THUNDER BAY – Change is coming to the Canadian Lakehead Exhibition’s annual fair.
It starts at the entry point.
Organizers on Wednesday announced there will be enhanced security measures in place, including the use of metal detecting wands, a sign of the times, said fair president Basil Lychowyd on Wednesday, a day before advance tickets were set to go on sale.
It’s a minor inconvenience, he said.
“People coming to the fair should note that on top of the safety checks we’re going to be scanning people. For the safety of everybody, right now it’s a must,” Lychowyd said.
Other than that, it’s pretty much business as usual at the fair, which is slated to open at noon on Aug. 10 and run through midnight on Aug. 14.
As always, the 132nd rendition of the Canadian Lakehead Exhibition has a little something for everyone, and a lot for most.
More than 40 rides are expected to be the centre of attention as the midway returns to Thunder Bay for the first time since 2019, the fair cancelled the past two years because of COVID-19. Games of chance are another big draw, as are the food vendors and the animal and horticultural exhibits and displays of culinary arts.
The music also won’t disappoint, with a who’s who of Canadian classic rockers taking to the stage throughout the week, a lineup that includes the likes of Trooper, Streetheart, Honeymoon Suite, Kim Mitchell and Who Made Who, an AC/DC tribute band.
“Everyone wants the fair to come back,” Lychowyd said. “It’s something they haven’t done for two years ... The CLE is ready to go. Whether it’s a thrill ride or a prize, fasten your seat belt. Here we go,” Lychowyd said, adding they are looking for staff to work during the fair.
Other attractions include illusionist Tyler Biloski, Science North, Grumpy Grampas, Bobo the Clown and Martin Wonderland.
Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the gate for adults, $8 and $10 for children age five to 12. Children four and under are free. Midway ride bracelets are $30 in advance and $45 on site, while theatre and CLE admission at the gate is $18.
Advance tickets are available at Canadian Tire stores in Thunder Bay, Nipigon and Marathon, at the Atikokan News Stand, Northern Computers in Terrace Bay and the Wellington Inn in Sioux Lookout.
