The Western Fair has returned to London, bringing with it that unmistakable symphony of aromas that wafts through the fairgrounds each September. As I wandered through the bustling midway this week, one thing became abundantly clear: this is no place for calorie counters or dietary restrictions. The Western Fair is, and always has been, a sanctuary of unapologetic indulgence—a place where the only thing that matters is how quickly you can get to the next delicious offering.
The fair’s food landscape has evolved dramatically over the years. What once consisted primarily of cotton candy, corn dogs, and caramel apples has transformed into a diverse culinary playground. Today’s offerings range from deep-fried everything to gourmet poutines that would make even the most dedicated foodies swoon. It’s a fascinating reflection of our changing relationship with food—even as health consciousness grows in our everyday lives, we still carve out these special spaces for pure, unbridled enjoyment.
This year’s standout might just be the towering “Hungry Lumberjack” sandwich from Bacon Nation—a monumental creation featuring layers of crispy bacon, tender pulled pork, and maple-infused barbecue sauce between thick slices of Texas toast. It’s messy, excessive, and absolutely worth the stack of napkins you’ll need to navigate it. As one fairgoer told me between enthusiastic bites, “I only eat like this once a year, so I’m going all out.”
The international flavors present at this year’s fair speak to London’s increasingly diverse population. From authentic Mexican street tacos to fragrant Indian curries, the Western Fair has become something of a global food market. This evolution isn’t merely about expanding menus; it represents the changing face of our city and the beautiful cultural exchange that happens through food. The Jamaican jerk chicken stand, new this year, had consistently long lines—a testament to Londoners’ adventurous palates.
Traditional fair favorites still maintain their rightful place in the hearts of attendees. The iconic elephant ears—those massive discs of fried dough covered in cinnamon sugar—continue to draw crowds. I spotted multiple generations of families sharing these treats, grandparents explaining to wide-eyed children how they’ve been enjoying the very same indulgence since they were young. In our rapidly changing world, there’s something profoundly comforting about these edible traditions.
The beverage selection has similarly expanded beyond standard sodas and lemonade. Craft beer gardens featuring local breweries like London Brewing Co-op offer a refreshing counterpoint to the sweeter options. Meanwhile, creative milkshakes topped with entire slices of cake or cookies provide the perfect photogenic treat for the Instagram generation.
What strikes me most about the fair food experience is the temporary suspension of our normally strict food rules. People who meticulously count macros or avoid carbs throughout the year happily dive into funnel cakes and loaded fries without a second thought. There’s a valuable lesson in this temporary abandonment of food restrictions—sometimes joy and community experiences should take precedence over dietary perfection.
The economics of fair food are fascinating as well. Many vendors travel the fair circuit across North America, perfecting their offerings and building loyal followings. For some local businesses, the Western Fair represents their biggest revenue opportunity of the year. When I asked the owner of a popular poutine stand about his annual circuit, he revealed that the ten days at Western Fair outperform three months at his permanent location.
Of course, no discussion of fair food would be complete without mentioning the outrageous innovations that appear each year. This season’s “must-try” novelty might be the deep-fried butter—a concept that sounds simultaneously horrifying and irresistible. These attention-grabbing creations serve an important purpose beyond mere shock value; they become conversation starters, social media fodder, and memorable shared experiences.
As I left the fairgrounds with the satisfying heaviness that comes from sampling far too many indulgent treats, I couldn’t help but reflect on the unique role these temporary food experiences play in our lives. In a world increasingly concerned with optimization and health, the Western Fair offers a necessary respite—a place where pleasure takes precedence and where the only goal is enjoyment.
The Western Fair continues through September 17, giving Londoners ample opportunity to abandon their dietary restrictions and embrace the delicious chaos. My advice? Wear your stretchiest pants, bring cash, and arrive hungry. Some experiences are meant to be savored without counting the costs—both financial and caloric.
