In our house, the excitement surrounding the Olde Tyme Country Fair is second only to Christmas. The weekend is fun for the entire family, including kids of every age.

But getting out of the house with little ones can be a challenge, as any parent knows.
This year, the fair takes place June 10–11. This usually means the weather is warm enough for shorts and T-shirts, but it can also bring rain. Having an umbrella or rain jacket handy means you won’t have to leave if we get a small amount of 
rain. I also like to bring a sweater for when it gets dark.

On Friday evening, the fun begins at 5:30 p.m. with plenty of food vendors for any picky eater. The street party has live music and plenty of attractions aimed at kids. Also, the evening ends with a bang.

“Assuming all goes well and the weather cooperates, we should have a stellar fireworks show,” says Dustin Krahn, the fair’s Promotions and Sponsorship Coordinator. 

Evenings can get a little chilly, so it helps to bring along a big blanket. You can spread it out on the ground for napping kids or watching fireworks. With so many sights to see and a lot of walking, little legs tend to tire quickly. The best solution I’ve found is to bring a wagon. They hold tired kids as well as a blanket, umbrella, and diaper bag—not to mention, wagons are easy to pull. 

“Gate prices are $15 a day or $30 for a weekend pass,” says Krahn. Prior to June 1, early bird passes were available for a $5 discount. If you haven’t gotten your tickets already, you may want to consider the early bird option for next year. Kids two and under are free. 

These passes include more than just Friday and Saturday street party admission. They also include food on Friday, the Show n’ Shine car display, access to the fireworks area, and the headline performances on the mainstage. 

A great way to start your Saturday is getting your fill at the pancake breakfast, for only $2 per person. All the proceeds go to our local fire department. Then at noon, the whole family can enjoy the parade, which includes horses, bagpipes, colourful floats, and (of course) candy.

The Kids Zone includes bouncy castles, miniature horse rides, and silly entertainment sure to make kids laugh. New to the fair this year is a trampoline and acrobatics show that’s sure to wow them. 

For kids of all ages, the midway rides provide hours of thrills, keeping in mind that the price for rides is separate. 

Be sure to wear comfortable shoes, so you can all dance the night away with artists like Brady Kenneth, The Washboard Union, and Gord Bamford.

And if you see me with my wagon full of tired kids, be sure to say hello!