While rides such as this can be had at more places, there's nothing like the atmosphere of Toronto's lakeside adventure at 'The Ex'
Photo Credit: Michelle Siu

CNE opens in Toronto, PNE in Vancouver

The Canadian National Exhibition opened in Toronto today, and on the west-coast in Vancouver, the Pacific National Exhibition opens tomorrow. These bookend events were at one time, the highlight and signal that the end of the summer was near.

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A view from the Sky Ride aerial ski lift at the Canadian National Exhibition. © flickr/Canada

In Toronto, what’s affectionately known as ‘The Ex’ was, for generations of kids, the last big blow out before school started after the Labour Day holiday.

For salespeople and retailers, it was the opportunity to introduce and sell a new gadget or convenience, and for farmers it was the trip into the city to put their produce in the spotlight..

From ‘Silver Elvis’ to the ‘Copper Cowgirl’, there was always a host of characters to encounter as you walk the midway, or the stroll through the Better Living Centre. It was also an employment opportunity for many students, a way to make a few extra dollars before getting back to the books.  Generations have worked at the Ex!

And they there’s the food!  Ice cream waffles were always a favourite, but this year they’re introducing Poutine Balls and Deepfried Cheesecake!  We’ll find out more about the thrills to be had at the CNE, and the PNE.

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