The 77th edition of the Navan Fair gets underway this Thursday, Aug. 8 at 4 p.m. with action on the midway and in the Navan Memorial Arena. Later on in the evening, the demolition derby ring will be the scene of massive “car”-nage as six-cylinder vehicles go bumper-to-bumper for the honour of being this year’s champion.
The fair will continue over the course of the weekend and will wrap up on Sunday with a performance by Terry Marcotte. In between, there will be plenty to see and do for the entire family.
Highlights include the tractor, truck and heavy horse pulls on Saturday and Sunday; the Ultimutts Stunt Dog Show with three performances a day at 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. on Friday and Saturday only. You will be able to meet some of the staff from the Keepers Wildlife Rescue Centre during “Meet the Keepers” sessions on Friday and Saturday at 10 a.m. in the dairy tent.
Other special attractions include the Great Canadian Lumberjack Show at 3 and 6 p.m. the Capital Cowgirls Drill Team who will be performing the Navan Arena on Saturday, Aug. 10, and the only international alpaca fleece and composite halter show in Eastern Ontario.
The highlight on Saturday will once again be the annual Navan Fair Parade which starts in front of St. Mary’s Hall on Smith Road at 10:45 a.m. and winds its way down Colonial Road to the fair grounds. A tradition that has grown over the years is the pre-parade breakfast which is served inside the church hall from 8 to 11 a.m.
Inside the fair grounds, Robertson Amusements will once again be operating all of the midway rides and games of chance. Opening day has been designated as Toonie Thursday when you can go on any ride for just a toonie. Friday is Bracelet Day when you can purchase a bracelet for $40 which entitles you to unlimited rides for the day.
Of course, no Navan Fair would be complete without live entertainment performed under the domes from 9 p.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday night and 1 p.m. on Sunday afternoon. This year’s headliners include New Vintage on Thursday night, The Timber Line & Tebey on Friday night, Sussex & Big Sugar on Saturday night and The Barrow Gang Buskets, Terry Marcotte and Keith Glass on Sunday afternoon.
Arguably the most popular attraction at the Navan Fair is the demolition derby which takes place on Thursday and Friday night. The first night features the small six-cylinder cars, while the second night features the senior drivers on the demolition derby circuit.
Admission to the Fair is $15 for adults, $10 for seniors 65 and $5 for children age 6-12. Child five and under get in for free. Admission to the concerts Under the Domes on Friday and Saturday night starting at 7 p.m. is an extra $12. For a full schedule of this year’s fair visit www.navanfair.com.
CUMBERLAND FARMERS MARKET from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the R.J. Kennedy Arena in Cumberland Village with 85 local farmers and vendors ready to showcase their freshest produce, handmade goods, and unique finds! FREE ADMISSION 
THE ORIGINAL NAVAN MARKET from 9 am to 2 pm at the Navan Fairgrounds, 1279 Colonial Road in Navan. Over 100 vendors in attendance. For more information 
TRIVIA NIGHT every Tuesday night at the Royal Oak Pub Orléans from 7:30 p.m. Free to play and prize for the winning team! The Royal Oak is located at 1981 St. Joseph Blvd. near the corner of Jeanne d'Arc Blvd. For more information visit 
MUSIC IN THE PARK SERIES featuring members of the Opus Academy music school under the Domes on the Navan Fairgrounds presented by the Navan Community Association starting at 7 p.m. RAIN OR SHINE Refreshments will be available for purchase..
ORLEANS FARMERS MARKET every Thursday from 11 am to 4 pm in the parking lot at the Ray Friel Recreation Centre on Tenth Line Road. Shop the freshest seasonal produce, meat and dairy, baked goods, prepared foods, crafts and more while getting to know the folks who grew and made it. 
