LET'S GO TO THE EX-A 2013 TRIP TO THE CNE-CANADIAN NATIONAL EXHIBITION

You can enter through two gates. This is the Princes' gates opened in the 1930s by the royal princes of the time.

Situated in downtown Toronto on the lakeshore, the Ex or the Canadian National Exhibition is over 100 years old.

The noise and smells of the midway bring back so many childhood and adult memories.

Lots of games and chances to win a prize.

Lots of fun rides in the midway. Or take the younger children to the kiddieland area with rides and fun houses to walk through and try not to be scared.

Food is everywhere-from one end of the Ex to the other. However, at least one trip during the day must be to the Food Building with its many booths and variety of goodies. Meals, french fries, fudge and those famous Ex Tiny Tom donuts!

After visiting the many buildings such as the Direct Energy  Centre, the Allstream Centre, the Better Living Centre and the Arts, Crafts and Hobbies building, a quiet pause by the Fountain near the Bandshell is a must. How many family pictures exist with a group shot by this famous fountain? I know we took some on our visit! The Ex is just one of those must see and visit Canadian icons! So Let's go to the Ex!!

A POSTCARD FROM THE CANADIAN NATIONAL EXHIBITION

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.

A NEW BEGINNING

A new month. A new beginning for several people I know. From a painful place months ago to a joyful place today. A family birthday. A daughter's anniversary. August lets us know summer is nearing an end. Enjoy the month- every day. In Toronto, the EX- Canadian National Exhibition marks the end of summer. Must go as it is a local and childhood tradition for me. We are reminded with each beginning, a phase has ended.

August always reminds me of my father-in-law's death years ago.

Are you beginning something new today? Has something ended for you with July gone? Not all beginnings are joyful when there has been a loss. What does your new beginning bring you?