The Canadian Lakehead Exhibition fair has been a staple of summer in Thunder Bay since the last days of the Victorian era.
It's still going strong today and will be back for its 120th edition starting Aug. 11, drawing visitors to the city from throughout Northwestern Ontario and entertaining guest with the usual mixtures of rides, music and tasty treats like cotton candy and corn dogs.
"The children really love the petting zoo, it's always a big hit," said CLE president Lawrence Timko. "The rides, of course, people come into the gate and mostly head right for the rides. And we have a great program again with Select Shows. I think there are 32 rides."
On Monday CLE officials launched their advance ticket sale campaign, a month-long opportunity for fare goers to purchase tickets and ride wristbands for up to 50 per cent off.
Timko said it's an excellent bargain, especially for families looking to stretch their entertainment dollar. Bracelets that normally go for $30 at the fair are available ahead of time for $15. Prices for children and seniors are adjusted accordingly as well.
"We recommend people take advantage of that," Timko said. "Some people buy two or three ride passes and come two or three times."
Advance tickets are available at all Thunder Bay Metro locations and at a variety of locations along the North Shore.
Fair chairwoman Reta Stoger said in addition to the rides, there are plenty of other entertainment options during the five-day exhibition, many of which draw on its original rural-based roots.
Exhibitors will be seeking the top prize in a variety of different categories, ranging from the best green beans and gladiolas to the tastiest candies, best gift wrap and quilting.
And then there's the music and food, she said.
"We have some new entertainment that we haven't had before, and there's a lot more local entertainment because we do have pretty good talent here in Thunder Bay, "she said. "There are a couple of new food booths too. There's everything from curly fries to elephant ears and you name it. There will be a lot of food."
Bands expected to take the stage include Bed of Roses, a Bon Jovi tribute, Caraballo, Rebel Spirit, Flipper Flannigan Flat Footed Four, The Hoolies and Jerry Palmer, as well as two daily shows by hypnotist Terrance B. There's also karaoke in the afternoons and Kids World 2010, featuring hourly entertainment, a reptile display, a fishpond and plenty more.
The fair is one of the biggest attractions Thunder Bay has to offer each summer, Stoger added, a tradition that attracts up to 60,000 people each year.
"I think when the fair is on, everyone just seems to say, 'Yay, the fair is on, let's go," she said. "It brings a lot in (to the city).
The CLE fair runs from Aug. 11 to Aug. 15.
