Toronto has opened the 129th edition of the Canadian National Exhibition or the “The Ex” for short.
The 18-day fair is one of the biggest events of or summer and ranks as one of the largest annual exhibition grounds in the world with eight permanent buildings designated ‘Heritage Sites” on 192 acres of land right in downtown Toronto on the city’s waterfront.
It begins in mid-August and runs until Labour Day Weekend (the first weekend in September). To most Toronto of school-aged children, the ‘Ex” marks the end of summer because it coincides with the start of the school year.
On the grounds are exhibits of Canadian products from manufacturing to agriculture. There are also two ‘midways’ featuring over 50 amusement rides and 80 game booths.
There are also nightly shows which over the years have featured world-class performers such as Bob Hope, Red Skelton, Bill Cosby, Liza Minneli, Frank Sinatra etc. etc.
To me, the real highlight of the show is the Air Show that takes place over the Labour Day Weekend and I encourage every hostel guest to check it out. The air show is the the world’s largest ‘over water” air display. it features precision aerobatics with the latest generation of jets as well as vintage aircraft.
The CANADIAN NATIONAL EXHIBITION. Don’t miss it!
The Princess Gates of the C.N.E.
The “EX” at night along the Lakeshore Blvd.