Day of Dreams Returns + New Sensory Pods Increase Accessibility and Inclusivity of Western Fair
Day of Dreams presented by Peter Inch & Associates returns to Western Fair on September 13th for children with special needs, and their families. The day is an annual event, with a tailored environment that makes the busy bustle of a traditional day at the fair a more manageable sensory experience.
London, Ontario – August 2, 2023: Day of Dreams presented by Peter Inch & Associates returns to Western Fair on September 13th for children with special needs, and their families. The day is an annual event, with a tailored environment that makes the busy bustle of a traditional day at the fair a more manageable sensory experience.
In partnership with North American Midway Entertainment the Western Fair is proud to provide Day of Dreams attendees with a free lunch along with their admission, select rides and entertainment.
Day of Dreams is a unique opportunity for youngsters, designed to extend the fun of the annual Fair to those who may not otherwise experience it. With the support of Presenting Sponsor - Peter Inch & Associates, and along with Lunch Sponsors - John’s Fruits and Vegetables, and Coca Cola Bottling Company, children aged three to twelve will have the opportunity to experience select Kiddyland midway rides, be entertained by the best acts the Fair has to offer and visit The Barn and all the fair’s favourite farm animals. This year, we are excited to announce that Dotsy’s Face Painting will be the Official Face Painter of the 2023 Day of Dreams!
Application forms for families who feel their child would benefit from this opportunity to sample the Western Fair, at their own pace, can be found on the fair’s website at www.westernfair.ca with 500 spots available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
To enhance Western Fair’s sensory-friendly efforts, two new Sensory Pods will be added to the fair’s outdoor layout this September. Many fairs in the industry are embracing this initiative in an effort to increase the accessibility and inclusivity of this traditional family fun event.
Sensory Pods will consist of two walled tented area’s that provide a place to step away from the regular fair environment for a moment to regroup before returning to the fun. Sensory pods will be equipped with a few helpful tools and activities, such as a place to sit, noise-cancelling headphones, and quiet activities to aid children and adults who need help processing the sights, smells, noises, and crowds at the fair.
We hope this will be a meaningful addition to the Western Fair and that many who have not felt comfortable attending in the past, can share in the time-honoured fun and tradition of a day at the fair.
Media Contact:
Greg Blanchard, gblanchard@westernfairdistrict.com
1-226-210-4827
Day of Dreams Coordinator:
Kristen Witmer, kwitmer@westernfairdistrict.com
1-226-242-4953
Western Fair Announces 2023 Attractions
If You’re HAPPY and you know it, clap your hands for FREE Family Attractions.
Today Western Fair announced its 2023 Attractions and Entertainment line-up! Happy Days are here again with music, entertainment, animals, and attractions set to provide smiles, laughter, and memorable interactive fun for the whole family this September.
If You’re HAPPY and you know it, clap your hands for FREE Family Attractions.
London, Ontario, July 18, 2023: Today Western Fair announced its 2023 Attractions and Entertainment line-up! Happy Days are here again with music, entertainment, animals, and attractions set to provide smiles, laughter, and memorable interactive fun for the whole family this September.
COMMUNITY PAVILION ATTRACTIONS:
The Canine Circus – We’re taking the circus for a walk! Witness world-renowned furry four-legged cast members perform tail-wagging feats of courage, bone-dropping grand illusions, and Labrador-able stunts! Watch the miracles and mayhem unfold all around you!
Smash Wrestling – Sit ring side for a unique blend of long-form storytelling that mixes the hottest independent wrestlers from all over the world with the Canadian superstars of tomorrow! Smash Wrestling brings people together to celebrate everything that we love about professional wrestling.
COMMUNITY ARENA ATTRACTIONS:
The Magic of Aaron Matthews - Imagine if Tony Robbins, Blue Man Group & David Copperfield put on a show together, you’d get Aaron Matthews! Aaron is ready to take you on a magical journey of impossible miracles, inspiring stories, shocking moments, mixed in with a little high energy dancing and gut busting laughter.
The Culinary Stage – Good food is the foundation of happiness, so pull up a chair and enjoy live cooking demos and tasting seminars with Chef James Smith and friends. Sample their culinary crafts, kitchen tips and food know-how at The Culinary Stage. Enjoy cook-offs, main course and pairing possibilities, along with live Q&A during the shows. Watch for summer social posts on this new fair experience!
The Community Stage – London and area has amazingly talented individuals who want to perform for you, check out local residents showcasing their moves, songs, musical chords, culture, and humour. To inquire about performing visit PERFORM ON STAGE — Western Fair.
BARN ATTRACTIONS:
Farm Animals – Visit an array of pigs, sheep, goats, water buffalo, donkeys, dairy cattle, beef cattle, llamas, and alpacas, located in the Animal Barn (look for the Giant Wheel) closest to Egerton Street.
Agriculture Education – Enjoy displays from Egg Farmers of Ontario, Dairy Farmers of Ontario, Beef Farmers of Ontario, Ontario Sheep Farmers, Grain Farmers of Ontario, Ontario Pork Producers and Growing Chefs! Ontario. Catch a milking demonstration with Dairy Dave, and a chance to hand milk a (fake) cow courtesy of Middlesex Dairy Producers. Try your hand at being a grain farmer with The Fair Farming Game. See what the ‘buzz’ is all about inside a honeybee hive and learn what a healthy vs. unhealthy hive looks like! (No Live Bees).
Family Fun Activities at The Barn - Bouncing Barnyard – little ones will go YEEHAW when they take a ride on these fun, whimsical, inflatable farm animals with soft gripable ears to hold onto while they bounce around the mini-barnyard. Take a spin at Case IH Pedal Tractor Course on one of our kid-sized tractors! Grab a selfie or family-gram at The Barn, and look for ‘Trigger’ the racehorse standing by his Sulky (race bike) – a great Western Fair photo op – one of 4 special photo back-drops you will want to take advantage of while at the Fair!
OUTDOOR ATTRACTIONS:
The Silver Starlets – All-female aerial acrobatics show. Full of glam, glitz and glitter, they twist, tumble, bend, climb and fall, getting the audience cheering, laughing, and sometimes even dancing right along with them. But do not let their tutus fool you; The Silver Starlets captivate their audience with family-friendly charm, beautiful grace, and amazing strength. These girls do not sweat...they sparkle!
The Hockey Circus Show – A family-friendly hockey tribute show that combines acrobatics, juggling, and one-of-a-kind circus stunts into 3 periods of "arena" rocking fun.
The Farmer’s Daughter Show – harvests bales of belly laughter and truck loads of fun. Farm-tastic gymnastics, rowdy rope tricking, and a one-of-a-kind milk bottle walk finale combine for an udderly amazing show (filled with corny humour). Yee haw!!
KIDDYLAND ATTRACTIONS:
DooDoo the International Clown - A staple at Western Fair for many years is back this September. Nominated best clown in the world by his mom you should check out his silly, unbelievable comedy show. Catch-up to him strolling the fairgrounds with his unbelievable antics.
Bigger Balloon Man Show- James Johnson’s World Record Balloon Stunt Show involves the bizarre and fabulously weird stunt that puts members of the audience inside a giant 6-foot latex balloon! This is your chance to check out this fast-paced high-energy enthusiastic comic daredevil and enjoy upbeat music, fun props, and lots of laughs. During the show James Johnson weaves comedy magic, stupid stunts, and fun audience participation into a show that’s hard to believe is possible. An interactive hilarious performance you don’t want to miss!
Comedy Juggler Craig Douglas - Get ready for a wild ride as Craig sprints from one thrilling feat to the next. Bowling balls fly, machetes whirl and just wait until you see what he does with a couple of ping pong balls! When Craig takes the stage, he sets a frantic pace with exciting feats of daring punctuated by his family-friendly comic patter.
The Udder Show with Farmer Jim - Join host David Udderman, the cow, on his late-night talk show. This show will have you in stitches exploring the world of farm animals with puppets and songs!
MUSIC GARDEN ATTRACTIONS:
Check out Western Fair’s best place to relax and listen to an amazing line-up of FREE LIVE MUSIC, while sipping local libations.
After The Lounge - Rock
Asante - Hip Hop
County Road - Country
Errol Blackwood and Injah - Reggae
Farewell Stanleys - Pop Rock
Fleetwood Mac Mania - Fleetwood Mac Tribute
Full Petty Fever - Tribute to Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers
Full Throttle - Power Rock
Genevieve Fisher Band - Country
Graham Goss (with Jason Mercer) - Classic Rock
Gravity Wagon – Rock/Funk
Hotel California: The Original Tribute to The Eagles
Jim McGinley - Celtic, Rock, Acoustic
Leanne Mayer Band - Rock and Blues
Natalie and Darryn – Jazz/Adult Contemporary
Neon Nostalgic - Retro 80s 90s
Newport Electric - Rock
Sarina Haggarty – Rock/Country
Sir Elton's Greatest – Tribute to Elton John
Soul Sausage - Motown/Funk/Blues/Rock
The Mudmen - Celtic Rock
The Pairs - Celtic / Folk
The Sheridan Band - Celtic / East Coast Pub Tunes
UnRaveling The Wilburys - Tribute to Travelling Willburys
Wednesday’s Engine – Covers/Upbeat Party Band
ZED - Led Zeppelin Tribute
Previously announced: CONCERT ATTRACTIONS:
Classic Rock 98.1 Presents: Burton Cummings and His Band - TUESDAY, Sept. 12, 2023, at 7:30 pm
FM96 presents: The Beaches also featuring The Thunder Queens - WEDNESDAY, Sept. 13, 2023, at 7 pm
Trans-Canada Highwaymen - THURSDAY, Sept. 14, 2023, at 7 pm
Get your tickets at www.westernfair.ca
COMPETITION ATTRACTIONS:
Western Fair Creative Arts Competitions provide artists and hobbyists an opportunity to showcase your talents during the annual fair. Register your arts, crafts, photography, baking, preserves, horticulture, quilts and more for a chance to win ribbons and prize money! Check out www.westernfair.ca
ADVANCE ADMISSIONS:
Kids 10 & under, Big Kids 65+ are FREE at Western Fair, everyone else is $15 at the gate. Buy early and save on Advance Super Passes - $42 (ride-all-day bracelet + fair admission) and Advance General Admission - $12. Buy your advance tickets now at www.westernfair.ca
Corporate Group Sale Packages are also available for businesses that want to offer value pricing for their employees, as well as private groups of 15 or more. Check out www.westernfair.ca
Fair Share School Fundraising Program - This school group sale program provides discounted fair admissions, and for every ticket or super pass sold with your school’s specific promo code the school can raise money for programming or equipment. For every General Admission sold through the Fair Share School Program, the Western Fair will donate $1 to the school and for every Super Pass (admission plus ride bracelet) the Western Fair will donate $2 to your school. Check out www.westernfair.ca
About the Fair:
The Western Fair is the City of London’s largest community event, one of Canada’s major fairs and a Top 10 event in Ontario. Western Fair is a ten-day, fun-filled event every fall, and delights in welcoming fair fans and families back September 8-17, 2023. Check out admissions, promotions, attractions, and entertainment at www.westernfair.ca
For More Information:
Greg Blanchard
gblanchard@westernfairdistrict.com
Support Added - THE THUNDER QUEENS will open for THE BEACHES
Thunder Queens are Violet Bruneel (top, guitar, vocals) Lola Hayman (right, drums, vocals) and Clara Magnan (left, bass, vocals). They have been making sludgy feminist-driven songs since they were 9 & 10 years old, tearing up London, Ontario stages with music reminiscent of bands like Sleater Kinney, Sheer Mag, The Strokes & Starcrawler. Lola Hayman (drums, vocals) & Violet Bruneel (guitar, vocals) became friends while searching for loonies under the pinball machines at Call The Office.
THE BEACHES
also featuring
THE THUNDER QUEENS
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2023
The Western Fair - LONDON, ON
London Major Appliances Rink
TICKETS ON SALE FRIDAY, June 9, 2023 at 10AM
Doors: 7:00PM | Show: 8:00PM
Concert Ticket Includes Admission to the Western Fair on Day of Show
Order online at https://www.westernfair.ca/
Tickets: $40.00 (plus HST and fees) All Ages / General Admission Floor, Reserved Seating
JUNO Award Winners for Breakthrough Artist (2018) and Rock Album of the Year (2022)
Captivating the indie scene with rich 80s-tinted melodies and quick-witted lyrics, The Beaches have unleashed their neighbourhood namesake group onto the music world with Eliza Enman-McDaniel (on drums) and Leandra Earl (on keys and guitar) and sisters Jordan and Kylie Miller (on lead vocals/bass and guitar, respectively). They've been named one of Canada's greatest acts by Exclaim magazine, and the proof is in the plays with 6 no. 1 singles on Canadian Alt Radio and their single "Grow Up Tomorrow” at #1 on Alternative & Rock radio in Canada for seven weeks.
Known for their rousing live performances that summon their audience into a realm of intoxicating energy and an undeniable connection, The Beaches have opened for Avril Lavigne, The Rolling Stones, Foo Fighters, Alanis Morissette, The Aces, Passion Pit, and the Eagles of Death Metal, as well as being guest performers at the She Rocks awards in Los Angeles in April 2023. There is no denying their lure on the stage and in everyone's playlists, including the great Elton John, who called their album "Late Show" the "best album of last year." They've sold out two shows at History in Toronto (2400 tickets per night) and received critical acclaim in Prelude Press, KUTX, Indie88, Exclaim, Under The Radar, CBC, Luna Collective, Raydar Mag, and Pop Sugar.
After their 2X Juno wins in Breakthrough Artist (2018) and Rock Album of the Year (2022), it’s apparent that The Beaches are one of Canada’s biggest bands.
About The Thunder Queens
Thunder Queens are Violet Bruneel (top, guitar, vocals) Lola Hayman (right, drums, vocals) and Clara Magnan (left, bass, vocals). They have been making sludgy feminist-driven songs since they were 9 & 10 years old, tearing up London, Ontario stages with music reminiscent of bands like Sleater Kinney, Sheer Mag, The Strokes & Starcrawler. Lola Hayman (drums, vocals) & Violet Bruneel (guitar, vocals) became friends while searching for loonies under the pinball machines at Call The Office.
With their first EP released on Year Right Records in 2020, this two-piece grunge punk band have spent their ‘tween years opening for prominent bands like Status/ Non-Status, Ian Blurton, Red Arms, Metz, and Chastity. Their debut record will be released in Spring 2024, with explosive and youthful songs that will heal your inner teenager.
# # #
For media accreditation requests:
Chris Campbell
(519) 860-1603
Chris@MusicTourism.ca
Western Fair District
Greg Blanchard
(519) 438-7203 EX 239
Gblanchard@westernfairdistrict.com
CONCERT ANNOUNCEMENT -Canadian Music Hall of Fame’s ‘Burton Cummings & His Band’ to perform at the 2023 Western Fair
Burton’s voice has been rated among the finest in rock music. He has amassed more hit records than almost any performer in Canadian history. As lead singer and songwriter with the Guess Who, Burton recorded hits “These Eyes,” “Laughing,” “No Time,” “American Woman,” “Share The Land,” “Hang On To Your Life,” “Clap For The Wolfman,” and many more. As a solo artist, he leaves his mark with “Stand Tall,” “I’m Scared,” “Dream of a Child,” “You Saved My Soul,” “I Will Play a Rhapsody,” and “Timeless Love,” among many other much-loved tunes.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
BURTON CUMMINGS
AND HIS BAND
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2023
The Western Fair - LONDON, ON
London Major Appliances Rink
TICKETS ON SALE FRIDAY, June 9, 2023 at 10AM
Doors: 7:30PM Show: 8:30PM
Concert Ticket Includes Admission to the Western Fair on Day of Show
Order online at https://www.westernfair.ca/
Tickets: $60.00 (plus HST and fees) All Ages / General Admission Floor, Reserved Seating
Few artists have achieved the level of public success and critical acclaim that Burton Cummings enjoys in a dazzling career spanning more than forty years.
Burton’s voice has been rated among the finest in rock music. He has amassed more hit records than almost any performer in Canadian history. As lead singer and songwriter with the Guess Who, Burton recorded hits “These Eyes,” “Laughing,” “No Time,” “American Woman,” “Share The Land,” “Hang On To Your Life,” “Clap For The Wolfman,” and many more. As a solo artist, he leaves his mark with “Stand Tall,” “I’m Scared,” “Dream of a Child,” “You Saved My Soul,” “I Will Play a Rhapsody,” and “Timeless Love,” among many other much-loved tunes.
Burton is a member of the Canadian Music Hall of Fame, Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame, Canadian Walk of Fame, Canadian Music Industry Hall of Fame, and Prairie Music Hall of Fame. A six-time Juno Award winner, Burton has received the Order of Canada, Order of Manitoba, and Governor-General’s Performance Arts Award as well as twenty-two SOCAN Awards and several BMI (Broadcast Music Industry) awards for more than 1 million airplays of his songs.
With the Guess Who, he earned recognition for the first U.S. platinum album by a Canadian artist and, as a solo artist, the first quadruple platinum Canadian-produced album. Burton is honored to have received, in total, 80 platinum and gold record awards. Recently, the best-selling book The 100 Top Canadian Singles ranked “American Woman” the greatest Canadian single of all time. As an international artist, Burton enjoys world-wide stature shared by only a select few Canadian performers.
A consummate showman, Burton possesses an extraordinary gift for entertaining. He is second to none in delighting audiences numbering from 10 to 10,000. Critically-acclaimed Above The Ground is his first album to feature all original songs written by Burton. Reviews from both fans and music critics glow with superlatives.
Canadian rock-music royalty, Burton Cummings remains at the top of his game as an unrivaled singer, songwriter, showman, and recording artist.
For media accreditation requests:
Music Tourism
Chris Campbell
(519) 860-1603
Chris@MusicTourism.ca
Western Fair District
Greg Blanchard
(519) 438-7203 EX 239
Gblanchard@westernfairdistrict.com
CONCERT ANNOUNCEMENT -Four of Canada’s iconic Singer/Songwriters unite in concert to perform at the 2023 Western Fair
The Trans-Canada Highwaymen are Moe Berg (TPOH), Chris Murphy (SLOAN), Craig Northey (Odds) and Steven Page (Ex-BNL) and they are going on tour to perform their hit songs and share road stories of the mixed bag of excitement, dread, inspiration, emotional torture and unconditional support that is being a band.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TRANS-CANADA
HIGHWAYMEN
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2023
The Western Fair - LONDON, ON
London Major Appliances Rink
TICKETS ON SALE FRIDAY, June 9, 2023 at 10AM
Doors: 7:00PM Show: 8:00PM
Concert Ticket Includes Admission to the Western Fair on Day of Show
Order online at https://www.westernfair.ca/
Tickets: $35.00 (plus HST and fees) All Ages / General Admission Floor, Reserved Seating
Four of Canada’s Iconic Singer/ Songwriters Unite Four Frontmen/ One Band
The Trans-Canada Highwaymen are Moe Berg (TPOH), Chris Murphy (SLOAN), Craig Northey (Odds) and Steven Page (Ex-BNL) and they are going on tour to perform their hit songs and share road stories of the mixed bag of excitement, dread, inspiration, emotional torture and unconditional support that is being a band.
It was against the beige backdrop of late 80’s and early 90’s that these front men of Canada’s most popular and commercially successful alt/rock, power/pop bands started their careers. Their unique perspectives on being catapulted from the hard working underground indie scene to acclaim during one of Canada’s most exciting and transformative music eras is a story only they can tell. This is a unique opportunity to witness them singing their hit songs together like I’m An Adult Now / Hard to Laugh/She’s So Young (TPOH), Underwhelmed / Coax me/The Other Man (SLOAN), It Falls Apart / Someone Who’s Cool/Make You Mad (Odds) and The Old Apartment / Brian Wilson/Jane (Ex-BNL) The performance gives audiences the opportunity to see four of Canada’s most successful & witty musical front men sharing stories, songs and laughter.
Yes, they are going to play on each other's songs as a band and yes, they will rock.
For media accreditation requests:
Chris Campbell (519) 860-1603 Chris@MusicTourism.ca
Western Fair District Greg Blanchard (519) 438-7203 EX 239 Gblanchard@westernfairdistrict.com