Organizers of the Orillia and District Fall Fair are expecting "record" attendance this year.
Happening later in the year than ever before, the 174th edition of the fair takes place at ODAS Park in Severn from Oct. 18 to 20.
ODAS Park president Chad Cooke says the new date allows the three-day fair to reach its full potential.
"We are going with more of a pumpkin theme this year," he said. "The main attraction this year is going to be pumpkin chunking."
The event will see participants use a handmade catapult to launch pumpkins 300 feet. The most accurate shooter will be crowned the winner.
"We do have some people coming that are backyard builders," Cooke said. "It's a new event and I think it's going to be crazy popular."
The Severn Slaughterhouse haunted attraction will also be operating during the fall fair this year.
"It gives people something extra to do," Cooke said. "The kids just have so much fun with it."
The date of this year's festival was also changed to bring the midway back to ODAS Park for the first time since 2019.
"It's a big deal because it's something for everyone to enjoy, but the teens really love it," Cooke said. "We've been missing out on that demographic over the last several years."
While the warmer September weather may be more ideal for some, Cooke says holding the festival in late October allows for a better ambience.
"When we hold the fair in September, it doesn't even feel like fall. This year, it's going to have a whole different feel," he said.
Returning to the fair this year are the truck and tractor pulls, the demolition derby, livestock competitions, exhibits, and more.
To make the fair possible, Cooke says he is going to need "a ton" of volunteers.
"School volunteer hours are mandatory now," he said. "We create a fun environment for the kids who help us out and they have a great time doing it."
He asks anyone interested in volunteering to contact him at [email protected].
Tickets for this year's fair will cost $5 on Friday evening for all ages. On Saturday and Sunday, tickets will cost $10 for adults and $5 for elementary school-aged children, while children five and younger will get in for free.
Tickets, a full schedule of events, and more information will be made available soon here.
