Visit the CNE before it closes Sept. 2.
With a new academic year around the corner, celebrate the end of summer at the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE).
The annual fair returned Aug. 16 for its 145th year, and will run until Sept. 2, offering up attractions, rides, exhibits, crazy food, and more. Touting something for everyone to enjoy, the historic event held at Toronto’s Exhibition Place has been bustling with life since it opened.
“The CNE, also known as the Canadian National Exhibition, is one of over 200 Ontario rural fairs, and it’s all about promoting agriculture. And so, because the CNE is in Toronto, it is one of many fairs within our district, and so we’re here today manning the booth to promote all the fares in Ontario,” said Bev Donaldson, past president of the Schomburg Fair, who was promoting Ontario based fairs for the Ontario Association of Agricultural Societies. “The CNE is the grandfather of fairs. It’s the biggest one in Ontario, because it runs for approximately 17 days. Some fairs are very small, miniature fairs that are only one day. The majority of them usually run from Friday to Sunday, so that they’re usually three-day fairs… But the CNE is the biggest in Ontario.”
A selection of more than sixty rides in the Midway offers both kids and adults a way to elevate their excitement in the event. The rides that stand out the most are the CNE Super wheel and the Sky ride, each offering a unique view of landscape and the crowds of people from an elevated height.
If you ever get tired from the rides, the exhibitions and performances, which are held indoors, offer attendees a calmer experience of history, art and culture. Just hop on board the CNE express train and ride it to the closest stop to your choice of attraction.
However, one of the most unique features of each CNE is the food.
For gastronomical enthusiasts who are feeling adventurous, there are an abundance of different and wacky types of food offering up things like deep fried pickled Oreos, Kool-Aid fried chicken sandwiches, tzatziki cheesecake, and wasabi ice cream – among other items.
There are food trucks and more vendors inside the food building.
Animal lovers can pet bunnies and feed alpacas along with many other farm animals at the Farm in the Better Living Centre. Attendees are shown demonstrations of agricultural practices such as sheep shearing, which is popular among kids.
The Enercare centre houses a gaming garage filled with the excitement of gaming.
Gamers can enjoy playing their favorite games at designated gaming stations. It also has retro arcade gaming consoles and virtual reality stations for a nostalgic dive into the past.
With only a few days to go before the event concludes, people can still join the fun and excitement.
Each day is its own adventure, with many concerts and shows every day and the never-ending selection of rides, food and games. If you’re going over the final weekend, you can take in the long-awaited Canadian International Air Show, scheduled for the last three days of the fair.
Interested students can purchase tickets and ride coupons at the entrance gates and ticket booths or online at www.theex.com/tickets/.
