CLE coming soon

The Canadian Lakehead Exhibition festival always brings a big crowd, says the organizations president.

The five-day CLE fair, which begins on Aug. 10, has had thousands attend throughout its 121 years. CLE president Lawrence Timko said they had about 59,000 people attend the festival last year.

That’s a decline from the year before, which saw more than 60,000 people attend. But as long as attendance numbers stay above 50,000, Timko said he would consider it within the event’s normal range.

“We’re the biggest show in the district,” Timko said Monday. “Once the people see the rides they get all excited for the fair. We’re located right in the centre of the city so people can see that something is going on and who doesn’t want to go on a ride? It’s a pretty easy draw.”

Weather is typically the only factor that can hurt the event’s attendance.

Ron Fossum, entertainment chair for the CLE, said there will be five local bands playing at the fair this year as well as some classic entertainment, such as the comedic hypnotist Terrance B.

The festival had three local bands perform last year, but Fossum said they wanted to incorporate more local talent this year.

He added that he believed it’s important to support local talent while having other major entertainment draws.

“It’s a big expense when you start bringing in bands,” he said. “We find that the more expensive bands don’t do well anyway. We got to support local bands. We bring a few from out of town and a few from town and everybody is happy.”

The CLE festival begins on Wednesday, Aug. 10 and wraps up on Sunday, Aug. 14.  Advanced tickets can be purchased at any Metro Grocery store in the city. 

Advanced gate tickets cost $5 for adults, $3 for children and seniors 55 and older. Admission is free for children five-years-old and younger.

Ride tickets cost $15 and $34 at the fair. 

Advance ticket sales end on Aug. 9.