Organizers of the annual Western Fair are keeping the spirit alive this year by bringing the Fair to the people!
The physical event was canceled this year due to the pandemic, however the first ever virtual Western Fair will take place from September 11-20 and fairgoers will have a chance to experience much of the fall classic through futuristic interactive experiences, with the help of Augmented Reality (A.R.) which will present guests with a real environment that has been enhanced or altered by computer-generated information (CGI).
Throughout the Fair’s traditional ten-day run fairgoers who download a special A.R. app will have the opportunity to experience a number of different A.R. adventures tied to long established fair themes like animals, agriculture, food, local entertainment, midway fun, creative competitions and much more. The app uses smartphones as a means to alter what a user will see through their smartphone’s camera.
The free A.R.app, called ‘Engage’, has been developed by local, London-based EXAR Studios and is expected to be available for download by August 31st. Stay tuned to the fair’s social media and website, www.westernfairdistrict.ca for the latest updates on the App, A.R. experiences and all other fair related content. Fair staff had already launched some of its virtual content earlier this summer including a selection of online Creative Arts competitions and summer contests, Rise2Fame youth talent video submissions and Virtual AgriFood School Tour registrations, all of which pivoted to accommodate participants with online entry opportunities as events and facilities shut down.
The virtual Western Fair will be working with fair food vendors to cook up some wonderful food offerings during the 10 days including sweet-filled Fair Food Boxes, delivered right to your door. A ‘Taste of The Fair’ will happen on Wednesday, September 16th at Park It At The Market, with a sampling of some fair décor and fair-themed food and beverage offerings available. In addition, an online shopping page will be set up where longtime fair food vendors will share links to promote and support their businesses and products.
Planning is already underway for the 2021 edition of the Western Fair and advanced tickets will be going on sale in the coming days with more details to come.
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