THUNDER BAY — The Canadian Lakehead Exhibition (CLE) is wrapping up its 135th year on Sunday.
Running from Aug. 6 to 10, the fair’s schedule has showcased an array of family-friendly carnival games, home and craft vendors, food trucks, over 50 midway rides brought in by Select Shows and Canuck Amusements, demonstrations and cooking shows with local chefs, a historical display and much more.
“It is turning out to be good, believe it or not, even through the rain that we had yesterday,” said Basil Lychowyd, the fair chair and vice-president of agriculture at the CLE.
Over the last five days, Lychowyd said their crowds have met their targets.
He added that he believed Sunday would be an even better day, with it being the last day.
“As we speak, there’s a baby show going on,” Lychowyd said.
The CLE Baby Show ran from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the Heritage Building, with babies and their parents competing before a panel of judges to see which baby girl had the curliest hair and which baby boy had the strongest grip, among many other categories.
Throughout the afternoon and continuing into the evening until roughly 9 p.m., the petting zoo will also be held in the Heritage Building, featuring pigs, goats, horses and other small animals. Children, with their parents’ permission, can sign up for rides on some of the horses.
In addition to the baby show and petting zoo, the CLE has several performances scheduled for the evening, including Simply Queen, a Canadian Queen tribute band known for recreating the look and sound of classic Queen concerts.
This performance follows Saturday’s already notable Shania Twain tribute that was very well-received.
“In case you missed the characters Bluey and Bingo between Wednesday and Friday,” Lychowyd continued, “today and yesterday, we got Peppa Pig and George (Pig) here, so the kids could come and meet and greet.”
These cast members from the children’s animated series Bluey and Peppa Pig, respectively, were part of the fair’s new stage line-up.
And, to finally finish off the day’s festivities, the fair has a fireworks display set for 11 p.m.
“It’ll attract everybody in the area,” Lychowyd said.
For visitors coming out to the fair on Sunday, Lychowyd advised them to take some precautions with the heat and humidity, including wearing sunscreen and drinking plenty of fluids.
“If you can get into a shade a little bit, it’s going to be that kind of day,” Lychowyd said.
“And if you come early, you’ll get through most of the things you want to do and see and foods and all that kind of stuff there.”
He added that there are lots of rides and things still to do.
The CLE will come to a close in Thunder Bay at midnight.
