Fair tops 8,000 in attendance mark for 176th edition

The 176th annual Leamington Fair enjoyed a warm, sunny weekend, despite a few early showers on Saturday morning, May 25, and lit up the Leamington skyline with the lights and sounds expected every summer from the fairgrounds.

An array of rides, games and food vendors greeted attendees and the popular children’s bicycle giveaway saw 20 bikes in the hands of excited youngsters.

Live bands performed on stage on Friday and Saturday evenings, as well as Sunday afternoon, giving fairgoers an opportunity to clap their hands and tap their toes.

The smell of fried onions, cotton candy and freshly popped corn filled the air, along with the screams of riders trying out rides like Alien Abduction and the giant Ferris wheel.

The demo derby attracted 14 competitors and filled the grandstand with spectators Saturday evening.

Leamington District Agricultural Society spokesperson Carrie Smith said that 8,300 wristbands were sold at the front gate and the weekend was an overall success, and the society is looking to make it “bigger and better next year.”