Ushering in the unofficial end of summer, the Canadian National Exhibition in Toronto opened its gates on Friday, inviting kids of all ages to check out some of the fair’s new attractions.

Among those in attendance on opening day was 102-year-old Hazel Newton, who says she’s been to the CNE every summer since she was seven years old.

“(There’s) a lot more people now,” said Newton, whose mother used to accompany her to the CNE. “And a lot more things to do.”

The grandmother says she now brings her grandchildren to the CNE, which is celebrating its 135th birthday this year.

To mark the event, Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne was on hand to cut the opening-day ribbon.

“I cannot think about the CNE without thinking about my father and his mother, my grandmother, and how much they loved the CNE,” Wynne told the crowd.

Toronto Mayor Rob Ford was also in attendance.

“This exciting 18-day festival provides participants with rides, games, food,” Ford said, adding that the food was his “favourite part.”

On the menu this summer are a number of creative calorie-heavy food creations, including the much-hyped maple-bacon jam “cronut” burger – a coronary-inducing meal that’s part doughnut, part croissant and part ground hamburger meat.

But if the CNE’s extensive food offerings don’t get your heart racing, there are a number of death-defying thrills and shows that might:

Zipline

New to the CNE this year, the Zipline offers brave carnival-goers the opportunity to ascend a 126-foot scaffolding launch tower and swoosh across the fairgrounds, getting a bird’s-eye view of the midway rides.

Cost per ride: $30. Opening day special: $20. Tickets can be booked in advance at: http://TheEx.com

The Flying Wallendas

Proving that impending doom can be entertaining, the Flying Wallendas bring their award-winning tightrope act to the CNE. The popular show puts audiences on the edge as the Wallendas – a circus family dating back to the 18th century -- perform a number of circus-type acts including balancing on a chair while performing a handstand. The family, billed as “one of the greatest acts in circus history,” holds a number of Guinness Book of World records. Their crowning achievement: an eight-person, three-level tightrope pyramid, performed without the reassurance of safety devices.

The Mach 3

Also new to the CNE this year, the Mach 3 whips carnival-goers into a frenzy using a powerful 37-metre arm that spins riders 360 degrees in every imaginable direction. The heavy-duty mechanical arm – adorned with flashing LED lights – rotates up to 13 revolutions per minute, producing a powerful g-force of 3.5.

Tic Toc

Created by Cirque du Soleil veteran Daniel Cola, this daily acrobatic shows featuring trapeze and trampoline artists explores the theme of time.

Air show

Now in its 64th year, the annual Canadian International Air Show will once again fly over Lake Ontario on Labour Day weekend. This year’s aerobatic display of death-defying air tricks will feature both the Canadian Forces Snowbirds and daredevil Mike Wiskus.

Rehearsals for the air show are scheduled to take place on Aug. 30.

Runs: Aug. 16 to Sept. 2

Location: Exhibition Place (Lakeshore Boulevard West and Strachan Avenue)

How to get there:

Driving: While the CNE recommends taking public transit to get to the fairgrounds, drivers can easily get to the carnival from the Gardiner Expressway. It is recommended that you leave yourself plenty of travel time to get to the CNE, as there are a number closures and lane restrictions in the area:

  • Dufferin Bridge will remain open to pedestrians and cyclists, but is closed to vehicle traffic
  • There is ongoing construction on Strachan Avenue on the east side of the CNE fairgrounds
  • The intersection of Spadina and King is closed due to TTC track construction
  • The eastbound Gardiner Expressway is reduced to two lanes from Jarvis to the Don Valley Parkway

TTC: There are a number of direct routes to the CNE that stop at the Dufferin Gates Loop and Exhibition Loop. To learn more visit: http://theex.com/main/guest-info/getting-here/public-transit/ttc

With a report from CTV Toronto’s Naomi Parness