Canadian National Exhibition (CNE), Toronto, ON

The CNE is on now until after Labour Day.

The Canadian National Exhibition (CNE), also known as The Ex, is an annual event that takes place at Exhibition Place in Toronto, during the 18 days leading up to and including Labour Day Monday. 

With approximately 1.3 million visitors each year, the CNE is Canada’s largest annual fair and the seventh largest in North America. The first Canadian National Exhibition took place in 1879, largely to promote agriculture and technology in Canada. Agriculturists, engineers, and scientists exhibited their discoveries and inventions at the CNE to showcase the work and talent of the nation. As Canada has grown as a nation, the CNE has also changed over time, reflecting the growth in diversity and innovation, though agriculture and technology remain a large part of the CNE today.

The Cat Show is at the CNE this weekend.  I volunteer with the Annex Cat Rescue, who had a table there and Gord and I were on the morning shift.

Author Regan W. H. Macaulay signed copies of her book, Beverlee Beaz the Brown Burmese, with all proceeds going to Annex Cat Rescue!

Thanks, Regan!

Gord and Regan

After we finished volunteering, Gord and I had lunch in the food truck area.

Gord got a brisket sandwich and said it was really good and meaty.

I got a boneless chicken roti ... it was good.

Then we walked around ... it was fairly crowded but not too crazy.

I've been thinking about getting a tattoo on my arm ... so I got a temporary airbrushed tattoo from Robyn to see how I'd like it before committing to something permanent.

Ta-da!

Then we walked around some more.

My right knee has REALLY been bothering me lately (I tore my ACL and meniscus in a boxing class about five years ago).  When we walked by SpiderTech just after lunch, they were offering free tapings to try their iStrips.  I had my knee done to check it out.  After hours of walking around, my knee felt great so I went back to buy some.  Usually by this time, I'd be in agony.  They had a great CNE deal so I stocked up.

I got all their fun colours!

Gord and I finished up at the Northern Comfort Saloon.  Canadian country singer David Boyd Janes was on the stage.  He and his band were good!

The CNE was really really really crowded when we headed for home.  It was a long but fun day.