THUNDER BAY – With the Canadian Lakehead Exhibition set to commence in less than a week, the fairgrounds are starting to transform with the first rides starting to take shape.
The 127th annual family fair will kick off on Aug. 9 and run for five days before coming to a close at the end of that weekend with crews already busy getting the attractions set up and ready.
Jim Mills, the owner of Select Shows, said the company is bringing 35 rides to Thunder Bay with a crew of 75 to 80 people involved in the process.
“I think it’s going to be a good fair this year,” Mills said on Friday.
“We’ve added this year some new equipment. Last year was a pretty good year and this year has been really good for us. We’re excited. We’ve always got to add something new every year or change things around so you don’t get boring.”
As many as 10 rides are expected to be in place this weekend with the remainder arriving late Sunday from Kenora. Already visible on the fairgrounds is the Ring of Fire, a 65-foot tall behemoth that is always one of the most popular rides.
Selecting the rides is often a balancing act of trying to meet the demand for thrill-seekers while providing something accessible for everyone, like the Trabant which will be making its Thunder Bay debut next week, Mills said.
“You have to have the big thrill rides for the real daring ones but the Trabant is a really good family ride. It takes all ages and it’s been a real hit,” Mills said. “We’re looking for rides that appeal to all ages.”
Another ride new for this year that is already set up is the Force 10.
“If you think the Zipper is thrilling, wait until you see that thing go,” Mills said.
The advance set up allows crews to not rush through the process and do thorough checks on every ride.
Safety is a major focus, Mills said.
“We’re looking to make sure all the fasteners are in and we’re looking for cracks or any wear and tear,” Mills said. “Everything has to be levelled and rivets checked. Every little aspect is gone over.”
Organizers have said the CLE draws an average of 60,000 people per year.
