ANIMAL BARN

The animal barn is back again for 2024, and we can’t wait to see you! Please note, the Animal Barn is located in the Paddock (closest to Egerton Street gate, not in the Agriplex).

  • What livestock can you expect to see at this year’s Fair? Check them out below! (Please note some of our livestock breeds are still being confirmed!)

    Dairy Cattle

    Beef Cattle

    Water Buffalo

    Mature Ewes (Sheep)

    Boar Goats

    Nigerian Dwarf Goats

    Alpacas

    Donkey (s)

    Llamas

    Pigs, in Ontario Pork’s ‘PigMobile’

    Clydesdale Horses, provided by West Edge Acres

    Ducks (after Sept 9th)

  • See the animals in the barn!

    Milking demonstrations with Dairy Dave:

    Sat & Sun: 12:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m., 8:30 p.m.

    Weekdays: 5:00 p.m., 7:30 p.m.

    Farrier Demonstrations with West Edge Acres: *times to be confirmed

    Hitch Demonstration with West Edge Acres: Come see the Clydesdale team hitch *Note, hitch begins in the barn and then moves outside.

    Weekdays 5:30 - 6:00 p.m. *No Hitch Sept 6th, 9th due to concerts.

    Weekends 4:30 - 5:00 p.m. *No Hitch Sept 7th, 8th due to concerts.

    Bouncing Barnyard: Bring your little ones to bounce along on a farm hopper in our animal barn. Ages 5 and under.

    Bee Hives: See inside a hive frame at what a healthy vs. unhealthy hive looks like! (No Live Bees)

    Bill Galvin Racing Alliance: Will be on site Sept 7-8 with their DRIVE TO WIN Virtual Reality driving display. Participants can sit on an actual race bike with the lines in their hands and, with the virtual reality goggles on, experience the thrill of driving a horse in a Standardbred race. Ages 4 and up.

    Corn Bin: Enjoy this new sensory experience outside the Paddock this year!

    Educational displays from Egg Farmers of Ontario, Sheep Farmers of Ontario, Ontario Pork (the Pig Mobile), Grain Farmers of Ontario, and Dairy Farmers of Ontario.

    Cow Milking: Try your hand at milking a (fake) cow, courtesy of Middlesex Dairy Producers

    Case IH Pedal Tractor Course: Drive around the Case IH pedal tractor course in one of our kid-sized, pedal tractors!

    Raceway Sulky Photo Op: Get your picture taken with ‘Trigger’ the raceway horse!

  • Animal Welfare Statement

    Animal welfare, on our site, has always been and will continue to be a top priority for Western Fair District. The Association has deep agricultural roots and animals have been an integral part of that history helping us promote and educate on the value of agriculture to urban and rural audiences. Animals are a respected part of the educational programming we offer through various exhibitions, and competitions. Animals on our site are always cared for to their breed standard, and we continually consult with animal welfare professionals to benefit from their knowledge and expertise in the maintenance, health and handling of animals in our care.

  • Did you know? Responsible management of animals and their care in our venues is informed with guidance from:

    Consultation with one or more veterinarians to ensure proper animal care

    Animal husbandry experts hired to supervise the management and care of farm animals participating in our events

    The Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (OSPCA) Animal Protection Act.

    What is included in this Policy?

    Guidelines on feed, water and bedding standards for animals participating in our displays, Animal Care and treatment protocols with our Official Event Veterinarians, and guidance on what to do if an animal gets sick, or injured.

  • Diseases called “zoonotics” can be passed from animals to humans. Animals can carry organisms that are harmful to humans without appearing sick. Some zoonotic diseases are very dangerous to humans. Outbreaks of E.coli 0157:H7 and Salmonella have been associated with animal exhibits.

    People can get diseases from animals through direct contact with:

    • the animal

    • their bites and scratches,

    • their feces, urine, saliva, or blood,

    • the environment where they are contained.

    If you get harmful organisms on your hands you can spread them to your face, mouth or food and become ill.

    Who is at greatest risk of Illness?

    • children less than 5 years of age,

    • the elderly,

    • pregnant women,

    • immuno-compromised persons.

    How do I protect my family and myself?

    While visiting the animals:

    • Do not eat, drink or smoke while in the animal exhibit,

    • Do not touch your face or mouth with your hands,

    • Do not bring children’s toys, or pacifiers into the animal exhibit,

    • Supervise young children closely.

    After visiting the animals: Clean your hands

    • Wash your hands with soap and water or

    • Sanitize your hands with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

    If you touched an animal, their enclosures, their food, or cleaned up after them, clean your hands before touching anything else.

    Always clean your hands before eating, drinking and smoking.

    What if I become ill?

    If you or your children become sick with stomach cramps, vomiting or diarrhea within a week of visiting a petting zoo or animal exhibit, visit your doctor.

    Tell the doctor that you have been in contact with exhibit animals.

  • No food or drink is permitted in the barn. Please finish your food before entering the animal area, and wash your hands upon leaving the barn (stations will be provided).

Thank you to our Sponsors!