Visiting the CNE (Canadian National Exhibition) has been a family tradition since I was a little girl and continues today. It has been a tradition for many Canadians since it began in 1879 as The Toronto Industrial Exhibition and is now also known as The Ex.
The CNE is open for 18 days beginning August 19 and runs until September 5, 2016.
As a young girl, I would go with my father, who would be in the Warrior’s Day Parade on the first Saturday after opening. He played drums in a Pipe band and wore a kilt. We would go in on a bus, meet the rest of the family and spend the day enjoying the rides. I think it was my dad I first ventured on the Polar Express, it has been my favourite ride since childhood.
I remember the summer we were allowed to go with friends and not our parents. The summer we moved back to Toronto, I believe it was 1980 and it continued from there.
My mom loved going from building to building on shopping sprees for the new products that were in that season and would drag me around a few times each season if my dad didn’t go with her.
Family Traditions- Our Visit
Going to the CNE is a memorable time for families. My daughter’s birthday is close to opening day and we try to take her each year to celebrate. While last year we didn’t go due to health issues, we are heading down this year.
I visited The Ex website to figure out what events we wanted to attend using the schedule of daily events. Since each day has a few different events, we needed to find a day that would satisfy us all as a family. Here are a few details of our plans for the day.
Here are a few details of our plans for the day.
- Kid’s World – Pizza Making – Splash N Boots
- Celebrity Chef – Lynn Crawford
- Super Dogs
- Agri-Magic Show
- Rides and Games
- Trying new food
I will also be heading down on Labour day weekend with Common Cents Mom to see some of the Air Show and take in more of the sights and sounds of the 2016 season.
There are plenty of photo opportunities as you walk through the grounds making our family tradition more memorable.
When the sun goes down the CNE lights up. It’s a whole different atmosphere that we love.
Learn more about the fair from the CNEHeritage, see how it was over the first 100 years.
Do you have a family tradition? Share some below in the comments.
Mama Bear’s Haven is a Canadian lifestyle blog created by Tammy Bell in 2012. She loves cold brew tea, chocolate and taking pictures of nature.There's recipes, parenting tips and crafts.
Last year was our first year. We spent the entire day at Kids World. The Pizza Making is fun!! This year I plan on making a schusule first and seeing some things before we get to Kids World 🙂
schedules are great to make or you never get out of Kid’s World. I love the Art and Craft Building. Sometimes I leave hubby and just go off and do a quick look around.