THUNDER BAY – Organizers with the Canadian Lakehead Exhibition are looking to top last year’s record attendance, unveiling a lineup led by Canadian rock stalwarts 54-40, Prism, and The Northern Pikes.
The event, running from Aug. 9 to 13, is the largest fair in Northwestern Ontario, drawing tens of thousands of visitors from across the region, and was first held in 1890.
Perhaps the biggest name in this year’s entertainment lineup is 54-40, who built their name on hits like I Go Blind and Ocean Pearl in the 1980s and 1990s.
The band, hailing from British Columbia, will headline the fair’s second night on Thursday, Aug. 10. They last visited Thunder Bay in 2019 for the Thunder Bay Blues Festival.
Fellow B.C. rockers Prism will kick things off on Aug. 9, returning after playing the CLE in 2018.
Rounding out the musical lineup, The Northern Pikes will headline on Aug. 11, locals Stardrop and The Lockyer Boys on Aug. 12.
The Hip Show — a Tragically Hip tribute band — will close out the musical performances on Aug. 13. That final night will also feature the CLE’s fireworks show at 11 p.m., conditions permitting.
“We’re always trying to outdo ourselves,” organizer Peter Mersch said of the lineup, adding the addition of Stardrop and The Lockyer Boys was meant to appeal to younger attendees.
Concerts begin at 9:30 p.m., with hypnotist Terrance B warming up the crowd starting at 7:30 p.m. each night.
The fair will feature around 40 rides and a variety of food and vendor booths.
Admission will again include a combination grounds and theatre ticket in partnership with SilverCity.
CLE president Al Law said organizers had their work cut out for them over the next five weeks, after last year’s record attendance estimated at well over 70,000 people.
“I would say last year was probably the best five-day fair the CLE ever had,” he said, alluding to its past 10-day incarnation.
Like last year, security will be beefed up, including the use of handheld metal detectors. Law said organizers will do their best to expedite entry during busy times.
“At certain times we actually opened an additional gate at May Street — instead of two, we had three — because the lineups were getting long,” he said. “But I’d rather be safe, and a lot of parents and grandparents have told us that.”
Daily children’s entertainment at the Claydon Building will feature inflatables, face-painting, and the likes of Bobo the Clown, Science North, the Grumpy Grampas, and illusionist Tyler Biloski.
Other attractions include agricultural and creative arts exhibitions, a cooking show, and games of chance.
Further details are available at the CLE’s website.
Advance tickets are expected to be available starting Thursday at Canadian Tire locations in Thunder Bay.
Across the region, tickets can be found at Wellington Inn in Sioux Lookout, Northern Computers in Terrace Bay, and Canadian Tire in Marathon.
Organizers noted the CLE is still seeking staff to help run the fair. Details on how to apply are available online.
