An iconic London staple is set to return to the city this week for 10 days of fun and excitement.
The 143rd Western Fair will open its gates on Friday with over 50 midway rides, hundreds of farm animals, and tons of fair food filling the Western Fair District.
Previous years have brought an average of around 190,000 people to the fairgrounds, and Western Fair District Director of Agriculture Heather Blackwell said it's a combination of nostalgic elements and new attractions that keep everyone coming back year after year.
"I think it's a little mix of old and new, and never really ignoring one or the other," she said.
"Parents want to bring their children, grandparents want to bring their grandkids and show them, potentially, that favourite ride or attraction or just the sites, smells and people of the fair," Blackwell added. "But of course there's audiences that always want to see something new and we try and do that with attractions and entertainers that we source from across North America so that London can be entertained."
The fair will feature a number of musical guests including Canadian rock band April Wine, which will be the main stage headliner at the Metroland Media Agriplex on Monday. Indie pop band Walk Off The Earth, Canadian country singer Aaron Pritchett and Canadian singer and songwriter Burton Cummings will also perform.
Blackwell said as of Thursday that there are still tickets left for the music acts, but they are selling fast.
"Which is fantastic, we love that," she said. "I think it's because our concerts are offered indoors at the Agriplex arena so there's seating or standing for our guests. It's a really nice intimate and interactive venue."
Around 25 local performers will also play free shows at the I Love Local tent throughout the 10-day fair. As well, the fair will feature two demolition derbys, a rodeo, duck and pig racing, magic acts and man more attractions for fairgoers
While rides and music are a big part of the event's appeal, Blackwell said agriculture is also an integral part of the Western Fair.
"It's sort of in our roots and our DNA," she said. "We put a lot of time and people power into ensuring that we've got great educational displays around agriculture and food so our urban audiences can learn about where their food comes from... so they can support farmers and local food."
For those looking to fill their stomachs with some traditional fair food, Blackwell said there will be lots to choose from.
"You can't have a fair without elephant ears and bacon on a bun, and corn dogs. So you have to have all of the traditional stuff, but I think that's really what people come for," she said. "However, in the 'I Love Local' tent we do try to come up with some unique goodies, but they're made from local food and provided by local small producers."
Admission at the gate is $5 for kids, $15 for adults, and $10 for seniors. Prices for the four concerts range in price from $30-$40 and entrance to the fair is included with the price of the concert ticket. Further ticket information can be found at www.westernfairdistrict.com.
The 143rd edition of the fair will run until September 16.