Hello Norfolk,

This week feels like a special one ✨

Yes, we’ve got all the usual events and live music (which you can now see 24/7 on our WEBSITE) — but what makes this week stand out is the way Norfolk has come out of the woodwork to share their lives, perspectives, and stories with YOU.

Our Local Voices section is overflowing with the talent, passion, and heart of people right here in our community. From thoughtful reflections to hidden gems, these contributions remind us just how much wisdom and creativity lives in Norfolk.

We’re so grateful to everyone who has taken the time to write and be part of the Insider. ❤️

And if you feel like writing, or adding your own voice to the mix, we’d love to hear from you (no experience required). Just send me an email at [email protected] — our 8000+ readers deserve to hear your story.

-Brad

FAIR IS BACK

✋ 5 Things You Can’t Miss at the Norfolk County Fair

The Norfolk County Fair & Horse Show runs Oct 7–13, 2025 — and here are five experiences you don’t want to skip:

🎸 Owen Riegling & Big Wreck in Concert

Owen Riegling — Fri, Oct 10
One of Canada’s fastest-rising country stars, fresh off his CCMA Rising Star award. Known for his Platinum hit Old Dirt Roads and over 180M streams, Owen brings high-energy, heartfelt country to the Fair.
🎟️ Ticket includes your Fair admission that day.
👉 Get Owen Riegling Tickets

Big Wreck — Sat, Oct 11
Canadian rock legends bring their powerhouse show to the Main Stage.
🎟️ Ticket includes your Fair admission that day.
👉 Get Big Wreck Concert Tickets

🚜 OTTPA Tractor Pull — Sun, Oct 12

The “Granddaddy of them all” returns. Get ready for roaring engines, dirt flying, and the grandstand shaking.

🚗💥 Demolition Derby — Mon, Oct 13

A Fair-week classic. Cars crash, the crowd cheers, and it’s always standing-room-only.

🎓 Young Canada Day — Tue, Oct 7

High school spirit fills the grandstand with cheerleading, tug-of-war, and friendly competition — a Norfolk tradition.

🎠 World’s Finest Shows Midway — All Week, Oct 7–13

Thrill rides, midway games, and glowing nights. Save money with advance Ride-All-Day vouchers.
👉 Grab Ride-All-Day Vouchers and Admission Passes

🎟️ Plan Your Fair Week

• Concert tickets include same-day admission
• Ride vouchers save money & time
• Full schedule at norfolkcountyfair.com

We’ve partnered with the Norfolk County Fair to bring you some exciting giveaways.

Our first one was a Ticket Drop — where we hid a set of Fair tickets, and the first person to find them wins. 🎟️✨

See the video below of what we posted - and the moment the winner found the tickets!

👇️👇️👇️

LOCAL VOICES

This is where our community speaks. Each piece comes straight from the hearts and minds of Norfolk’s own—your neighbours, friends, and fellow residents—sharing stories, reflections, and perspectives that matter.

🦅 Off the Beaten Path: Discovering the Magic of Teeterville Legion

By David Gilbert
Writer David Gilbert takes us inside the Teeterville Legion, a hidden Norfolk gem. Once nearly a rival to Delhi before a devastating fire in 1897, Teeterville has found new life through its Legion — hosting jam nights, carp derbies, karaoke, and more. Gilbert also captures the natural beauty surrounding the village and the warmth of its people.

👉 Read the full article

💌 Dear Luli: Where Is Everyone?

By Juliana Vasiljevic
In the latest Dear Luli column, Juliana Vasiljevic responds to a reader adjusting from big-city bustle to Norfolk’s quieter rhythms. Her advice? Embrace the slower pace, get involved in community clubs and events, and discover how small-town life can create deeper, more meaningful connections.

👉 Read the full article

🌟 Inspire and Shine: Finding Peace Amidst the Noise

By Brian Humphrey
In this reflective piece, Brian Humphrey recounts a moment in his garden when the hum of a neighbour’s chainsaw shattered the calm. Rather than letting frustration take over, he reframes the noise as a metaphor: life’s external clamor can push us inward, provoke growth, and summon us to form deeper connections. Amid chaos, he argues, we can still choose presence, kindness, and intentional relationships.

👉 Read the full article

AS IT HAPPENED

“As It Happened” shares quick stories from Norfolk — moments and events that unfolded recently in our community.

💡 Hydro NONE: Norfolk Went Dark — And Somehow We Survived

When the power went out across Norfolk, screens went black, but life lit up in a different way. Without devices and distractions, neighbours rediscovered quiet, nature, and conversation. One resident put it best: “Truthfully, that power outage was refreshing. No devices (aka no distractions), no background noise, outdoors all day. I could get used to that.”

👉 Read the full article

🎸 Albatross Rocks the Erie Masonic Lodge

On Saturday, September 27th, Norfolk’s party band Albatross brought the Erie Masonic Lodge in Port Dover to life. The usually quiet corner building at Main and Nelson transforms every Saturday from 2 pm–6 pm with live music, good drinks, and community spirit.

👉 Read the full article

🌸 Ryerse Garden Gallery – Fall Planter Workshop

A warm and creative Fall Planter Workshop at Ryerse Garden Gallery in Simcoe brought neighbours together to craft seasonal displays. It was a celebration of community, creativity, and the joy of gardening.

👉 Read the full article

HOTLINE

📞 Hotline Question of the Week

This week’s question:
“Who in Norfolk deserves a shout-out this week?”

Call or text your answer to:
(226) 894-5370

The best responses will be featured here.
Voicemails or Text Messages may be published.

👉 Call Now: (226) 894-5370
👉 Text Now: (226) 894-5370

Some of the responses we’ve received on our WEBSITE so far:
👇👇👇

HAPPENINGS

LIVE MUSIC

Friday October 3rd

🎶 Schofield's | Erin Bree Pierce | 6:30
🎶 211 Main | Paul Atkinson | 7:30

Saturday October 4th

🎶 Port Dover Masonic Lodge | Coast 2 Coast | 2:00
🎶 211 Main | Dan Walsh | 7:30
🎶 Red Fox Farms | Colour Film with Aardvark and sons | 7:30

Sunday October 5th

🎶 Port Dover Legion | Killin Time | 2:00

Tuesday October 7th

🎶 Capitol 33 | Felicia McMinn | 7:00

Wednesday October 8th

🎶 211 Main | Felicia McMinn | 8:00

Nearby

🎶 The Copper Mug Pub (Tillsonburg) | Ace of Swords | 7:00–10:00 (Thursday Oct 2)
🎶 The Copper Mug Pub (Tillsonburg) | The Flying Dutchmen | 5:00–8:00 (Sunday Oct 5)

Recent Performance:

Check out this recent performance by Albatross!
👇️👇️👇️

WEATHER

Thursday High 20°C 🌡️ Low 9°C 🌤️
Friday High 23°C 🌡️ Low 14°C 🌤️
🌡️ View current weather HERE 
🚗 Check out local gas prices HERE

Like what you see?
Don’t Like what you see?
Just want to say hi?
Reach out to me HERE