THUNDER BAY -- The Canadian Lakehead Exhibition’s family fair is going smoke-free for the first time in 124 years.
CLE president Danny Mosa said it's his understanding they are the first agricultural fair in the province to designate most areas of the fair as smoke-free.
The midway, food court and main stage areas will all be smoke-free zones. There will be areas where smokers can light up and those areas will have signs posted.
"Last year some people were saying some people are annoyed by the smoke," said Mosa, adding most people who attend the fair don't smoke.
Mosa also said enforcement of the no-smoking zones was a concern and all they can really do is ask people to kindly consider other's people's concerns about the smoke.
"If you find yourself smoking in a designated area for non-smokers, we'll ask you to either put the butt out or go somewhere else," he said.
"I think it's basically just common sense."
The rest of the fair, which runs from Aug. 6 to 10, will be familiar to those who have attended in the past with the midway, live entertainment, cooking demonstrations and animal exhibits.
New this year is different musical acts on the stage every night.
"In the past we'd have performers come in and they'd play four or five days," said Mosa.
Last year they tried bringing in a couple of different acts and it worked so well, Mosa said they decided to have a different performer on each night.
Those musicians include Danny Fernandes, Aaron Pritchett and Platinum Blonde.
"Hopefully that will give a variety and everybody will enjoy the bandstand," said Mosa.
Advance ride tickets to the fair will be available starting Wednesday at city Metro stores for half-price at $15.
For more information see www.cle.on.ca.
