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 temporarily interrupted by a massive downpour. And given the record rainfall the area has received so far this summer, including six major thunderstorms during the month of July, the organizers were understandably worried about a possible washout. Instead, this year’s fair went off under relatively dry conditions.
Except for a brief downpour on Saturday afternoon, the rain held off during the four-day event, allowing fairgoers the opportunity to enjoy all the fair had to offer without the need for an umbrella or a poncho.
Things got underway on Thursday with competition in the Heavy Horse show and the Ayrshire, Holstein and Jersey Cattle show.
The opening ceremony was attended by special guest Mayor Mark Sutcliffe who cut the ribbon with the assistance of Orléans South-Navan city councillor Catherine Kitts and this year’s Navan Fair Ambassador, McKenna Wall.
It was also announced that perennial Navan Fair Baking Queen, Dominique Deschamps, had regained the crown she lost to her son Vincent at last year’s Fair,
Thursday’s main event was the mini-smash demolition derby for six-cylinder cars, which was held in front of a packed grandstand.
Friday turned out to be another rain-free day as visitors toured the midway and took in a number of special attractions including the Meet the Keepers Wild Presentation Show, the Countryside Petting Farm and Pony Rides and the Capital Cowgirls Drill Team demonstration.
Fans of the furry, four-legged variety were drawn to the Ultimutts Animal Actors Show which has been a must-see attraction for the past three years.
Friday’s activities also included the mid-size, and semi-stock full-size demolition derby as the PowerWheels derby for the youngsters.
The day was brought to a close with a performance by The Derringers and Signal Hill under the Domes.
The annual Navan Fair Parade kicked things off on Saturday, followed by a bed race showdown between members of the Navan fire station and Sunnymead Farms which was won by the first responders.
New this year was the 1st Annual Navan Fair Zucchini-500 Car Race in which competitors attached wheels to zucchinis and raced each other down a track in the Navan Pavilion.
Later in the day, men and machine went head-to-head in the Truck Pull to see who could pull a weighted sled the farthest.
The day ended with a performance by The Road Hammers.
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 Fair was brought to a close by The RockPhiles and doubleBack.
ORLEANS FAMILY FUN DAY from 12 noon to 3 p.m. in Barrington Park. This is a free community event presented by the Chateauneuf Community Association.
THE ORIGINAL NAVAN MARKET from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Navan Fairgrounds. 220+ vendors. Free admission. Free parking. Accessible grounds. Family Fun Zone. Everyone is welcome.
TRIVIA NIGHT from 7:30 p.m. every Monday 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.
ORLÉANS FARMERS’ MARKET from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Orléans Town Centre Plaza, 290 Centrum Blvd. Browse 130+ local vendors, grab a bite, and discover amazing handmade and local finds. Plenty of parking available.
