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165th Tillsonburg Fair opens Friday

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The 2019 Tillsonburg Tri-County Fair opens Friday and Rosemary Dean, Fair president, is excited to get the three-day fair started.

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“We are excited – we are a small town fair and we’re trying to do the best that we can,” said Dean. “We tried to bring in a few new things this year – and we tried to stay within our budget so we can continue. We do appreciate all of the sponsors because we wouldn’t have nearly as much stuff as we have this year.”

New activities and entertainment have been recently announced making the 165th fair even more appealing.

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“Cindy Cook from Polka Dot Door is coming to do a live show at the Kinsmen Bandshell on Sunday, August 18, and the owl mascot is coming with her.”

Cook was the longest serving female host on Polka Dot Door, a Canadian children’s TV series from 1971-1993, appearing from 1981-1993.

Brampton Batman and his Batmobile will also make an appearance Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

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The Tillsonburg Fair’s inaugural ball tournament, 10-6 on Saturday, will have five teams competing for a championship, with proceeds from the tourney split between the fair and the Helping Hands Food Bank.

And that’s in addition traditional Saturday events like the Baby Show (10 a.m. in the Lions Den), Pet Show (11 a.m.), 4H Showmanship, and the Ice Cream Eating Contest (2 p.m.).

“Very excited about that,” said Dean.

Also new this year, Tillsonburg’s Amazing Race, which begins at the south end of town Saturday morning, will make a stop at the Fair – an extra clue for Amazing Race participants!

“They’re coming to the Fair to do a challenge. We have set up a game and a ride they have to do as they come through.”

The Thrill Show Productions Demolition Derby on Sunday (2 p.m.) will have a new location at the fairgrounds, moving a short distance north near the old cattle barn.

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“That will be our home for the demolition derby for the next two to three years,” said Dean. “That was an area he (Rick Cox, Tillsonburg’s Director of Recreation, Culture and Parks) said was open for now, and we’re happy with that as changes continue at the park.”

Also new this year, Magical Midway will be providing the rides and midway from 4-9 Friday, 11-11 Saturday and 11-6 Sunday. All-day midway ride passes sold in advance are $20. Or purchase an all-day midway pass at the fair for $35.

The 10 rides, which started arriving Sunday night, are Paratrooper, Scrambler, Roll o’ Plane, Sports Mania Fun House, Sky Fighter, Large Slide, Go Gator Roller Coaster, Fire Dog Big Mouth Slide, Motorcycle Jump and Great Western Train.

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“It’s a free-riding train, not on tracks,” Dean noted.

The Comic Con, 10-7 on Saturday, will include appearances from Super Heroes like Super Girl and Spider Man, as well as Star Wars’ Stormtroopers.

Dean expects the Cosplay Contest – loaded with prizes – to be a big draw for Comic Con fans.

Dean also noted the Homecraft Section will be accepting entries Wednesday, August 14 between 5-8 p.m. and Thursday, 8-11:30 a.m. Judging takes place Thursday at 1 p.m.

Contact the fairboard office, 519-842-5964, to receive a prize list book that identifies eligible categories in both junior and adult divisions.

“We can send a link (to a PDF) or they can pick up a book,” said Dean.

The first Tri-County Has Talent Show, which had been planned Saturday night, has been cancelled, said Dean, due to lack of contestants.

cabbott@postmedia.com

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