WHAT'S ON FOR VIRGIL STAMPEDE THIS MAY LONG WEEKEND

ONE-DAY PASSES BEING SOLD FOR $35 AT PHIL'S YOUR INDEPENDENT GROCER UNTIL MAY 20 AT 9 P.M.

Excitement is mounting in Niagara-on-theLake with the return of the Virgil Stampede coming this May long weekend from May 21 to 23, after a two-year pandemic hiatus. The 54th annual event, hosted by the Virgil Business Association, is taking place at the Virgil Sports Park at 1567 Four Mile Creek Rd.

Here's a rundown of five things you won't want to miss at this year's stampede.

THE MIDWAY:

There's nothing like the joy of riding the ferris wheel or playing bumper cars, the adventure of exploring the maze, or the excitement of winning a prize in a carnival game. The stampede will bring back its classic midway rides and games, open the entire weekend, from open until close on each day. Visitors can also purchase food, snacks and drinks at the outdoor food court, including burgers, poutine, pizza, ice cream and more.

FREE PONY RIDES:

For all the cowboys and cowgirls in training out there, there will be free pony rides happening throughout the stampede on all three days. Kids are all welcome to come take a ride at the circular track on stampede grounds, starting at 11 a.m.

REPTILES:

They slither, they're scale-y, and sometimes, they look a little silly: The Reptile Kingdom, or London Reptiles, will be at the Kids' Pavilion showing off some of their coolest coldblooded creatures, such as snakes, lizards, turtles and more. The London Reptiles exhibit will be open from noon to 5 p.m. every day of the weekend.

THE BEN SHOW:

Comedy, juggling, unicycling, and circus stunts: Ben Burland does it all at The Ben Show, happening every day at the Kids' Pavilion. You can check out all the tricks and stunts from the man who's been amusing audiences for years, with shows happening every day at noon, 2 p.m. and 5 p.m.

FIREWORKS:

Finally, the long weekend will end with a big bang as the town celebrates Victoria Day with a fireworks display on Monday, May 23. It's a crowd favourite and a tradition spanning over five decades of the stampede's existence. The fireworks wrap up the stampede, beginning at 9:30 p.m.

For a full schedule of events and more information, visit virgilstampede.ca/schedule.