Orono Fair returns to celebrate 170 years in Durham Region
Published September 8, 2022 at 9:50 am
When you have a fall fair that pre-dates confederation you have a fair with some history. All the more reason organizers in Orono are excited for the return of the Orono Fair, a tradition in Durham Region since 1852.
Like so many other events involving people and crowds, the Orono Fair was put on hold the past two years because of the pandemic. But it’s 2022 and the fair is back and kicks off today, with the official opening ceremony at 6 p.m. in the Orono Arena.
“These past few years have been trying times for everyone, that is to be sure, but we are so happy to be back,” said Orono Agricultural Society President Shelby Dillon. “As our theme this year says. ‘A Small Town with A Big Heart,’ we have persevered and here we are … so make sure you take in all your favourite fair foods and rides you’ve been missing for a few years!”
There’s something for everyone at the fair, with truck and tractor pulls, agricultural exhibits, chainsaw carving, fiddle contests, sheep shearing, falcon demonstrations, axe throwing, blacksmith demonstrations and agricultural safety seminars, to name just a few.
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There is the midway, of course, and plenty of activities for the kids, with a corn maze, rabbits and goats oh my, a pony pull and maple syrup for days.
The grown-ups will have plenty on their plate as well with a beer garden, motocross demos and live music all weekend, including the James Barker Band (separately ticketed) on Friday night.
The Orono Fair parade through downtown Orono (arriving at the fairgrounds around 11 a.m.) headlines Saturday’s schedule, with the Truck and Tractor Pull the showcase event in the evening.
The Orono Fair opens at 5 p.m. tonight and goes until 10. Fair hours Friday and Saturday are 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. and closing day hours Sunday are 8:30 a.m. until 4 p.m.
Tickets are $15, with weekend passes available for $30. Kids under 13 (with an adult) get in free.
