Western Fair unveils new name for longtime Agriplex
The Agriplex at London’s Western Fair District has a new name, part of a pledge from the organization to enhance its reputation as an event destination for Southwestern Ontario.
Friday, Western Fair officials announced it will now be known as the J-AAR Expo Centre, part of a 10-year deal between the Western Fair Association and the London construction industry firm.
“Our pledge to the community is to see the venue more utilized. And we’re looking forward to working with Western Fair District in broadening the horizons and participating in increasing the usage of the venue,” Mike Pratt, chief operating officer at J-AAR, said at Friday’s unveiling.
In September, the partnership will debut “Mega Machines,” a free, interactive attraction showcasing massive excavators and other equipment used by J-AAR, offering attendees a glimpse into the construction world.
“There are heavy equipment shows in Toronto that we believe should be happening in Southwestern Ontario,” said Kris Dinel, director of agri-business at the Western Fair Association.
“There are more specific things like the concrete industry that haven’t been on the radar for London. So, we’re just trying to shift some of the mindset around where these types of events need to happen.
More events are planned that will take place alongside the traditional shows and events that have long been held there, officials said.
The events and shows host a range of 5,000 to 20,000 people throughout a weekend, Dinel said, but with the new partnership, he expects the numbers to double.
“There’ll be upcoming announcements throughout the coming years because a lot of these shows take a couple of years to plan and execute,” Dinel said.
Mayor Josh Morgan, who was present at the unveiling, said the partnership will “do so much for this space and community partnership.”
Since opening in 2003, the 11,700-square-metre (126,000-square-foot) venue has hosted more than 500 events including graduations, concerts, trade shows and community events.
By Beatriz Baleeiro, The London Free Press
