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.
THE ORLÉANS BREWING CO. is serving up tartare every Wednesday from 5-8 p.m. with three different options – beef, tuna and beet. The Orléans Brewing Co. is located at 4380 Innes Rd. across from Precision Automotive near the McDonalds.
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.
CHAPEL HILL SOUTH SUMMER SIZZLER presented by the Chapel Hill South Community Association in Blue Willow Park. Event starts at 5 p.m. FREE BBQ (Halal and Veggie Options), kids activities, beer tent and live music. Free outdoor movie at 9 p.m.
CUMBERLAND FARMERS MARKET from 9 a.m. to 1 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
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 
