Families visiting this weekend’s Tillsonburg Fair were buzzing with excitement thanks to Educational Animal Displays.
Aug 19, 2025 • Last updated Aug 19, 2025 •
Lily Methan enjoys a ride during the 171st Tillsonburg Fair this weekend. The event took place from Friday through Sunday. Photo by Jacob Robinson
The Tillsonburg Fair was filled with energy over the weekend, largely due to the Educational Animal Displays.
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The farm from Aylmer attended the annual event, showcasing various animals like ponies, miniature horses, alpacas, goats, and sheep. However, the standout was definitely a baby kangaroo named Wilson who stole everyone’s heart.
“I bought my first one back in 2000 when I started my business and (the mob) kept growing,” said Velma Sheppard, owner of the farm.
Sheppard, her niece Abby Walker, and employee Shawn Mc Callum take their animals to fairs, birthday parties, weddings, and nursing homes.
“The elderly people love it,” Sheppard mentioned. “We do a lot of nursing home stuff; we need to put a smile on their face when they’re down and out.”
The animals not only entertain fairgoers but also provide an educational experience through their presence at events.
Velma Sheppard of Educational Animal Displays holds “Wilson” the baby kangaroo as he meets guests throughout the weekend at the 171st Tillsonburg Fair. Photo by JACOB ROBINSON /
“People need to know about these animals,” she added. “We just got our permits back from the MNR for our red foxes. We’ve got baby red foxes we picked up this week from another zoo, and Abby is going to do educational displays to let kids and people know their habitat and everything about them. People think they’ve always got rabies, but they don’t.”
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A lovely sunny day led to a fantastic Friday evening for opening night which continued until late Sunday afternoon.
“We thank Mother Nature because usually it’s raining; but we also thank everybody who continues to support this,” said Rosemary Dean, vice-president of the Tillsonburg Tri-County Agricultural Society. “Fairs are very few now; we’re glad that we can keep ours going to represent our town.”
The festivities included food trucks, tractor pulls, a demolition derby, vendor market stalls, an area for toddlers, a bustling homecraft building filled with activities and games along with a midway provided by Magical Midways which Dean noted helped bring life back into their group of fair volunteers after some tough times.
The dedicated team of twelve volunteers is supported by several others who lend a hand throughout the weekend.
“We don’t want to see it die,” Dean added.
“We’re 100 percent volunteer-based; we do this for the kids. All our hours and effort are for them.”
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Jenn Meens and her family truly appreciate all that goes into organizing this fair. Originally from Brantford , Meens travels back home every summer with her daughters Nara and Ailie Bird from British Columbia just so they can attend.
“We love seeing all those farm animals,” Meens shared. “Since we don’t live near farms , it’s great coming here. Plus , we like checking out all food choices available here too.”
Nara and Ailie were spotted taking photos with their grandfather , Art during the event.
Art Means poses alongside his granddaughters Nara and Ailie Bird at the 171st Tillsonburg Fair on Friday , Aug.15. The annual fair took place over three days starting Friday through Sunday. Photo by JACOB ROBINSON /
It’s pretty special-and really important-for my kids to connect with what it’s like living in southern Ontario,” Jenn expressed.”It feels different-and unique.”
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Velma Sheppard of Educational Animal Displays holds “Wilson” the baby kangaroo as he meets guests throughout the weekend at the 171st Tillsonburg Fair. Photo by JACOB ROBINSON /
“People need to know about these animals,” she added. “We just got our permits back from the MNR for our red foxes. We’ve got baby red foxes we picked up this week from another zoo, and Abby is going to do educational displays to let kids and people know their habitat and everything about them. People think they’ve always got rabies, but they don’t.”
This has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.
A lovely sunny day led to a fantastic Friday evening for opening night which continued until late Sunday afternoon.
“We thank Mother Nature because usually it’s raining; but we also thank everybody who continues to support this,” said Rosemary Dean, vice-president of the Tillsonburg Tri-County Agricultural Society. “Fairs are very few now; we’re glad that we can keep ours going to represent our town.”
The festivities included food trucks, tractor pulls, a demolition derby, vendor market stalls, an area for toddlers, a bustling homecraft building filled with activities and games along with a midway provided by Magical Midways which Dean noted helped bring life back into their group of fair volunteers after some tough times.
The dedicated team of twelve volunteers is supported by several others who lend a hand throughout the weekend.
“We don’t want to see it die,” Dean added.
“We’re 100 percent volunteer-based; we do this for the kids. All our hours and effort are for them.”
This has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.
Jenn Meens and her family truly appreciate all that goes into organizing this fair. Originally from Brantford , Meens travels back home every summer with her daughters Nara and Ailie Bird from British Columbia just so they can attend.
“We love seeing all those farm animals,” Meens shared. “Since we don’t live near farms , it’s great coming here. Plus , we like checking out all food choices available here too.”
Nara and Ailie were spotted taking photos with their grandfather , Art during the event.Art Means poses alongside his granddaughters Nara and Ailie Bird at the 171st Tillsonburg Fair on Friday , Aug.15. The annual fair took place over three days starting Friday through Sunday. Photo by JACOB ROBINSON /
It’s pretty special-and really important-for my kids to connect with what it’s like living in southern Ontario,” Jenn expressed.”It feels different-and unique.”
Share this article in your social network
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