The schedule for this year's Western Fair has been released and it looks rather different than those of past years.
For the first time, the Fair will be closed to the public for two out of its ten days. The fair opens Friday, September 9 and runs until Sunday, September 18.
But officials announced Tuesday that the fair will be closed on the Monday and Tuesday to allow for school tours and agri-programming.
Director of Business Development Kris Dinel says they'll be able to include more children in educational activities.
"This decision will create some more capacity (for the school tour program) to educate more kids," says Dinel. "To put it in perspective, we would have 1,100 kids come through our agriculture program. This year, with the change in the overall schedule, we have capacity to do up to 2,000."
Dinel says the fact that the fair opens at the end of the first week of school was a factor in the decision.
"Our primary demographic is families," says Dinel. "They're telling us that Monday, Tuesday, quite frankly that whole week is really tough when you're making lunches and kids have hockey tryouts. There's lots going on, so what they did tell us is 'we want to come early on weekends.' So, we're going to do that. We're going to open at 10am on weekends."
To make up for the reduction in public hours, the fair will open earlier this year. It will open at 10am on Saturdays and Sundays. The weekday opening time of 3pm will stay the same.
Among this year's attractions will be the Canadian Country Music Awards fanfest, which will be held at the Metroland Media Agriplex on Saturday, September 10.
Live music will also be featured at the Jack Richardson Music Awards stage. Acts include Free 98.1 Made In London winners Hiroshima Hearts and Jessica Allossery.
A fair tradition will continue on Saturday, September 10 as the annual Warrior's Day Celebration is held. All retired or serving military personnel will get free admission to the fair with proof of service.
A new addition to this year's fair will allow children with special needs to enjoy the fair at their own pace. The "Day of Dreams" will take place on Wednesday, September 14. The fair will open to children between with special needs prior to the regular 3pm opening. Applications to take part are required by August 31.
For those who enjoy the rides at the fair, the midway will feature 29 rides this year.
Tickets to the fair are now on sale. More information can be found at www.westernfairdistrict.com