September’s Western Fair Celebrated Street Arts new indoor attraction, The Summit, thanks to the support of My Main Street
… the annual Western Fair was selected for the My Main Street Community Activator initiative to support The Summit, a 10-day urban arts festival within the Fair.
Western Fair 2024 - The Summit
Western Fair District receives My Main Street support to draw visitors and increase vibrancy in London
October 16, 2024, London, Ontario: The Western Fair Association is pleased to announce that our signature event, the annual Western Fair was selected for the My Main Street Community Activator initiative to support The Summit, a 10-day urban arts festival within the Fair.
The Summit brought amazing, talented artists to London, Ontario along with a massive indoor skate-space showcasing skaters, BMX, quads and scooter stars. “The 10-day festival within the Western Fair, brought the largest mural and urban arts stars London, Ontario has ever seen LIVE,” said Ken Galloway, Summit curator. A massive indoor skate-space, a giant photo installation, hands-on workshops, live mural painting and immersive change-making talks provided young people with a connection between their passion and their purpose.
Critically acclaimed British-Mexican photographer Pablo Allison, presented his photographic work depicting a migrant caravan from South America against a two-hundred-foot-wide canvas.
Critically acclaimed British-Mexican photographer Pablo Allison, presented his photographic work depicting a migrant caravan from South America against a two-hundred-foot-wide canvas. The street artist named Bacon, who is widely regarded as Canada’s top spray painter, created a mega-mural on the walls of the Western Fair District, as did Rime MSK, an American graffiti artist. Furthermore, a congregation of outstanding artists also lead a Queens Park Mural Transformation on the walls of The Market at Western Fair, a lasting gift of art and culture to the City of London.
A congregation of outstanding artists lead a Queens Park Mural Transformation on the walls of The Market at Western Fair
“The Market is a vibrant gathering place for everyone and having urban artists painting on the park side of the Confederation Building, home to our beautiful market during the annual Western Fair, has been an amazing journey,” said Carole Sceli, Business Manager, The Market at Western Fair District. “We love the vitality it brings to the Old East Village.”
The artwork remains for the public to enjoy in person when visiting the Western Fair District throughout the years to come.
A newly built Skate Park inside the Fair’s Community Pavilion hosted some of the greatest talent from the world of action sports.
A newly built Skate Park inside the Fair’s Community Pavilion hosted some of the greatest talent from the world of action sports. Joe Buffalo, a professional skateboarder originally from Samson Cree Nation – Maskwacis, Alberta and TJ Rogers, a fan-favourite Ontario skateboarder, considered one of the greatest street skaters in the world, joined The Summit as did Jon Julio, the Tony Hawk of rollerblading and Dua Flip and Milkbox the Artist, the two top stunt roller-skaters in Canada. Ryan Williams, a pro BMX and scooter rider – widely regarded as the best in the world – was also there.
The My Main Street support received for The Summit attraction allowed Western Fair to present a new experience and attract a unique audience that might not have experienced the Fair before. Funding for
the Urban Arts aspects of the event also helped create a unique, vibrant outdoor experience in the Old East Village with the murals added to Queens Park, and they will provide a lasting gift of art and culture, for years to come. Learn more about the event at Western Fair District.
My Main Street is built on the principle of supporting community economic development and creating vibrant and diverse neighbourhoods which will enhance the overall quality of life for residents while also promoting sustainable and inclusive community development. My Main Street is delivered by the Canadian Urban Institute (CUI), and supported by a Government of Canada investment through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario). Learn more about the My Main Street program at mymainstreet.ca.
Quotes
“The Summit is one of the many impactful placemaking projects happening thanks to the federal government’s investment in My Main Street Community Activator projects. The Western Fair District has been empowered to leverage community events on their main street to create a hub of social and economic activity, setting long term change in motion.”
Mary W. Rowe, CEO and President, Canadian Urban Institute
“Communities throughout southern Ontario offer a diverse range of exciting experiences and businesses, attracting both local and international visitors to their lively main streets. Our government, through the Canadian Urban Institute, is supporting organizations that bring events and festivals, such as The Western Fair, to showcase their region. When we invest in programs like My Main Street, we’re supporting and revitalizing our local communities.”
The Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario
Associated Links
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Media Contacts
Greg Blanchard, Media Liaison
Western Fair Association
gblanchard@westernfairdistrict.com
Ken Galloway, Curator
The Summit
kenpgalloway@gmail.com
Samantha Staresincic, Communications Manager
My Main Street
Media@mymainstreet.ca
Edward Hutchinson
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario
edward.hutchinson@feddevontario.gc.ca
Background:
About My Main Street: The My Main Street program has returned with an additional Government of Canada investment, building on an initial investment in 2021, through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario) to spur local economic recovery. To date, the initial investment has supported nearly 4,500 businesses and organizations, nearly 7,500 jobs and leveraged nearly $19 million in additional investment. The funding aims to revitalize neighbourhood main streets with a healthy retail mix while generating inclusive economic opportunities. The program now features two streams – Business Sustainability and the Community Activator. My Main Street is delivered by the Canadian Urban Institute (CUI).
About Canadian Urban Institute (CUI): The Canadian Urban Institute is a leading organization dedicated to advancing urban solutions. CUI collaborates with city builders, researchers, and community leaders to create thriving, equitable, and sustainable urban spaces across Canada.
About FedDev Ontario: For 15 years, the Government of Canada, through FedDev Ontario, has worked to advance and diversify the southern Ontario economy through funding opportunities and business services that support innovation, growth and job creation in Canada’s most populous region. The Agency has delivered impressive results, which can be seen in southern Ontario businesses that are creating innovative technologies, improving productivity, growing revenues, creating jobs, and in the economic advancement of communities across the region. Learn more about the impacts the Agency is having in southern Ontario by exploring our investment profiles, our Southern Ontario Spotlight, and FedDev Ontario’s X, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
Our Happy Place
Western Fair has many reasons to be happy, we had so much fun with ALL of you this year! We loved sharing hundreds of ways to find your happy place at the 2024 Western Fair.
Many individuals, groups, and organizations play a vital role in helping Western Fair celebrate our community and create lasting memories. Thank you to all our guests, volunteers, sponsors, vendors, exhibitors, employees, entertainers, educators, and partners. All the energy and dedication people invest into Western Fair is the good we do together to ensure there is always fun, and good times ahead
Western Fair has many reasons to be happy, we had so much fun with ALL of you this year! We loved sharing hundreds of ways to find your happy place at the 2024 Western Fair.
Many individuals, groups, and organizations play a vital role in helping Western Fair celebrate our community and create lasting memories. Thank you to all our guests, volunteers, sponsors, vendors, exhibitors, employees, entertainers, educators, and partners. All the energy and dedication people invest into Western Fair is the good we do together to ensure there is always fun, and good times ahead.
Western Fair Welcomes New Marquee Attraction: The Summit - a Global Urban Arts Festival within the Fair
The Summit is an urban arts festival within the Western Fair, that’s all about using the urban arts (from skateboarding through mural-painting) to make the world a better place. This youth-empowerment event grew out of a successful grassroots mural movement in London called The Wet Paint Initiative, which sought to “paint the change” the participating artists desired in the community.
The Summit is an urban arts festival within the Western Fair, that’s all about using the urban arts (from skateboarding through mural-painting) to make the world a better place. This youth-empowerment event grew out of a successful grassroots mural movement in London called The Wet Paint Initiative, which sought to “paint the change” the participating artists desired in the community.
“The ten-day festival within the Western Fair, will bring the largest murals and urban arts stars London, Ontario has ever seen LIVE,” said Ken Galloway, Summit curator, “a massive indoor skate-space, a giant photo installation, hands-on workshops, live mural painting and immersive change-making talks.” In an era where young people are craving deeper meaning in their daily lives, The Summit exists to connect their passions to their purpose.
Summit Highlights:
Critically acclaimed British-Mexican photographer Pablo Allison, will present his mind-expanding work (photographing the migrant caravan up from South America) against a 200’ wide canvas - while also leading a talk for Summit-goers and fair attendees.
A newly built Skate Park inside the Fair’s Community Pavilion will host some of the greatest talent from the world of action sports. Check out Ryan ‘R-Willy ’Williams (of Nitro Circus) an Australian pro BMX and scooter rider - widely regarded as the best in the world. Ryan will attend The Summit Sunday, Monday and Tuesday of the Western Fair to run demo’s, judge contests, host talks, and lead workshops.
Joe Buffalo a professional skateboarder originally from Samson Cree Nation - Maskwacis, Alberta will also be ripping up the massive indoor Skate Park. A pillar of strength and perseverance, as the first Indigenous skate pro in Canada, an actor, public speaker, and advocate on Indigenous health; Joe’s story is one of resilience, hope, healing, and creating change through Skateboarding.
TJ Rogers on the other hand, is a fan-favourite Ontario skateboarder, that’s considered one of the greatest street skaters in the world.
Jon Julio is the Tony Hawk of rollerblading - and is coming to flex his skills and share his knowledge, while spreading the inline gospel.
Dua Flip and Milkbox the Artist are the two top stunt roller-skaters in Canada. In addition to their robust empowerment-based programming, they will also talk about how roller-skates have ushered ladies into skateparks in the most meaningful way ever. Furthermore, Milkbox is our only dual-discipline participant - and will be painting TWO MURALS - in addition to participating in all roller-skating programming.
Rime MSK, a.k.a Jersey Joe, an American graffiti artist, born in Brooklyn in 1979, pushes on the outer-walls of his art form, and is a member of MSK; the most-respected graffiti crew in the world. Coming fresh from painting a building-sized mural in Seattle, Rime will be creating a mega-mural on The Grove at Western Fair District (once known as the Progress Building), alongside Bacon, who is widely regarded as Canada’s top spray painter.
The Wet Paint Express is also back for its second year; a project that sends an urban art train painted LIVE at Western Fair, through the London Santa Parade later in the year.
Furthermore, a congregation of world-class artists will also lead our “Queens Park Mural Transformation” a lasting gift of art and culture, to the City of London. Artists will be working on the live mural painting in and around Queens Park at the Western Fair District throughout the 10-day fair, so stop by and check out their progress in person!
Lastly, The Summit continues to reveal top action-sports talent participating daily, to help build anticipation - so keep your eyes on https://www.instagram.com/westernfairsummit/
The Summit Pass $69 (All ages)
- 10 Days of Access to the Western Fair, Skatepark access for qualified riders, meet local and international artists. This ticket is valid for entry all 10 days of the Western Fair Summit. Tickets can be scanned once per day for entry. A handstamp will be required for the same day re-entry. Summit Tickets are non-transferable and must be used by the same guest each day, ID may be requested to confirm order details. Does not include any midway rides. September 6th - 15th, 2024. No refunds.
For more Summit details visit the website www.westernfairsummit.com or connect through Western Fair’s website www.westernfair.ca to purchase a Summit Pass for those interested in participating in skate competitions and workshops.
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. Join the fun, rekindle the magic, and Find Your Happy Place at Western FAIR 2024.
For More Information:
Ken Galloway, The Summit, Curator
kenpgalloway@gmail.com
416-894-5125
Greg Blanchard, Western Fair Media Liaison
gblanchard@westernfairdistrict.com
226-210-4827
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
