It’s been a running joke for as long as the Navan Fair is old that it wouldn’t be a Navan Fair unless at least one day was washed out, or at least temporarily interrupted by a massive downpour. That was until this year, which was blessed with perfect weather for all four days last week – making this year’s theme of “Muddy Boots and Country Roots” somewhat of a misnomer.
The perfect weather brought out near-record crowds especially on Saturday which started out with the Navan Fair parade. Afterwards, the throngs of people flooded the Navan Fairgrounds to take in the midway and attend the many events and activities that made up this year’s fair including the heavy horse show, the tractor pull, the Ultimutts Agility Dog and Cat Show, the Capital Cowgirls Drill Team, and the World Record 50-Horse Hitch display.
The main attraction during the first two days of the fair was the demolition derby during which several hundred people packed the grandstands to watch six competitors play adult bumper cars in a series of heats to pick the ultimate winner. The 6-cylinder derby was held on Thursday night and the mid- and full-size event was held on Friday night.
Inside the Navan Fair building, fairgoers were able to see the various entrants in the Homecraft, Horticulture and Floriculture competitions. Next door, this year’s entries in the Navan Fair baking contest were on display. For the first time in Navan Fair history, the crown of Baking Queen was won by a man as Vincent Deschamps took home the top prize.His mother Dominique, who has won the Baking Queen crown multiple times, was named this year’s Baking Princess as the runner-up.
Sunday’s events featured the always popular Baby Show for infants 10-18 months old, the Western Horse Show, the Beef Cattle show, three more Ultimutt performances, and the Tractor Pull.
This year’s festivities were brought to a close by The County Lads who performed under the Domes.
The grandstand shows were another big hit this year with headline performances by The Derringers on Thursday night, Danny Sylvestre and the Honky Tonk Heroes on Friday night, and Kim Mitchell on Saturday night.
The Navan Fair traditionally marks the beginning of the fair season in Eastern Ontario.
For a complete list of area fairs visit https://ontarioagsocieties.com/our-fairs.
VINTAGE CAR EXPERIENCE from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Cumberland Heritage Village Museum in Cumberland Village. Explore the rapid design and mechanical advancements made during the earliest years of the automotive era. Cost: Adult - $9.42; Senior (ages 65 and up) - $6.65; Student (valid full-time student ID required) - $6.65; Youth (ages 6 to 17) - $6.65; Child (ages 5 and under) - Free; Family (Up to two adults, and accompanying children, all living in the same household) - $23.83.
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.
LIVE MUSIC at the Orléans branch of the Royal Canadian Legion, 800 Taylor Creek Dr. featuring the band Snap Crackle Pop. Everyone welcome.
CUMBERLAND FARMERS’ MARKET from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the R.J. Kennedy Arena in Cumberland Village with a variety of local farmers and vendors ready to showcase their freshest produce, handmade goods, and unique finds! FREE ADMISSION
