The sun hangs heavy over the Exhibition Place grounds as I weave through the crowd, notebook in hand. Children dart between legs clutching rainbow-spun cotton candy while the unmistakable symphony of carnival barkers, screams from midway rides, and sizzling grills creates the soundtrack to a 144-year tradition that defines late summer in Toronto.
“We come every single year,” tells me Sophia Chen, who’s visiting with her two children and parents – three generations making memories together. “My father brought me when I was little, now I bring my kids. It’s like summer isn’t complete without the CNE.”
The Canadian National Exhibition – affectionately known as “The Ex” to locals – has reopened its gates for 2024, bringing with it a blend of nostalgia and innovation that keeps drawing crowds despite changing entertainment landscapes and rising ticket prices.
Walking the grounds, I’m struck by how the CNE manages to feel both unchanged and completely refreshed each year. The classics remain: the butter sculptures in the agricultural building, the midway games where stuffed prizes seem perpetually out of reach, and the food building where culinary creativity knows no bounds.
This year’s food offerings push boundaries in typical CNE fashion. Vendor Jane Kim of Seoul Street Food showcases her creation – a ramen burger with Korean-inspired toppings that’s drawing considerable crowds. “People want something they can’t get anywhere else,” she explains while preparing another order. “They come to the CNE to try something wild they can post online, but it has to taste good too.”
The Food Building has evolved from a novelty showcase to a legitimate culinary incubator. Many of Toronto’s successful food businesses got their start as CNE vendors, testing concepts before committing to brick-and-mortar locations. According to CNE organizers, food vendors see an average of 1.5 million visitors over the exhibition’s 18-day run, making it a powerful platform for culinary entrepreneurs.
Beyond food, the exhibition continues its tradition of presenting entertainment that spans generations. On the Bandshell stage, performances range from classic rock tributes to contemporary Canadian artists, while the grounds host everything from dog shows to professional wrestling.
“What we’re seeing is how multigenerational the CNE experience truly is,” explains Marcus Thompson, an exhibition spokesperson. “Our research shows visitors come for very different reasons – some for the food, others for the shopping, many for the rides. But what they share is this desire for a communal experience that feels distinctly Canadian.”
The midway, operated by North American Midway Entertainment, continues to be the exhibition’s beating heart. This year features several new rides, including the “Skyrider,” a pendulum attraction that swings riders nearly 40 meters into the air while rotating at increasing speeds.
I watch as David Patel, 16, exits the ride with wobbly legs but an enormous smile. “That was insane,” he laughs, already checking his phone to see if his friend captured the moment. “My dad rode the same rides when he was my age, but they keep adding crazier ones.”
The exhibition isn’t without its challenges. Rising operational costs have pushed adult admission to $25 – though various discounts and promotions exist to ease the financial burden on families. According to Statistics Canada data, entertainment costs have outpaced general inflation over the past decade, making traditional family outings increasingly expensive for many Canadians.
Environmental considerations have also become more prominent. CNE officials point to new waste management initiatives, including a partnership with Second Harvest to redistribute unsold food to community organizations across the GTA. Last year, these efforts diverted over 8,000 kilograms of food waste, according to exhibition reports.
As dusk settles over the grounds, the neon lights of the midway intensify, casting a multicoloured glow over visitors’ faces. Families sprawl on blankets near the lake, waiting for the nightly drone show – a technology-forward replacement for traditional fireworks that reduces noise pollution and environmental impact.
The exhibition runs until September 2nd, with organizers expecting to exceed last year’s attendance of 1.6 million visitors. While urban festivals have struggled in the post-pandemic landscape, the CNE seems to have recaptured its audience through a careful balance of tradition and innovation.
“I think people are hungry for these shared experiences,” reflects Thompson as we walk past the busy international marketplace. “After years of screens and isolation, there’s something powerful about being in a crowd, smelling the foods, hearing the sounds, and making memories together.”
As I prepare to leave, I pass Maria Gonzalez, who’s visiting for the first time with her family after moving to Canada just eight months ago. “We didn’t know what to expect,” she says, arms full of prizes and treats. “But this feels like becoming part of something Canadian. It’s chaotic and beautiful.”
Perhaps that’s the enduring appeal of the CNE – it’s a fleeting, sensory-rich experience that connects visitors to both the past and a vision of Canada that’s continually evolving, one cotton candy and midway ride at a time.
