The 170th Tillsonburg Tri-County Fair is promising a lot of bang-for-the-buck entertainment for August 16-18.
Advertisement 2
Article content
“We’re excited,” said Tillsonburg Fair president Rosemary Dean. “It’s a big milestone for our growing town.”
Some of the action-packed entertainment this year includes Dr. Von Houligan’s Family Extravaganza, a traveling variety show, available Friday-Sunday.
“It’s a family circus and we’ll have a big circus big top tent that he will be doing shows in.”
Also new to the fair is Professor Kurio’s Traveling Oddity and Antique Museum from Barrie, which recreates an early 1900s circus sideshow attraction, complete with a 35-foot banner and ‘outside talker.’ Inside the mini big top tent, you will see from Friday-Sunday, as noted on Professor Curio’s website, “a plethora of strange and unusual curiosities from around the world,” promoting it as “a little strange, a little odd and
even a little educational. An experience that must be seen!”
Advertisement 3
Article content
The first event at the fair traditionally is the demolition derby which fills their grandstands Sunday at 2 pm, this year provided by Impact Motorsports. It features six different classes.
“It’s going to be good,” said Jennifer Dean. “There will also be a roll-over competition, the first time it’s back in probably 10 years. The roll-over is coming to Tillsonburg and it’s not coming to Woodstock and it’s not coming to Aylmer. Only in Tillsonburg.”
Returning performers include Dotsy the Clown, Batman, and Bex in Motion.
“This year we are adding the pedal tractor maze,” said Rosemary Dean. “We’ve had the little tyke zone for the past three years or so, inside the hay bales, so kids under five can play in that area. It’s something different for kids that can’t be on the other midway rides. We’re trying to keep everyone involved.”
Advertisement 4
Article content
Opening ceremonies are Friday at 6 pm, followed by the crowning of the ambassadors.
“We are looking for contestants. Email us at [email protected].”
Special Olympics Tillsonburg basketball players challenge Tri-County first responders at 6:30 p.m.
Also use that email to obtain a 20-page PDF prize/entry list for the homecraft section, which includes baking, quilts, vegetables, photographs and crafts.
Tractor pullers will perform Friday night (7 p.m.),
Saturday kicks off with the annual baby show in the Lions Auditorium – 9 am registration, show starts at 10 am – and pet show at 11 am at the Kinsmen Bandshell, and the annual 4H Showmanship at 12 pm
There’s an ice cream eating contest Saturday at 1 pm – perfect on a hot day… or any day.
Advertisement 5
Article content
The Educational Animal Display and Petting Zoo will be on site for the weekend, as well as The Flying Furballs Show will be on site on Sunday.
Magical Midways returns as the midway games and rides provider, which last year provided “amazing” ride opportunities, said Dean.
“They’ve been a great supporter to us – they helped make our fair lively again.”
There are 500 ride tickets available for pre-sale, she said, noting they sold out in 2023.
“We’re hoping for a couple new rides this year.”
The most recent entertainment additions have been Simon Zenker, a comedy juggler performing Saturday, Luis Cesar, a fire dancer who was a Canada’s Got Talent semifinalist, and the Trulee Odd Show, comedy juggler, both on Sunday.
Article content