Let's Go to the Ex, Oh Baby!

While most of us don't want to admit it, the summer of 2012 is quickly dissipating into thin air, or so it seems. With days full of hot (super HOT) weather and delicious ice cream, it's hard not to get caught up in the moment and not realize that these wonderfully warm days are passing us by!

August is only 11 days away which means that this year's Canadian National Exhibition (aka the CNE or The Ex!) team is getting ready to open its doors to thousands of eager patrons starting August 17th. With so many activities to do, games to play, food to eat, and amazing deals to find, there is always something for everyone from the ages of one to 99.

Some new attractions to look for this year:

 CNE Sky Ride - This ride extends over 40 ft above ground (at it's highest point) and riders will be elevated into thin air and moved across the CNE grounds. This ride will allow patrons to get a "bird's eye view" of the entire area including a view of Lake Ontario, the Toronto islands and of course the wonderful city skyline.


Zip Line - Riders will elevated and then be securely harnessed before zip-lining down to the ground. (side note: I am personally excited about this! I cant' wait to try it out!)


Performances to look forward to:

Acrobatics and Ice Show - featuring Scott Moir and Tessa Virtue. The duo were Olympic Gold Medalists in Vancouver 2010 and are this year's 2012 World Championship Gold Medalists. They will be performing for the first 15 days of the CNE. For Labour Day weekend, Elvis Stojko returns for the final three days of the show.

Nick Carter ft. Andrew Allen - Nick Carter will be sure to draw a crowd on August 19th, especially after the announcement the Backstreet Boys made earlier this week stating a temporary reunion with all five members creating a new album and a world tour. Though Nick will be by himself, it's sure to be a good time full of girls screaming and probably fainting with his notorious boy band moves.

Boogie Wonderland - Lace up those platform dancing shoes, squeeze into those bell bottom jeans and tease your hair because the 70s are back! Enjoy this 10-piece band playing I will Survive, Jungle Boogie, That's the Way I Like It, Love the Nightlife, It's Raining Men, and more on August 21st! It doesn't matter what generation you come from, you can't deny a little disco love!

Arkells ft. The Darcys - A band that is known for their love of Hall and Oates, this rock band often gets compared to the likes of Bruce Springsteen). These Hamilton rockers won Group of the Year (beating out Canadian favourites Nickelback and Hedley) at the Junos and just came back from a big tour south of the border. Performing hits like Michigan Left, Kiss Cam, The Ballad of Hugo Chavez and John Lennon among others, this show is one you do not want to miss. Check them out at the band shell on August 29th! (side note: I just started listening to these guys a few weeks ago and I am super pumped to see them live at the CNE. This is one show I am not going to miss!)

What I'm looking forward to:
- The Food Building

- Zip-lining
- Shopping
- The excitement on peoples faces
- The Arkells


There are way too many exciting things going on to list every one of them so to be safe you should check out the website and get all your details there. You can also pre-order your tickets online and plan your days! The Ex is way too exciting to miss and if you live in the GTA then it's a must-do summer activity for people of all ages!

Ticket prices are as follows:


General Admission (14 - 59yrs)  $16.00
Adults 60 & Better $12.00
Children (5 - 13yrs) $12.00
Children (4yrs & under) FREE
CNE Family Pass $48.00
(2 adults and 2 children or 1 adult and 3 children)

- Taryn

www.theex.com
All photos are courtesy of Canadian National Exhibition's website (www.theex.com). I own no rights to both photos.