THUNDER BAY - With summer in full swing, it’s never too early to start thinking about the fair, and the city’s largest fair is promising to be bigger and better than ever before.
Tickets for the annual Canadian Lakehead Exhibition Family Fair went on sale on Wednesday and organizers announced what they have planned for the 127th year of the fair.
“The wide spectrum of age groups coming in, you have to have a variety of activities,” said Al Law, CLE president.
This year will include four new amusement rides that have never been to Thunder Bay before, three for children, and Force 10 for adults and youth.
In addition to rides and games, there will also be the magician Rynestone, hypnotist Terrance B, and an all Canadian lineup hitting the main stage that will include Doug and the Slugs, Honeymoon Suite, and Toronto.
There will also be the always popular petting zoo, pony rides, Kids World, more than 100 exhibitors, and between 12 and 15 demonstrations on a daily basis, including cooking and crafts.
The week will conclude with a fireworks display, that Law said will be bigger than ever to celebrate Canada’s 150th birthday.
This year will also see some minor changes to security. According to Law, the parking area will be fenced off and there will be a separate admittance gate after people park their vehicles.
“We are hoping that gives us a little better control with regards to any potential problems,” he said.
Law added despite security measures throughout the fair, there are still ongoing issues with alcohol.
“There’s no alcohol on the grounds to purchase, but we have alcohol problems,” Law said. “We feel that some of it is relayed through parking. It’s just another area we need to have security.”
Another issue Law is hoping will be resolved before the start of the fair is the remains of the collapsed Sports Dome.
“The unfortunate thing is, from my perspective, is it is out of the CLE’s control,” he said. “We have no say, even though we are the landlord. I believe there are legal issues and insurance issues. We wanted it cleaned up. It went down on Nov. 18 and here we are still dealing with an eyesore. It bothers us.”
Law said he has no knowledge of when it might be cleaned up. But he is not going to allow it to dampen the spirit of the fair, which he said draws on average more than 60,000 people every year.
“It always seems to be the weather,” he said. “If you get the weather and have good entertainment, people will come. I’m looking for nice, warm weather. From there, hopefully a lot of individuals from outlying communities take advantage of it.”
The CLE Family Fair will be held from Aug. 9 to 13 on the CLE grounds. Advance tickets are available at all three Thunder Bay Metro locations.
