ESSA TWP. — The 166th annual Barrie Fair kicked off yesterday and includes some new attractions along with some of the favourites people are used to.
From now until Sunday, the annual fair will showcase daily competitions, midway rides and vendors, as well as many animals to see and pet.
Essa and District Agricultural Society president Judi Elliott told BarrieToday the entire event is worth checking out, but she says there's one event which many people can’t wait for every year.
“Everybody loves the demolition derby. It is by far the favourite of anyone who comes out,” Elliott said. “We’ll have people grab their spot at the pit where the cars compete long before the action starts. And the kids just go crazy for it.”
The fair is held at the Essa Agriplex, located southwest of the city at 7505 10th Line in Essa Township
The demolition derby takes place Sunday at 12 p.m., rain or shine, but this year’s fair will also feature a new Kid’s Zone attraction that allows families to interact on an agricultural level, with potato-sack races, carrot growing and two buildings dedicated to games involving food and stories.
While the derby, midway and tractor pulls are always exciting, Elliott says the yearly event is dedicated to keeping farm life in the minds of kids and their families.
“The fair is historically a place for people in the community to gather and celebrate the farming season, and we want to make sure the education of the lands around us continue for the little ones,” she said. “It is good for kids to know just where their food comes from and where it is locally.
"That has become a big topic over the last few years for some, but for many of us it always has been.”
The fair is open today from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m., and wraps up Sunday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Tickets are $10 for general admission, and $5 for kids aged five to 12 years old. Children five and under get in free.
Family day passes and weekend passes are available as well.
For more information on tickets and show times, check out the website.
