The Canadian National Exhibition in Toronto is an annual event. It really marks the end of summer as it begins the 3rd week of August ending the Labour Day weekend with the Air Show. As a child it was a major event in my life. Saving money for several months to be able to go on some favourite rides. The Flyer was the biggest roller coaster at the time. It was dismantled due to old age years ago replaced by more modern rides. The various buildings would have exhibits so gathering a bag full of pamplets was a must. The food building offered many free samples as well as booths to buy meals. Now it is just a food building with all the modern take out outlets as well as many ethnic favourites selling a variety of dishes. There are CNE bargains, rides, midway with a chance to win many prizes including the biggest stuffed animals. The Princes" Gates featured in the postcard were dedicated in 1937 by Prince George and Prince Edward when they visited Toronto. Many tourists have their picture taken there.
The Carlsberg Championship team and wagon were regular features at the EX for years. I had these two free cards from them in my collection. The horses are 8 beautiful Championship Belgian show horses. They are very large animals.
The Ex offers lots of good and junk food eating- from snow cones to candy floss to tiny tim donuts- the smells entice you to eat. This year deep fried butter and deep fried crispy creme hamburgers are a feature. Not sure if I would try one.
Many photo opportunities, craft displays, people selling the latest gadgets, and lots of junk to buy if wanted. I have bought some small elephants items in the International Building that features booths from all over the world. Of course, many African nations are located there thus the availability of not only elephant artifacts but other African items.
Adolph and I plan to go on the Labour Day weekend to check the end of the EX sales as well as to see the Air Show. Have you ever been to the Ex? Do you have childhood memories of being there?
If you want a postcard featured here, email me at
abdm@rogers.com. I will send you my address so you can send me a postcard.
Every year when I was a kid, I would go to the CNE with my family to see the airshow. We would go to the food building and stock up on Margaret's donuts and Coke (what a diet!) and then spread our blanket on the hill overlooking Lake Ontario and enjoy the spectacular airshow. My favourite airplanes were the RAF Vulcan which gave an amazing illustration of its ability to hover, and, the Concorde. Of course, the Snowbirds were another favourite.
ReplyDeleteMemories of the CNE come flooding back with this post of yours, Barb. As an elementary age kid, I spent many days there, free to wander all day as my mom and step-father worked at Jeffery's Fish and Chips. I used to go through all of the buildings, looking for free samples, and meander the midway. Lots of fun and nothing to fear for a curious kid back in those days.
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