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.
JEFF LEIPER LISTENING TOUR stop from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Stray Dog Brewing Company, 501 Lacolle Way. Come out and share ideas, raise concerns, and talk about the issues with mayoralty canddiate Jeff Leiper.
TRIVIA NIGHT from 7:30 p.m. every Tuesday night at the Royal Oak Pub Orléans. Free to play. Prizes for the winning team! The Royal Oak Pub is located at 1981 St. Joseph Blvd. near Jeanne d'Arc. For more info visit 
TRIVIA NIGHT from 6:30 p.m. at the Stray Dog Brewing Company. Exercise your grey matter before it turns to mush over the holidays. Reservations are a must to secure your spot. Send your team name and number of people to info@straydogbrewing.ca. The Stray Dog Brewing Company is located at 501 Lacolle Way in the Taylor Creek Business Park.
OPEN MIC NIGHT upstairs at the Orléans Legion, 800 Taylor Creek Dr. starting at 7 p.m. Singing, comeday, poetry and more. All level of talent welcomne. Sign up at the door. Bring some friends and have some fun.
MOTHER'S DAY TEA PARTY hosted by the Rotary Club of Orléans from 12 noon to 2 p.m. in the basement of Paroisse St-Joseph, 2757 St-Joseph Blvd. Tickets $50, $20 for children 5-12. Best fascinator contest. For more information, please contact Director of Fundraising Mashooda Syed at 613-255-0870. Money raised will go to the Columbia Learning Centre the Corner of Knowledge.
