up, with shelter set up for parents while their kids are playing in the area. Friday-Sunday, all three days. Last year it was a hit, so we’re happy to have that again,” Dean said.

Sunday’s highlight event is the demolition derby at 4-6 pm and there will be more bleachers to seat an extra 250 people this year.

“We have I AM Demolition, a new derby provider,” Dean noted. “Thrill Shows has retired.”

The fair concludes between 6-7 pm Sunday.

“We’re happy to be still here, still able to put on something for our community, when some fairs have declined or chose not to have a fair this year due to lack of volunteers, financing or whatever,” said Dean.

“And we are always open to more fair volunteers. It’s 100 per cent run by volunteers.”

Big plans are already being made for next year’s fair, the 170^th anniversary.