THUNDER BAY - Whether it’s the rides, the food, the entertainment, or just a family tradition, the CLE continues to draw crowds in the thousands.
The CLE will be wrapping up Sunday evening with a bang, finishing off the day with a spectacular fireworks display.
Organizers said that despite some wet weather in the opening days, they have still seen strong crowds throughout the weekend.
“Given the little rain we had during the week, people have been coming through,” said Basil Lychowyd, the CLE Fair chair. “I think we’re going to have a great crowd out here tonight.”
The popular summer fair usually draws up to 55,000 people over the five days and Lychowyd anticipates that they should see a similar turnout this year.
“We’ve been hitting more of our marks,” he said. “It’s edging towards that way. It all depends on what we have today and I think we will be there.”
For many families, coming out to the CLE every year is a family tradition. Nine-year-old Emillie Dagenias and her 12-year-old sister, Brie-anna, come every year and the best part is, of course, the rides.
“My favorite ride is the G-Force,” Emillie said. “I like fast rides and when people laugh, then you know it’s going to be fun.”
Emillie and Brie-anna said that the rides are always fun and the food is always good, but most importantly, it’s about being there with family.
“I think the best part is just having fun and being able to spend time with your family,” Brie-anna said.
For four-year-old Veronica, who came to the fair with her mother and grandmother, it was a little more difficult to choose her favorite part.
“I love everything,” she said.
Lychowyd said that it’s great to see all the kids out and enjoying the fair and even the adults too.
“The kids all love the rides,” he said. “The adults like a little bit of music and they like to look at the animals too, just like the kids in the petting zoo.”
Lychowyd added that the CLE has become a tradition for so many families because it’s a must, just like the opening day of fishing season.
“As we grow up, we change our thoughts, but as adults we bring out kids and that’s how it’s become a tradition,” he said.
The fireworks begin Sunday night at 11 p.m.
