The 76th edition of the Navan Fair gets underway today with action on the midway and in the Navan Memorial Arena. Later on this evening, the demolition derby will be the scene of massive “car”-nage as the 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 Yvan Petit. 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 and Cat 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. And magician and balloon sculptor Ben Lavalee will be perform-ing in the Navan Curling Club at 12:30 p.m., 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.

Other special attractions include all-day log carving demonstrations and two wine-tasting sessions hosted by local sommelier Nyam Bann, founder of the Kentucky Lane Wine Drinkers Society (KLWDS).

Space is limited to 20 attendees per evening. Visit navanfair.com/special-events-2023 to see if there are any tickets left .

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 break-fast which is served inside the church hall from 8-11 a.m.

Inside the fair grounds, Robertson Amuse-ments will once again be operating all of the midway rides and games of chance. Opening ay 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 Sterling on stage this evening night, Bif Naked tomorrow night, Tim & The Glory Boys on Saturday night and Yvan Petit on Sunday afternoon.

Arguably the most popular attraction at the Navan Fair, year in and year out, is the demolition derby which takes place over two nights. The first night feature the small six-cylinder cars, while the second night features the senior drivers on the demolition derby circuit.

Away from the midway, live entertainment and demolition derby, the Navan Fair also boasts a significant agricultural component. In fact, when the Fair first started 76 years ago, it was largely an agricultural exposition. Farmers would come from miles around, including from outside the county, to show off their prized cows, horses and sheep while their spouses would square off in the baking and homecraft competitions.

When it comes to the agricultural aspect, not much has changed. There are heavy and western horse competitions, a Jersey dairy cattle show, an Ayrshire and Holstein show and a Purebred Beef cattle show.

In the Cumberland Agricultural Society building, you will find this year’s winners in the baking competition, the flori-cultural show and the various homecraft contests.
So, as you can see, there is plenty to see and do at this year’s Navan Fair.

Admission to the Fair is $15 for adults, $10 for seniors 65 and $5 for children age 6-12. Admission to the concerts Under the Domes on Friday and Saturday night starting at 7 p.m. is an extra $10.

A special 50/50 draw is also being held. Tickets can be purchased by visiting www.navanfair.com and clicking on the 50/50 draw “More Info” button on the right.