Growing up in Chilliwack, I used to count the days until we received our end-of-year report cards.
Not so much for the grades, but because I knew that stapled to the back page would be that coveted gate pass for the PNE. We also received a ticket to the Chilliwack Fair, which was fun, but it was the lure of that big-time exhibition and everything that went along with it that made my summer.
Those passes are no longer stapled onto the report cards of children attending elementary school in B.C.. Instead, today all children 13 years and younger receive free admission to the PNE. But I still get excited about what today is called The Fair at the PNE, which this year runs Aug. 20 to Sept. 5. There is literally something for everyone at The Fair, including the new two-foot long hotdog and terrifying rides with dizzying heights. Here are highlights of this year's fair.
AUG. 20 TO SEPT. 5
There are many events that take place daily at the PNE including the brand new nighttime finale Pop City-A Pyro Celebration. And of course no visit to the PNE would be complete without the Super Dogs, free with admission. The Super Dogs are back for their 34th consecutive year.
Daily at the Playland Amphitheatre is the new Evolution of Extreme, described as an adrenaline-filled motosport show including death-defying quad races and the snow sled jump.
What would The Fair be without crowd (and my) favourite the legendary Dal Richards? Richards performs the best of the big band era, along with jazz, rock and pop standards from the 1930s to today daily at the WestJet Concert Stage. The acts gracing the Westjet Concert Stage as part of the Summer Night Concerts series this year include Crystal Shawanda, Chris Isaak, Kenny Rogers, Donny Osmond, Delhi to Dublin, Kim Mitchell, Hall and Oates and Wilson Philips. Summer Nights Concerts are free with admission.
And what would The Fair be without at least one family member upchucking their cotton candy after a ride on the iconic wooden roller coaster. This year children can also unload on the new Atmosfear ride, which along with the Hellevator is free this year with a Fair Ride Pass.
The 4-H Festival is also free with admission in and around the Agrodome and Livestock Barns and includes competitions in swine, beef, dairy, dogs, llama, goats, poultry, sheep, rabbits, sewing, crafts and photography. Also at the Agrodome and Livestock Barns is the Pacific Spirit Horse Show Aug. 27 to Sept. 1.
And where else but at The Fair at the PNE can one see performances and entertainment like what's being offered at shows such as Taptastic, the PNE Star Showdown, the Festival Neighbourhood Square Showcase, the Peking Acrobats and Drumbeats. Foodies will be interested in the first annual Rib Festival, featuring top champion barbecue pit masters from across North America.
AUG. 22
Free gate admission from 9 a.m. to noon. Free Admission Day includes several special events, including a charity pancake breakfast benefiting the Canada Safeway Foundation.
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