If you grew up in Toronto or the surrounding suburbs, you almost certainly experienced the Canadian National Exhibition—often referred to as the CNE or affectionately, ‘The Ex.’ This annual event is a Toronto tradition that dates back to 1879, making it a 142 year old celebration. And what a celebration it is! Agriculture, entertainment, fashion, food, midway rides and more are all a part of this great event. It’s been attended by everyone from the premier of Ontario and the Prime Minister to members of the Royal Family—not to mention tourists and thousands of everyday Canadians.
There’s nothing like a trip to The Ex and after two years of pandemic-related closures, it’s back from August 19th to September 5, 2022. Let’s take a moment to reflect on this local tradition—we hope it stirs up some great memories of your own CNE experiences!
A brief history of the CNE
The Canadian National Exhibition takes place on the northern shores of Lake Ontario near Ontario Place and several lakefront parks. Featuring a spectacular midway filled with rides, games and carnival food, The Ex also has exhibits dedicated to music, agriculture and other themes. You might spend some time visiting the farm animals before checking out a live performance by a local band, then grabbing some lunch from the aptly named Food Building (or, if you’re more adventurous, from one of the midway food trucks). In fact, for some CNE-goers, the food is half the adventure—this year, they’re offering mustard and ketchup flavoured soft serve, for example!
The rides have always been a highlight, and you may remember hopping on a carousel or swinging through the air with family and friends. Maybe you won a large stuffed animal by winning a midway game, or held hands with your sweetheart while walking under the lights one evening. Many Torontonians spent years going to The Ex with their parents or school friends, and later took their own kids. Some even took their grandkids each year! The memories created at the CNE are countless and invaluable.
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, The Ex was only closed one other time: during the Second World War, when the grounds served as a training and recruitment centre for Canadian troops. Even then, in 1942 and 1943, the CNE’s midway provider took to Riverdale Park as the ‘Fair for Britain.’ It was the iconic Patty Conklin of Conklin Shows who made this happen. Other challenges over the years included the Spanish Flu pandemic in 1918-1919, the Great Depression, polio epidemics in 1937 and 1951, SARS in 2003, an electrical blackout on the eastern seaboard that closed the CNE for four days, and the H1N1 pandemic in 2009—though none caused the CNE to shut down. Through the decades, the people of Toronto and the CNE itself have persevered! We’re so glad it’s back in action this year.
The CNE has a new website featuring highlights of their heritage, should you want to explore their history further. There are some fantastic photos as well as vintage artwork from the exhibition’s many ad campaigns.
Ask your aging loved ones about their CNE memories
If your aging loved ones are from Toronto, ask them what they remember about the CNE. We bet they have some great stories! And if you went to The Ex together years ago, look for photos or share your memories with them. Even better: if they’re able to make a trip to the CNE this year, review their accessibility information and make a plan that involves shade, rest and plenty of hydration. A wheelchair or other mobility device can often make a short visit possible, and if done safely, a day at The Ex is fun at any age. Thanks for reading, and enjoy the rest of your summer.