Londoners may not be able to take a spin on the Ferris wheel this year, but they will still be able to get that fair feeling and some cotton candy and corn dogs through a new online version of the Western Fair.
Organizers of the annual 10-day event have announced a virtual edition of the long-running fair will be held from September 11 to 20. Through augmented reality (A.R.), people will be able to use their smartphones to partake in fair themed adventures on the midway, see animals and other agricultural exhibits, and enjoy local entertainment and competitions.
Fair fans will just need to download the app called 'Engage' after August 31. Developed by London-based EXAR Studios, the app uses the camera on smartphones to alter what the user sees through its lens.
To further enhance the virtual fair experience, the Western Fair is working with its traditional food vendors to craft sweet-filled 'fair food boxes' that can be delivered to homes so Londoners can bite into a real candy apple while using the new app. The fair food boxes will be available as of September 12. For those looking for even more fair eats, a 'Taste of the Fair' will take over the Park it At The Market food truck night at the Western Fair Farmers' Market on September 16. The evening will include fair décor and fair-themed food and beverages.
Other online content was released by the fair earlier this summer at www.westernfairdistrict.ca. It included the creative arts competition and Rise2Fame youth talent video submissions and virtual agri-food school tour registrations.
Fair officials are also working to create an online shopping page where the usual fair vendors will be able to promote their items.
The 145th Western Fair was officially cancelled in May due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The cancellation marks the first time since the Second World War that the fair hasn’t been held in London.
Planning for the 2021 Western Fair is underway, fair officials have reassured. Advanced tickets for the 2021 edition are expected to go on sale soon.
