August 26, 2007

"A Fair to Remember"

It's been a few years since our last visit to the CNE  -  Canadian National Exhibition.

But this year there was an added incentive to visit the Grand ole Dame with the Chinese Lantern Festival

on display at Ontario Place.

Although the weather wasn't great for opening weekend (Saturday Aug 19)  we decided to brave the cooler, cloudy

conditions and head down to the "EX"  and she what she had to offer.

We arrived at 11:00 am and parked in the lot at Ontario Place... 20 bucks to start the day. But at least

we were greeted by magnificent display from the Lantern Festival.

Grounds admission plus upgraded tickets for the evening lantern display, for three

adults, came to just over $ 80.00. 

Weather was pretty dull and a misty rain encouraged us to check out the offerings indoors.

It's not only small children who enjoy checking out the farm animals and modern agricultural methods...

We had a taste of fresh honey and watched just how bees "do it". lol

                            Fuzzy baby chicks were kinda cute.          Turkeys even have their own "cute" factor, when young...

However, a full grown "gobbler" seems to loose his appeal ....

until he looks like this...

Ahhh, the wonders of butter sculpture... Lord of the saturated fat.

You just can't take the kid out of adults by the looks of this

 giant sand "castle" which was still under construction.

                  The weather didn't seem to discourage die hard fans of the midway rides

We didn't see any bearded lady, but I did find the "tattooed boy".

... and yes, he is tattooed EVERY WHERE !!

Weather held while the Mardi Gras Parade went by

Some one managed to collect more than her fair share of beads.

( All I can say is they weren't obtained by Mardi Gras "tradition"....lol)

S

After the parade we watched Dave Smith,  the human cannonball launch himself into orbit.

Landing was safe...

Although he appeared a little flushed during autographs

Click photo below, to view the series of images from  the " human cannonball" launch.

We took in a demonstration by members of  Canada's  acrobatic ski team,

The Flying Canuks.

To view more images of "The Flying Canuks" , click on photo below.

After grabbing a quick bite to eat in the Food Building we headed to Ontario Place

for the balance of the day.

To view images of the Chinese Lantern Festival, click image.

Lastly, who can resist a photo with a furry, costumed character....

even if it's the "Charmin Bear" on a promotional  gig.