CNE Preview: Everything Old Is New Again

If you’re a kid in the city, you’ll know why Friday is going to be a bittersweet day in the GTA.

For the 130th time, the CNE will open its gates for fun, frolic – and a glimpse of the end of summer.

Organizers always try to find something new for the big event, which lasts until September 1st. But the real attraction of the fair may not be what’s new but what isn’t.

Year after year, people go back expecting to spend a small fortune trying to win a stuffed toy that would cost them half the amount in a store; scare themselves sick on a roller coaster; and destroy their diets gorging on Tiny Tom donuts and other non-healthy treats at the Food Building.

But for those who insist on originality, the Ex has that, too.

“I’m calling it cutting edge nostalgia,” said General Manager David Bednar.”It’s one of the few things where you can bring your parents and your children and all three generations have got something to do.”

Among the new attractions hoping to convince you to pay your fare to the fair:

• Circus Orange: described as the big top in the air;
• An illusion and escape show featuring a performer that no cage can contain;
• An equestrian spectacular that literally horses around and
• A tribute to the Olympics, where you may win a medal before our athletes in Beijing actually do.

The performers take pleasure in the old-fashioned nature of the event, too.

“It’s fun to be simple, but really impressive with what we do,” smiled Dominic Lacasse.

Old favourites include a daily afternoon parade, the RCMP Musical Ride, the Superdogs and the Air Show on the final weekend of the fair.

And the Bandshell won’t boast the sounds of silence this year. Among the talents scheduled for free concerts: Kim Mitchell, The Stampeders, The Trews, Tony Orlando (without Dawn), and David-Clayton Thomas.

One of the newest features of this year’s CNE is how you buy tickets. Admissions can now be purchased online, and if you get them before midnight on Thursday, you can save big.

“They can save up to 31 per cent, print the tickets at home, and then they don’t even have to stand in line to buy a ticket when they get here,” Bednar enthused.

See the coming attractions for yourself here

• What do you like about the CNE? And what’s the one thing they used to have there that you miss the most? Maybe it’s the old Shell clock Tower. Maybe it’s the Wild Mouse. Or perhaps it’s something they no longer serve at the Food Building. Whatever it is, share your memories of the Old Lady by the Lake at news@citynews.ca and we’ll publish a variety of them on opening day.