The CNE opens in Toronto for the first time since before the COVID-19 pandemic
The Canadian National Exhibition has returned to Toronto after a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The 18-day event kicked off with an opening ceremony Friday morning.
Speaking at the ceremony, Toronto Mayor John Tory said he hoped residents would welcome the fair back with "huge enthusiasm."
"If you think about it, there are very few things in our city that embody the traditions and the city itself the way the CNE does," he said.
Health measures that restricted in-person events prevented the fair from operating in 2020 and 2021. The organization that runs the fair has said the cancellations cost millions in losses and missed revenue.
Darrell Brown, CEO of the Canadian National Exhibition Association, said earlier this week there's a lot riding on this year's event.
"For some of these vendors, the CNE is the big paycheque of the year. It was a struggle for some of them to make it through (the pandemic), but the vast majority are back and they're anxiously awaiting the gates opening," he said.
Mac-and-cheese lemonade and ketchup ice cream were among the new wacky foods fairgoers can feast on, along with the typical fair foods like hotdogs and poutine, and long-standing CNE favourites such as waffle ice cream sandwiches and mini doughnuts.
A nightly drone show has been touted as another of the fair's new attractions.
The CNE's return came amid a strike by unionized safety inspectors working for the Technical Standards and Safety Authority, who have raised concerns about how rides are being examined during the labour action.
The CNE previously said it has taken steps to ensure the strike doesn't affect the safety of visitors, staff or vendors, and has its own engineering team to carry out inspections on top of those performed by the TSSA's non-union staff and management.
Striking workers held a rally during the opening ceremony Friday, shouting slogans as organizers and officials took to the stage.
The fair runs from Aug. 19 to Sept. 5.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 19, 2022.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'My family doctor just fired me': Ontario patients frustrated with de-rostering
Dozens of Ontarians are expressing frustration in the province’s health-care system after their family doctors either dropped them as patients or threatened to after they sought urgent care elsewhere.
Solar storm puts on brilliant light show across the globe, but no serious problems reported
A powerful solar storm put on an amazing skyward light show across the globe overnight but has caused what appeared to be only minor disruptions to the electric power grid, communications and satellite positioning systems.
'It was violent': Police tear down U of A pro-Palestinian encampment Saturday morning
Multiple people at the protest camp torn down at the University of Alberta campus Saturday say police's actions against protesters were "violent" and "disproportionate."
Edibles, armchairs and adapters: Here are the recalls for this week
Health Canada announced various product recalls this week, including electric adapters, armchairs, cannabis edibles and vehicle components.
'I am angry': Alberta farmers will continue fight over world class motorsport resort
The rolling hills leading to the hamlet of Rosebud are dotted with sprawling farms and cattle pastures -- and a sign sporting a simple message: No Race Track.
Mother's Day movies that pull at ALL the heartstrings
This Mother's Day Weekend, take a look at some of the most emotional movies inspired by moms.
Potentially toxic chemicals hide in our drinking water and countless household objects, and they're not going anywhere
For decades, North Bay, Ontario's water supply has harboured chemicals associated with liver and developmental issues, cancer and complications with pregnancy. It's far from the only city with that problem.
Suspect sought after fatal slashing in downtown Toronto
Police are searching for a suspect in a homicide investigation after a man was slashed in downtown Toronto on Sunday.
Atlanta Hawks win 2024 NBA Draft Lottery, secure No. 1 overall pick
The Atlanta Hawks won the NBA draft lottery on Sunday, landing the No. 1 pick and a potential cornerstone player in a year where there’s no clear-cut choice.