18/ OCTOBER 2022 THE RIDER
The 2022 Norfolk County Fair and Horse Show focuses on embracing the local community
Fall is synony-
mous with various events that help local communities mark the change of seasons. For Norfolk County, it’s the time to celebrate their annual fair. Since 1840, the
Norfolk County Fair and Horse Show has been delighting fami- lies and eventgoers of all ages. It is Ontario’s third largest fair, and the oldest agricultural fair in the province. “We really pride our-
selves on offering some- thing for everyone,” says General Manager Angela Hogeveen. After cancelling the
fair in 2020 and opening with limited capacity in 2021, the organization be- hind the fair is happy to an- nounce it is back in full swing.
“We really look at
parts that have had success in years past, but anything new we’re bringing in, we try to think of things that have a mass appeal and some niche items for spe- cific groups,” Hogeveen says.
New features this
year include exciting shows like SuperDogs!, and the children’s
performers
Splash ‘N Boots. Exploring the grounds, you can take in the eye-catching stylings of the High Diving show. Hogeveen describes it as a “spectacle that appeals to the masses and adds that ‘wow’ factor to what we have as you’re walking around.” “This year we’re re-
started, and there are two new options for those looking to enjoy live music at the fair. Grandstand seats
and a VIP section are available for those interested in a different
experi-
ence compared to general admission. “We’re really ex- cited to be able to offer
these new
ally looking to get back to our roots and celebrating everything local to Norfolk County,” Hogeveen says. As a part of this ini-
tiative, the Norfolk Fair Market will debut this year. It will include local artisans, makers, food producers, and other creators. “It’s really just about celebrating all of the things that are coming out of our local commu- nity,” she adds. The emphasis on
local isn’t just at the market either, but also in the form of entertainment. “We’re really going
back to focus on celebrating local musicians, because there’s so much talent in and around Norfolk County,” Hogeveen says. These per- formances will be on the Lounge 5 stage. Alongside each concert, the lounge will feature local beer, wine, and cider availability at the bar. Musical
talent is
abundant at the fair this year, and the concert series Party on Track will take place on Oct. 7 with the Hunter Brothers and Oct. 8 with Walk Off the Earth. Ticket sales have already
ways to enjoy the concerts and try some new ap-
proaches,” Hogeveen says.
In addition to live
music, another classic at- traction is motorsports, “which is a huge fan favourite,” Hogeveen says. It will be taking place five out of seven nights. These include the truck pull, tractor pull, a demolition derby for two nights, and a monster truck show. “Food is such a
huge part of the fair and it’s a favourite feature for so many,” Hogeveen says. There will be unique new offerings, like Loaded Perogies, and returning traditional vendors,
including
Bryan’s Dixie Dogs, which has been a staple since 1946. “I think, having
grown up myself in Nor- folk County, (the fair is) really a part of the fabric of our community,” Hogeveen says. She notes there are many generations who have connections with the fair, including vendors, staff,
The Rider Donation to Joseph Brant Museum
Curator of the Museums of Burlington.
Photo by The Rider Horse show judge. Riding clinics. Lessons at your farm.
Preparing for the final shows of the season? • Any skills that need some polish? • Unwanted habits that need some fixing? • A new class or discipline you’d like to prepare for?
I share practical tips to refine every pattern, course or test, using the science of horse behavior and learning
and volunteers. “I think because the
Fair has been around for so long and because there’s so
many traditions that remain unchanged, even though we add new features all the time, I just really think it
brings back memories for people.” The Norfolk County
Fair and Horse Show runs
from Oct. 4 to 10 this year. For more information and ticket sales, you can visit the fair’s official website.
The Rider in 1970, was also the founder of The Burlington Post on Sep- tember 15, 1965. On July 8, 2022 Aidan
Aidan Finn, founder of
donated a number of here with Chris Selman,
copies of the first edition, as well as subsequent is- sues published in the first couple of years, to the Joseph Brant Museum. Aidan (left) is pictured
Riding clinics. Private lessons. Judging shows and fairs.
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