Food, fun and family appear to be the main reasons folks flocked to the year’s Canadian Lakehead Exhibition.
Amanda Cordone says she loves everything about the fair.
“There’s lots of rides and entertainment and it’s good for the family to get along,” said the 13-year-old, who went to the CLE on opening day on Wednesday with her 12-year-old cousin Ben Cordone.
“It’s really good to bond together and it’s really just a fun time.”
The rides are what she was there for, the Starship 2000 in particular.
“It’s fast and it’s fun and there’s lot of music.”
Her cousin couldn’t agree more, the Starship 2000 was what the fair was all about.
“It’s fun, it’s fast,” he said.
For Garrett Squitti, the CLE isn’t necessarily an annual event. But if he and his family are in town, there’s nowhere else he’d rather be.
His best friend was in town from Victoria, and naturally they wanted to check out the action, the youngster said.
“I think the most fun part are the rides, and the food,” he said. “They have really good fries and stuff like that.”
Thunder Bay’s Kane Gagnon also agreed.
“The rides are fun,” he said. “You get butterflies and they’re just fun to go on.”
Asked what food he was most looking forward to, he couldn’t quite decide.
“Pizza,” he said. “No, candy apple.”
And why so many people – 60,000 or more are expected if the weather holds – come to the CLE each year, Kane had the answer.
“Because it’s awesome,” he said.
CLE board chairman Ralph Scharf said they work all year long to get this point, and with all the little details looked after, it’s time for everyone to get out and enjoy the fair, in its 125th year.
“It’s beautiful seeing the people coming through the gates and the children looking forward to it and rushing to the children’s rides. It’s a thrill.”
It’s an annual tradition, he added.
“Mainly they’re here because grandma and grandpa brought their parents here. Their parents bring the children here. I think it’s tradition, something the community looks forward to, regardless of other events. This is an annual event,” Scharf said.
“And I think the midway makes it – the rides.”
The CLE, which also includes local musicians and an animal area, wraps up on Sunday night.
