The Orillia Fall Fair returned to full capacity this weekend for the first time since 2019.
More than 7,000 people packed ODAS Park today for the annual fair that showcases agriculture and includes fan favourties such as truck and tractor pulls, a demolition derby, and exhibits.
Erin Abbott, the manager of the Orillia Fall Fair, says organizers are very happy with the turnout and thankful for the sunny weather.
“This is the first normal event that we’ve had since 2019,” she said. “We had a capacity limit of 5,000 last year due to COVID. Today we are wide open.”
Abbott says all attendees seemed to be enjoying themselves at this year’s fair.
“Everyone is excited to be back for a normal fair,” she said.
For many, the main event of the day was the demolition derby at 1 p.m.
“It’s what most people come for,” she said. “Everybody loves it, it’s an exciting show.”
Normally, the Orillia Fall Fair takes place over the course of three days. This year the animal competitions and truck and tractor pulls were kept off the schedule due to a staffing issue.
“We are definitely feeling the loss on that,” Abbott said. “We are aiming to have the three-day event again next year.”
The always popular midway is also missing from this year’s event.
“They wanted $120,000 to come,” Abbott explained. “We are a non-profit organization and cannot afford to put that money out.”
She knows some people were disappointed about the missing midway but it was not possible this year.
“Some of them (midways) shut down over COVID and others can’t get enough staff,” Abbott explained. “When there are 20 fairs going on in Ontario in one weekend, it’s first come, first serve.”
Abbott says a lot of area teenagers come to enjoy the midway once the sun goes down.
“We are really feeling the impact of that,” she said.
Despite the loss of some attractions, Abbott says it’s still a big event for the community.
“Our mandate is agricultural education and awareness,” she said. “The fair is the Agricultural Society's biggest event of the year.”
