Bigger focus on entertainment based on voluntary participation

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For many Torontonians, the opening of the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) signifies the final weeks of summer.

Running from Aug. 15 to Sept. 1, the Ex, as many locals refer to the annual end-of-summer fair, is now heading its 130th year with many of the traditional showcases back to please the 1.5 million people expected to walk through the Princes’ Gate.

That includes the Canadian International Air Show, Warriors Day Parade and the Arts and Hobbies Pavilion to name a few. But expect to see some newer attractions as well.

“You just can’t ride tradition forever so you have to strike a balance,” said David Bednar, who’s been the CNE general manager for the past decade. “You have to change with the times.”

He noted there will be some “cutting edge nostalgia” with acts like Circus Orange performing a 20-minute pyrotechnic and acrobatic performance nightly. The Grand Illusion and Escape Artist Show will also be featured with two shows daily and an extra show on the weekend.

There’s been a bigger focus this year on offering entertainment based on voluntary participation, added Bednar, noting hypnotist Mike Mandel is back to spellbind volunteers in the audience plus the Olympic display has interactive sport activities such as softball, football, field hockey and basketball.

“Spectators have the choice to watch or get right into it,” he said.

If that’s not enough to do for a full day at the EX, there are new exhibits to discover including “100 Years of Anne,” celebrating the 100th anniversary of Anne of Green Gables, and “Sitting Pretty: The History of the Toilet.”

And musical and comedic acts will again be front and centre at the CNE Bandshell with such artists as rockers Kim Mitchell and The Trews, R and B singer Ray J, and actor Mickey Rooney scheduled to appear on stage.  As the opening date quickly approaches, Bednar is hoping for another strong year at the CNE.

“The biggest challenge we have is that we’re no longer what’s new,” said Bednar.

But the CNE still has a lot to offer, both old and new, to appeal to all ages, he added.

“There are great family things (to do).”

Visit www.theex.com for a full listing of attractions at the CNE and to buy tickets online.