Come to the Fair: The PNE until Sept.7

It’s the Pacific National Exhibition’s 99th birthday this year. I’ve been attending since I was a young teenager.  In those days, the Fair was the place to go to have fun, eat lots of candy floss and hot dogs, scare the willies out of yourself on the midway rides None of us who experienced the Fair ‘back then’ will ever forget the thrill of riding the Shoot-the-Shute. We’d sneak a titillating peek at Freak Shows and burlesque too. And I was always fascinated with the visiting jazz bands from the States.

These days I go to keep up the yearly traditions, but somehow it’s just not the same.  The Fair is definitely for the youngster, at least the midway, called Playland, seems the most popular place to be just as it was when I was in my teens. There’s lots to see though, and Mom and Dad will enjoy some exhibits such as the Do-It-Yourself Home Show presentations, or shopping in the Marketplace.  Then there’s our old favorite, Dal Richards and his swing band who perform daily on the outdoor stage at the Global BC Amphitheatre.

As usual, after paying my admission and strolling down the shaded avenue into the Fair grounds, I head straight for Safeway Farm Country stopping to buy myself my favorite junk flood snack, a corn dog.  Then, into the barns for a look at the lovely horses and what few other animals happen to be in the stalls.  There’s a couple of gigantic bulls, a few cows, and some rabbit and poultry cages.  Matilda the sow is feeding her eight piglets.  What a feeding frenzy, giving new meaning to the saying ” Don’t pig out!”  

The pig races are also a definite draw, although they flash by so quickly it’s almost impossible to see them. Who could guess that pigs can run so fast!  I found the diving ducks amusing.  They waddle quickly up the ramp and dive off into a pool, splashing the audience who happen to be seat too close.  The ‘farmer’ who emcees this animal show is entertaining too and enlists kids (and adults) from the crowd to participate.

Next,  I’m on historic Miller Drive watching the KC Bears Street Party and a lot of cute kids dancing.  A little farther along the sand sculptors are at work moulding their pieces of sand art for the International Sand Sculpting Competition.  I neglect to check my program and miss the Superdogs which are always a hit at the Fair.  At various times, there’s also a display of cattle penning and draft horse competitions in the Agrodome and Barns. 

I wandered over to the midway and consider buying some candy cane, but decide to just take photos of the blue and pink fuzzy sugar-treats.  Eating junk food at the Fair is part of the tradition, but  it has become somewhat overpriced.

The midway is crowded although there weren’t too many thrill-seekers lining up for those crazy heart-stopping rides.  It was still mid-afternoon though, and I expect the night-time Fair goers are the ones who love to scare themselves on those death-defying roller-coasters.  The midway has over 50 rides to chose from.  Makes you dizzy just to watch!

There was lots of action along the strip of games booths with the usual stuffed animals and chintzy toys for prizes.  I saw many people carrying their treasures home and always wonder what they’ll end up doing with them.  Stopped to buy French fries, then wandered back toward the Global TV Amphitheatre past the Kids Playce and One the Edge Motor show amphitheatre.   I bought a Whale Tail sprinkled with sugar and cinnamon and an iced tea, then found myself a place to sit while I waited for the Summer Night Concert to begin.  There were a lot of people sitting in the beer garden nearby but I opted to wait and was glad, because once the show started I knew I had to push my way as close to the front as possible.

This night it was a performance by Australian rocker Rick Springfield.  And what a show it was!  I was taken right back to the ’70′s and completely mesmerized by the spectacular light show and energetic performance of Springfield who, in spite of having just turned 60, looks and performs as athletically as his always did.

There’s different shows each night at the  Global BC Amphitheatres.  For kids, the Doodlebugs appear Sept 4. For adults, The Gypsy Kings play Sept 4 and Isaak Sept 5.

You really need to look at the program for the day and pace yourself so you’ll be able to see the various shows.  I missed the Celtic Legends dance troupe, which I was told is excellent.  I also didn’t take much time to check out the Marketplace where you can shop for or see demonstration sof a great many products and wares.  There’s a musical fireworks show at the Playland Amphitheatre each night. KABOOM! A Pyro Musical.  But by the time the Springfield show was over, I was too tired to stay around an longer.

The best thing to do is make a days plan so you’ll be able to take everything in.  The Fair opens at 11.30 and goes until midnight, so there’s a lot of ground to cover with a wide variety of entertanment for all ages, especially the kids.  There’s after dark gate passes if you go after 9 pm and Twilight Ride passes after 7 pm from Mon- Thurs. The big draw each year are the raffle tickets to win the PNE house or a boat.  Take  your chances. You just never know!

The PNE is located at Renfrew and Hastings Street.  Take the #10 or #16 bus or the #135 Express.  You can also get there on the #4 bus (the #10 and #4 only run until early evening).  There is ample parking on the grounds or nearby.  These days the PNE is discouraging parking on residential property.

PHOTOS by W. Ruth Kozak