It's CNE Time!

Updated: Jan 26, 2022

Usually around this time of the year we have the Canadian National Exhibition going on in Toronto ON.

Founded in 1879, as the Toronto Industrial Exhibition, the CNE has enjoyed a distinguished history as a "showcase of the nation". It was "the place" where people came to experience the latest innovations in technology and commercial products as well as performances by many of the leading artists of the time. Although the CNE has changed over the years, it continues to be one of Ontario's great annual traditions.

The CNE is currently one of the 6th largest fairs in North America, and its audience truly reflects the diversity of Toronto and the region. The Food Building and the Air Show are two of the many highlights of the CNE.

It is very strange not going to the CNE this year. I have been going every year since I am 1 year old. It was a family tradition. My dad was involved with the music venues at the CNE and my mom would pack sandwiches and drinks for the day. In the old days everything was free at the Food Building. We sampled a whole bunch of treats.

The 18-day fair itself consists of a mix of shopping areas, exhibits, live entertainment, agricultural displays, sports events, a casino, and a large carnival midway with many rides, games and food. The Canadian International Air Show on Labour Day weekend has been a major feature of the fair since 1949.

There are several outdoor live music venues on-site including the permanent CNE Bandshell. All of the roads are named after the Canadian provinces and territories.

The CNE has operated almost every year during its 142-year history, including throughout the First World War (1914-1918), when it staged military demonstrations and formations as part of the overall CNE experience. However, during the Second World War (1942-1945), the CNE was closed when the site was transformed into a Training and Recruitment Centre. It remained closed in 1946 to allow time for the military to move out.

Again, so much is different in 2020 and i hope things will get back to some kind of "Normal" in 2021. Let's hope that the Canadian National Exhibition is back!!

In the meantime have a look at some of the pictures I took this week. #StreetPhotography

Try to bring your camera with you on walks because you never know what you might find outside. It is always an adventure and that is when you find the cannot miss photos.