Jump to content

History of the Canadian National Exhibition

Add links
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Main Building (Crystal Palace) in 1878

The Canadian National Exhibition is an annual fair held at the end of August in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. It was established in 1879 as a modest industrial exhibition and has expanded to an annual fair that attracts over one and a half million persons during its two-and-a-half week run.

Beginnings

[edit]
View of 1852 Canada West Agricultural fair in Toronto
Map of Toronto Industrial Exhibition 1879 and Buildings

In September 1846, the Provincial Agricultural Fair of Canada West, sponsored by the Provincial Agricultural Association and the Board of Agriculture for Canada West, was held in Toronto in the area near present-day King and Simcoe Streets. While primarily an agricultural event, it also displayed manufactured goods and decorative arts and crafts. The fair was a success, and it was proposed that future fairs be held in different locations each year. In 1847, the fair was held in Hamilton and thereafter travelled to such cities as Cobourg, Kingston, Niagara, and Brockville.[1]

In 1852, the fair returned to the west side of University Avenue in the Grange Park area, stretching from a bit north of Dundas Street to a bit south of College Street. It lasted four days. The Horse Park, on the west side of the grounds, was loaned to the fair by Mrs. Boulton, who lived in the Grange, and it was bounded on the north by the Caer Howell Pleasure Grounds (in a way a forerunner of the midway). The fair was a success, attracting more than 30,000 visitors.[2] After the 1852 fair, the Board of the Association passed the resolution to the Government to support municipalities who would construct permanent structures for the fair. The City of Toronto received 20 acres (8.1 ha) of Garrison Reserve lands south of the Lunatic Asylum, west of the city, on King Street West and constructed the CA$5,000 'Palace of Industry', nicknamed the 'Crystal Palace', its walls were cast iron and glass (this being prior to electric lighting), in time for the next time the event was held in Toronto, in 1858.[3]

After the 1877 fair held in London, Toronto City Council won the right to hold the fair in 1878. The current site on King Street was considered unsuitable and City Council promised new facilities. The City arranged for a lease with the Government of Canada of 50 acres (20 ha) of the Military Reserve west of Old Fort York, at the foot of Dufferin Street for CA$100 (equivalent to $3,847 in 2023) per year. To build the facilities, the City estimated the cost at CA$450,000, which was put to a vote of Toronto taxpayers in May 1878. The vote failed, and plans were made to finance the new site through a CA$75,000 (equivalent to $2,885,180 in 2023) bond offering. This failed also, but the City went ahead and added the amount to its budget anyway.[4] Beginning in July, with only three months to complete the site, preparations began on the site. The 1878 fair was held on the new site at the foot of Dufferin Street. The City moved the Crystal Palace from its site on King Street to a place on the grounds to serve as the main exhibition space. A second floor and cupola was added to the building when it was reconstructed.[5]

An advertisement for the 1884 Toronto Industrial Exhibition.

After the 1878 fair, Toronto City Council and the local Exhibition Committee approached the Provincial Agriculture Association with a proposition: that the fair remain permanently in Toronto. The Association thanked City Council and the Exhibition Committee for their work in delivering a successful fair in 1878 but informed them that a decision had already been made to move the fair to another city in 1879.[1] Council, along with local businessmen, moved ahead with plans to establish a permanent fair in Toronto. The Agricultural Association refused again to hold the fair in Toronto, and instead a new permanent fair was created, the Toronto Industrial Exhibition (TIE), an incorporated entity.[6]

The new fair opened to the public on Tuesday, September 2, 1879,[7] and lasted for three weeks (Sundays excepted). The exhibition hosted an attendance of an estimated 100,000 paid admissions.[8] It was officially opened by Governor General John Campbell, Marquess of Lorne and Princess Louise the following Friday, September 5, the Marquess declaring "I have much pleasure in declaring the Toronto Industrial Exhibition formally open to the public."[9] The day was capped by a grand ball held off-site at the Pavilion at Allan Gardens.[8] The first fair had 8,234 exhibits and CA$100,000 of buildings.[8] The fair was staggered, showing animals in the second and third weeks only.

For that first fair, the York Pioneers Historical Society, on its own, relocated the 1794 Scadding Cabin settler's log cabin to the site.[10] The Grandstand show was a display of prize animals.[11] The track of the Military Reserve and its Grandstand was used for equestrian displays and several wooden structures were built for other exhibits and live stock.[8] Attendees arrived by carriage by Dufferin Street, by boat at two wharves, by the Great Western Railway line and the street railway, which was extended to Strachan Avenue.[6] A row of pens along the waterfront held the live stock. Sporting events included a half-mile foot race for a purse of CA$50 (equivalent to $1,815 in 2023) and a sculling race won by Jacob Gaudaur for a prize of CA$300 (equivalent to $10,889 in 2023).[12]

Ferris wheel at Toronto Industrial Exhibition, 1900
Electric railways at the CNE in 1884. The railways were introduced to the CNE the previous year.

As the fair grew, it exhibited the latest technological advances. Exhibition patrons were introduced to electric railway transportation in 1884, to "Edison's Perfected Phonograph" in 1888,[13] to "wireless telegraphy" at the 1899 fair,[14].

The fair grew to add attractions other than agricultural and industrial ones. In 1884, the fair added the "Little World" exhibit of miniature landscapes with about 100 figures doing "all the operations required in the carrying on of the leading industries of the day." It was extremely popular with half-hour waits in line and returned in the following two fairs.[15] In 1885, the fair included three 'Grand Balloon Excursions' by the 'Lady Aeronaut' Carlotta. The electric railway was operated again. An 'International Fireworks Competition' was held, along with "Mr. Hirschfelder's Great Museum" of curiosities, "Professor Morley's Beautiful Fata Morgana" and the animal exhibits of the Toronto Zoo.[16]

The 1887 fair saw the dedication of the obelisk on the site of old French fort Fort Rouillé at the foot of Dufferin Street.[17] The Exhibition Association, the city, the province and the York Pioneers all contributed to its funding.[17]

In 1902, the "Midway of Marvels" was introduced. Acts and attractions included "Frank Bostock's Animal Arena" of trained wild animals, Williams and Warren's "Fairyland", Heazlits' Children's Theatre, Captain Louis Sorchos "Deep Sea Divers", Cassel's Dog and Pony Show, Stark's Glassworks, and Milton Dowker's display of Alberta cowboy life in the Northwest Territories. Other attractions included Sosman and Landis' 'electrical exhibition' "A Day at The Alps", Cora Beckwirth's Water Carnival, the "Temple of Illusion" and a moving-picture exhibit showing the eruption of Mt. Pelee among other subjects.[18] That same year the Art Gallery building was erected. It displayed water-colour and oil paintings, fine china, and a display of art of the Technical School.[19] The matinee performance was high-diving; the evening spectacle was "The Orient" produced by Bolossy Kiralfy, a new production of his spectacle shown in London, England.[19] Kiralfy would return the next year to produce "A Carnival in Venice" of Italian music to a backdrop of Venice, the songs sung from gondolas and the musicians on an island.[20]

Canadian National Exhibition

[edit]

In its twenty-fifth iteration, the 1903 fair was the first known as the Canadian National Exhibition, and it was officially opened by Lord Strathcona.[21] It included the display of the Jubilee gifts received by Queen Victoria, and the "Dufferin Presents" received by the Marquess Dufferin during his residence in Canada and India.[21] A prominent display was a huge cake of "Comfort" Soap, that fairgoers were invited to guess the weight of, for a prize of an upright piano.[21] 75,000 guesses were received for the 816 pound, 2.5 oz. cake of soap and the winner was Mrs. William Adams of Euclid Avenue who won a CA$350 (equivalent to $12,585 in 2023) Palmer Upright Piano.[22]

In 1904, the directors promised "much-improved displays of Canadian manufacturers, live stock, machinery and produce."[23] The art gallery displayed paintings valued at CA$200,000 (equivalent to $7,191,248 in 2023). The grand stand show was a "pyro-military spectacle entitled 'The Relief of Lucknow'", featuring pipers of The Black Watch and fireworks.[23] Acts at the fair included "Dare-devil Schreyer" who jumped from a bicycle 108 feet (33 m) in the air to a 2 feet (61 cm)-deep tank of water below. Other acts included trained bears, trained lions, aerial acrobatics and the demonstration of a musical instrument known as the "myriaphone."[23] The Exhibition grounds were part of the Dunlop 15 miles (24 km) bicycle road race from High Park through Toronto and back.[24] As a special promotion, the fair offered a limited number of tickets at six for a dollar.[23]

Edward, Prince of Wales cutting the ribbon to officially open Princes' Gates

In October 1906, the Crystal Palace, Grand stand and the cattle barns were destroyed in one large fire.[25] New buildings were constructed, designed by Exhibition architect G. W. Gouinlock in the Beaux-Arts style. The Horticulture Building was built in 1907 to replace the Crystal Palace. Also that year, a new Grandstand was constructed. The Music Building was constructed as the Railways Building, designed for the Grand Trunk and Canadian Pacific Railway. The Government Building, also known as the Arts, Crafts and Hobbies Building was built in 1911. The 1912 Women's Building, another Gouinlock design along the waterfront, had lectures, concerts, fashion shows and craft and food judging.[26]

In 1921, the fair held its first Warriors' Day Parade of veterans, nurses and armed forces personnel. It was overseen by new Governor General of Canada Lord Byng. In 1927, the parade would inaugurate the new Princes' Gates, with a review of veterans by the Edward, Prince of Wales and Prince George. The Princes' Gates marked the eastern expansion of the fair grounds to Strachan Avenue. Up until that time, the main entrance was the Dufferin Gate at Dufferin Street.

The growing attendance and high take-up by exhibitors led to the approval in 1921 of two new buildings - the Pure Foods Building and the Machinery Hall, to take exhibitors from the Manufacturers' Building.[27] The Pure Foods Building was built north of the Grandstand at a cost of CA$150,000 and opened in 1922.[28] The Machinery Hall opened in 1923.

semi-spherical building, partially constructed in large open space
The CNE Bandshell under construction in 1936. The old bandstand is to its right

The CNE introduced swimming marathons in the 1920s. In 1927, the marathon was 21 miles (34 km) in length, had a prize purse of CA$50,000[29] and had over 400 participants. With so many participants, it had to be held in relays of 75 swimmers.[30] In 1928, the 10 miles (16 km) Wrigley Marathon was held.[31] 66 women swimmers participated for the prize of CA$15,000, won by Ethel Hertle.[32] Swimming marathons continued until 1937.[33]

In 1927, the CNE moved its livestock displays indoors into the new Live Stock Pavilion, northwest of the Princes' Gates. Built by the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, it replaced wooden structures and tents that temporarily housed the animals. The new building had room for 2,000 cattle, 1,500 pigs and 1,200 sheep, plus a judging ring and veterinary space.[34] In 1928, the fair's golden jubilee, it opened the new CA$600,000 (equivalent to $10,358,242 in 2023) Electrical and Engineering just west of the Princes' Gates.[35]

The fair was extremely profitable for the City of Toronto. In 1927 alone it turned over CA$215,000 (equivalent to $3,711,703 in 2023) and in the ten years previous had turned over CA$2,000,000 (equivalent to $34,527,473 in 2023) to the City.[35]

In 1932, tragedy struck the Midway, when 19-year-old Belle Lichman would break her back in a diving act on the Midway. Lichman became paralyzed from the neck down from the injury. Lichman died four years later from influenza.[36]

The 1934 fair celebrated the centennial of the City of Toronto with special displays at the grand plaza south of the Horticultural Building.

In 1936, the CNE introduced the CNE Bandshell, an outdoor covered concert stage south of the Horticultural Building. The Bandshell was funded with surplus funds from the 1935 fair.[37] The Bandshell replaced a small bandstand in the park, and became a site for regular concerts. Seating is outdoors on benches. The first event was the official opening of the fair by Ontario Premier Hepburn with a concert by the Kneller Hall Band from the UK's National School of Music in Twickenham, England on August 27, 1936.[38]

In 1937, Conklin Shows was awarded the contract to provide amusement rides and games for the CNE midway. The company was sold in 2004 for US$100 million and merged with two other carnival operators to form North American Midway Entertainment, which now operates the midway.[39]

In 1939, the CNE held its first live television demonstration.[40] Television models had been displayed in previous years by individual retailers in static displays.

World War 2 hiatus

[edit]
Miss War Worker Beauty Contest held at the CNE during the Second World War.

During the Second World War, as during the First World War, the CNE grounds became home to detachments of the Canadian military. In 1939, the Royal Canadian Air Force moved into the Coliseum. The Canadian Army took over the Horse Palace and the Royal Canadian Navy converted the Automotive Building into HMCS York. During the summers of 1940 and 1941, most of the troops stationed at the CNE were re-located. Those troops remaining either continued their regular administrative duties or participated in CNE displays and events aimed at promoting the Canadian war effort.

CNE officials had hoped to continue the annual fair throughout the years of the war. In the spring of 1942, however, the CNE agreed to turn the grounds over to the Canadian military for use year-round. During the military occupation of the grounds, virtually every CNE building, large or small, was used by the Canadian armed forces. The CNE grounds remained closed and under the control of the Canadian military until 1946.[41] The Government of Canada paid a cash settlement to the City of CA$1.29 |million.[41] It was estimated that the site had housed and trained 300,000 during its use by the military.[41] Between 1945 and 1946, Exhibition Park was a demobilization centre for returning troops at the end of the war[42] before closing on June 1, 1946.[43]

While the CNE was closed, the 1912 Grandstand (the third on the site) suffered a serious fire on April 14, 1946.[44] The City had been using it for storage and the various supplies and electrical equipment were lost.[44] What remained was demolished and no part was reusable.[45]

Post-war

[edit]
Aerial view of the 1947 Canadian National Exhibition

The CNE resumed in 1947, with no Grandstand to hold shows or sports. Exhibits included demonstrations of plastics and synthetics. The CNE re-introduced marathon swims. The Women's five mile swim was won by Bernice Looney, who would also win the following three swims. The men's swim winner was Ben Gazel.[46] The CNE continued the swims, billed as "world championships" until 1953.[47] Toronto swimmer Cliff Lumsdon would win several of the marathon swims from 1949 onwards, earning total winnings to CA$48,950 for his career.[48]

The City constructed a covered north-side 22,000-seat grandstand (known as CNE Grandstand and later Exhibition Stadium) for CA$3.5 million, which opened in 1948.[49][50][51][52][53] It was used for concerts, auto racing and military tattoos during the CNE. In 1959, the Toronto Argonauts football team moved to the site and a south-side bleacher stand was built.

In 1949, the Canadian International Air Show moved to the CNE.[54] The CNE had held aerial displays dating back to 1919, when Fokker D VII fighters were flown along the waterfront and 1939, when RCAF aircraft made a flypast.[54] During the 1950s, the remaining military part of the site, the Stanley Barracks, was wound down. Its final use was for temporary housing of servicemen after the war. The Officer's Quarters became the Marine Museum.

In 1954, the CNE discontinued its marathon swims and sponsored a Lake Ontario-crossing swim by American swimmer Florence Chadwick. Canadian swimmers Marilyn Bell and Winnie Roach Leuszler decided to challenge Chadwick, setting the stage for the famous crossing by Bell after Chadwick and Roach dropped out. Chadwick had been promised CA$10,000 if she completed the race, and received $2,500 while Bell received the CA$10,000. Bell was greeted by 300,000 Torontonians at the waterfront, received prizes of CA$60,000 at a public reception had a ticker-tape parade on Bay Street and a public reception at the Band Shell.[55] In 1955, the CNE attempted to hold another across-the-lake swim, but it was cancelled for safety reasons.[56] Instead, a 32-mile marathon was held, won by Cliff Lumsdon.[57] Independently, swimmers attempted to cross Lake Ontario to match Bell's achievement, leading to the drowning death of Clifford Snowlton after completing only 3.5 mi (5.6 km).[56] Swimming events at the CNE were cancelled in 1956,[58] only to brought back from 1961 until 1964.[59]

The now vanished "Flyer" rollercoaster, and the likewise vanished Exhibition Stadium at the CNE in 1985, as seen from the giant Ferris wheel.

New buildings and structures continued to be constructed, including the Queen Elizabeth Building and Theatre and the Better Living Centre. The CA$1.5 million Food Building was opened in 1954 to replace the 'Pure Foods Building with a 50% larger facility.[60] The Princess Margaret Fountain, designed by Design Craft, was opened by Princess Margaret on July 31, 1958.[61] In 1961, the exhibition was successful in luring the Hockey Hall of Fame to the site in a combined building with the Canada Sports Hall of Fame. The Halls of Fame would be one of the first buildings on the site to be open beyond the fair.

The fair also remained a major hub for sporting events and entertainment. Over time, the CNE moved away from its country-fair heritage toward an increasingly modern, cosmopolitan look and feel. An observation tower, the Shell Oil Tower, was constructed at the intersection of Princes' Boulevard and the Midway. The Midway developed the nickname 'Mile and a Half Midway' for its extensive length.

In 1955, the Shell Oil Tower (later known as the Bulova Tower) was erected.[62] It was a see-through structure of glass and steel with an observation platform at 90 feet (27 m) above the ground.[63][64] The tower was demolished to make way for the Indy race,[65] which paid the cost of demolition. It had been closed the previous two years due to safety concerns.[66]

In 1958, the fair was extended from 14 to 16 days. In 1968, changes in blue laws allowed the CNE to open for the first time on Sundays, extending the fair to 18 days.[67]

In 1966, Conklin built the "Alpine Way" cable-car system, connecting people from the west side of the Food Building to near the Princes' Gate.[68] The Alpine Way was reported to cost CA$710,000. It carried passengers 2,175 feet (663 m) at 100 feet (30 m) above-ground for a bird's eye view of the fair.[69] In exchange for its construction, Conklin Shows was given 85% of the proceeds for its first ten years, and 75% of the proceeds for the next ten years.[70] In 1971, it was estimated to carry 400,000 passengers every fair and was Conklin's most profitable attraction.[70]

In 1972, the Electrical and Engineering Building (of 1927) just west of the Princes' Gate was demolished due to structural concerns. Exhibits in the building were moved to the Automotive Building. The Queen Elizabeth Building was used in its entirety for an exhibit by the People's Republic of China.[71] In 1974, the International Building, hosting a Spain exhibit, burned down. The building had annually featured a different country with product, travel and tourism exhibits. It was not replaced.

1990s decade of change

[edit]
New Trade Centre

By 1990, the fairgrounds had lost the Blue Jays and Argonauts. Major changes were made to reinvigorate the site and reduce annual deficits. In 1997, the new 1,000,000 square feet (93,000 m2) National Trade Centre (now the Enercare Centre) exhibition complex was built west of the Princes' Gate on the site of the old Electrical and Engineering Building. It was integrated with the Coliseum and the Agriculture Annex, forming a large, configurable exhibition space with arena and agricultural facilities that cater to trade conventions and consumer shows year-round. The new building meant large changes for the site. The streetcar loop was moved north, under the Gardiner Expressway. A tunnel under Princes' Boulevard was made to connect to the Automotive Building, which became a year-round meeting centre, as automotive displays had moved to the downtown Convention Centre, and the building was unused during the fair.

At the same time, the older buildings at the western end of the fair were not up to contemporary standards, the whole Exhibition Place site was running a yearly deficit, and there were no funds for refits. Three of the westernmost former exhibit buildings have since been leased out to private attractions and are used year-round, generating revenue for the site, but are not part of the fair. The Ontario Government Building, which held travel and nature exhibits of Ontario during the fair, had been abandoned when Ontario Place was built. The Arts, Crafts and Hobbies, and Horticulture Buildings were also decrepit.[72] The exhibit space lost was replaced with the National Trade Centre space. This shrunk the fair's footprint and the Dufferin Gate is no longer used as an admission gate to the fair.

The Flyer- a wooden roller coaster built in 1953 by Conklin Shows was a permanent fixture that lasted until 1992.[73] By that time, the ride was losing money due to declining ridership and the Fair Association made the decision to tear it down.[74] The popular Alpine Way was demolished in 1994.[75] In 1999, Exhibition Stadium was demolished, ending its use as a concert venue.

21st century

[edit]

In 2003, the CNE celebrated its 125th anniversary, despite the first four days of the exhibition being hampered by the Northeast blackout of 2003. In 2005, the CNE introduced a Mardi Gras parade. In 2010, the CNE received EcoLogo Certification, making it the 'greenest' fair in North America.[76]

In 2012, Canadian Olympic gold-medalists Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir performed in La Vie: Aerial Acrobatics & Ice Skating Show during the first 15 days of the fair, and three-time World Champion and Olympic silver-medalist Elvis Stojko closed out the show on Labour Day weekend. In 2015, Virtue and Moir returned for another ice skating and aerial acrobatics show, Bon Voyage![77][78]

In April 2013, the CNE became independent of the City and the Exhibition Place board, becoming the Exhibition Place's primary tenant.[79] In both 2013 and 2014, the CNE featured a zip line ride. The ride launched from a ten-storey launch tower north of BMO Field. The landing tower, southwest of the current Enercare Centre, was 60 ft (18 m) high. The zip line ride consisted of four lines, each measuring nearly 1,100 ft (340 m).[80]

jet plane in sky surrounded by small clouds
An F-35 Lightning II performs a high-speed pass during the 70th Canadian International Air Show

In 2016, the CNE saw the return of programming at the CNE waterfront with a daily water ski show, and national and international competitions.[81] The same year also saw the introduction of the CNE Innovation Garage in partnership with Ryerson University, featuring a pitch competition for young inventors and displays of new inventions and projects such as ZooShare biogas.[82]

Completed in 2017, the Hotel X Toronto, on the Stanley Barracks site, was built. This completed the on-site suite of services for meetings and conventions. It is connected to the Automotive Building by a bridge allowing access free of weather concerns to meeting facilities. The new hotel site encompassed the former Stanley Barracks site, of which the Officer's Quarters remains, reducing parking at the fair. The former baseball diamond at the very west of the site was converted to a Toronto Raptors practice facility. The annual baseball tournament was moved outside of the site to Coronation Park.

In 2020, the CNE and all associated in-person events were cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic—the first time the CNE has been cancelled since World War II.[83] The CNE reported that this caused a loss of over $35 million in potential revenue, and $128 million in economic impact to Ontario.[84] In 2021, due to the continued pandemic, the City of Toronto government cancelled all city-led and permitted outdoor in-person events through at least September 6, 2021, therefore cancelling the CNE and all associated in-person events for the second year in a row. As revenue from previous editions are reinvested into subsequent editions, the CNE stated that "the cancellations and financial losses of 2020 and 2021 will have a consequential impact on the future of the CNE."[85]

The CNE resumed operations in 2022. The re-opening on August 19, 2022, was made possible due to funding received from both the Government of Canada ($7.1 million) and the Province of Ontario ($1.6 million). The financial assistance facilitated the introduction of new programming of immersive heritage exhibits, enhancements to the Gaming Garage, a nightly drone show and a multimedia show called "NEVAEH & the Northstar", both presented by VinFast.[86]

The 2023 CNE surpassed the 2015 attendance with 1,604,000 visitors passing through its gates. Attractions included the Fountain Show and the Canadian International Air Show on the waterfront. The Coliseum held an Ice Skating and Acrobatics Show "Time Flies" with Elvis Stojko. The Better Living Centre hosted a Pink Floyd exhibition. The bandshell's entertainment included Dionne Warwick, Jann Arden, Amanda Marshall, Kim Mitchell, Tynomi Banks and Kardinal Offishal.[87]

In 2023, the Canadian National Exhibition marked the 130th anniversary of the Ferris Wheel by welcoming the Super Wheel, the first of its kind to appear in Toronto.[88] Fairgoers had views of the lake and the city, inside 36-climate controlled gondolas that held four to six guests per gondola.[89][90]

Attendance

[edit]

Attendance has been recorded since 1911.[91] According to the CNE, figures before 1981 were intentionally inflated.[92]

Year Attendance
(million unless otherwise) 		Ref.
1879 100 (thousand) (est.) [8]
1883 171 (thousand) (est.) [8]
1893 267 (thousand) (est.) [8]
1903 527 (thousand) (est.) [8]
1913 1.009 [8]
1914 768 (thousand) [8]
1915 864 (thousand) [8]
1916 910 (thousand) [8]
1921 1.242 [93]
1928 2.00 [94]
1941 1.84 [94]
1947 2.36 [95]
1952 2.72 [96]
1953 2.62 [97]
1954 2.82 [98]
1955 2.81 [99]
1956 2.83 [100]
1957 2.80 [100]
1958 2.96 [100]
1959 2.91 [101]
Year Attendance
(million) 		Ref.
1960 2.96 [102]
1961 2.87 [102]
1962 3.01 [103]
1963 3.08 [104]
1964 2.99 [104]
1965 2.96 [105]
1966 2.99 [105]
1967 3.02 [106]
1968 3.24 [107]
1969 3.19 [107]
1970 3.17 [108]
1971 3.21 [108]
1972 3.56 [109]
1973 3.57 [110]
1974 3.25 [110]
1975 3.48 [111]
1976 3.59 [111]
1977
1978 3.59 [112]
1979 3.34 [112]
Year Attendance
(million) 		Ref.
1980 3.06 [112]
1981 2.30 [113]
1982 2.22 [113]
1983 2.53 [114]
1984 2.10 [114]
1985 2.29 [115]
1986 2.14 [116]
1987 2.12 [117]
1988 2.01 [118]
1989 2.05 [119]
1990 1.71 [120]
1991 1.98 [120]
1992 1.85 [120]
1993 1.77 [121]
1994 1.67 [122]
1995 1.56 [122]
1996 1.71 [123]
1997 1.68 [124]
1998 1.79 [125]
1999 1.37 [126]
Year Attendance
(million) 		Ref.
2000 1.38 [127]
2001 1.40 [128]
2002 1.40 [128]
2003 1.25 [128]
2004
2005 1.25 [127]
2006 1.38 [127]
2007 1.24 [127]
2008 1.31 [127]
2009 1.32 [127]
2010
2011 1.31 [129]
2012 1.39 [130]
2014 1.43 [131]
2015 1.60 [132]
2016 1.54 [133]
2017 1.56 [134]
2018 1.30 [135]
2019 1.50 [135]
2022 1.56 [136]
2023 1.60 [137]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b CNE Archives. 2013.
  2. ^ "Great Provincial Exhibition". The Globe. September 25, 1852. p. 462.
  3. ^ "THE THIRTEENTH EXHIBITION: THE CORNER STONE THE CRYSTAL PALACE". The Globe. September 29, 1858. p. 2.
  4. ^ Lorimer 1973, p. 2.
  5. ^ "Crystal Palace". CNE. Retrieved September 1, 2024.
  6. ^ a b "THE EXHIBITION: Active Preparations for the Opening PROSPECTS OF AN IMMENSE SHOW History of the Exhibition Association Doings at the Grounds". The Globe. September 1, 1879. p. 4.
  7. ^ "THE EXHIBITION: Opened to the Public Yesterday". The Globe. September 3, 1879. p. 2.
  8. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l "FAIR'S GROWTH FROM YEAR 1846: How it Developed From the Old Provincial Exhibition". The Globe. August 25, 1917. p. 14.
  9. ^ "WELCOME!: Arrival of the Governor-General and Princess Louise: AN IMMENSE AND ENTHUSIASTIC GATHERING: The Landing at the Foot of Lorne-street: THE SOHOLARS' GREETING: The Procession to Horticultural Gardens: PRESENTATION OF THE CIVIC ADDRESS: Formal Opening of the Exhibition". The Globe. September 6, 1879. p. 2.
  10. ^ "The Scadding Cabin". York Pioneer and Historical Society. Retrieved 31 August 2016.
  11. ^ "SAW FIRST FAIR 70 YEARS BACK: James Morrison is Just as Keenly Interested in Present Exhibition". The Globe. September 6, 1917. p. 8.
  12. ^ Leveridge 1978, p. 73.
  13. ^ "THE GREAT EXHIBITION: SEVERAL THOUSAND VISITORS ON THE GROUNDS YESTERDAY". The Globe. September 13, 1888. p. 4.
  14. ^ "MODERN WIZARDS: Talk on Wireless Telegraphy and Liquid Air RECENT DISCOVERIES Two Great Inventions of Modern Science to be Exhibited at the Industrial Fair". The Globe. August 28, 1899. p. 10.
  15. ^ Walden 1997, p. 36.
  16. ^ "1885 Special Attractions". CNE Foundation. Retrieved September 8, 2024.
  17. ^ a b Walden 1997, p. 229.
  18. ^ "A MIDWAY OF MARVELS: It is to he one of the Features at Toronto Exhibition". The Globe. August 23, 1902. p. 8.
  19. ^ a b "FAIR RECORDS ARE GROWING: Press Day Drew Crowds and Distinguished Visitors: THE NEW ART GALLERY". The Globe. September 4, 1902. p. 10.
  20. ^ "A CARNIVAL IN VENICE: PARTICULARS OF KIRALFY'S EXHIBITION PRODUCTION It is Promised That It Shall be on an Unexampled Scale in an Unexampled Manner". The Globe. July 24, 1903. p. 10.
  21. ^ a b c "CANADA'S GRAND OLD MAN OPENED OUR EXHIBITION: ITS TWENTY-FIFTH YEAR". The Globe. August 31, 1903. p. 1.
  22. ^ "IT WEIGHED 816 LBS, 2½ OZ.: WINNERS IN "COMFORT" SOAP GUESSING CONTEST". The Globe. September 21, 1903. p. 9.
  23. ^ a b c d "CANADA'S GREAT FAIR: PREPARATIONS FOR THE NATIONAL EXHIBITION OF 1904 Will be Finer Than Ever Before". The Globe. July 16, 1904. p. 25.
  24. ^ "Big Bicycle Event". The Globe. September 5, 1904. p. 11.
  25. ^ "FIRE SWEEPS BUILDINGS ON EXHIBITION GROUNDS: Grand Stand Transportation Building and the Cattle Sheds Gone". The Globe. October 19, 1906. p. 1.
  26. ^ Marie, Denise. "Lost Buildings at the CNE & Exhibition Place: A Glimpse into the Past". www.torontojourney416.com.
  27. ^ "NEW BUILDING FOR PURE FOODS: C. N. E. Board Approves Site Also for Machinery Exhibit". The Globe. December 15, 1921. p. 9.
  28. ^ "ARCHITECTURAL MASTERPIECE IS NEW PURE FOOD BUILDING INITIATING 50-YEAR SCHEME: Plan Adopted by Canadian National Exhibition Officials Is to Take Care of Future Needs Arising for Next Half Century-- Cost Is $150,000". The Globe. August 15, 1922. p. 12.
  29. ^ "WORLD'S BEST SWIM IN RACE AT C. N. E". The Globe. May 16, 1927. p. 11.
  30. ^ "PLANS ARE OUTLINED TO GUIDE SWIMMERS IN C.N.E. MARATHON: 422 Entrants Will Start in Relays Five Minutes Apart". The Globe. August 25, 1927. p. 23.
  31. ^ "66 Women Swimmers Are Competing Today For World Championship: With Crown of Honor Goes Handsome Cash Prize". The Globe. August 29, 1928. p. 1.
  32. ^ "Ethel Hertle Is Winner Of Wrigley Marathon; Seattle Girl Is Second". The Globe. August 30, 1928. p. 1.
  33. ^ Leveridge 1978, p. 21.
  34. ^ "FEATURE OF FAIR IS SHOWN TO BE IN NEW PAVILION: Structure Attracts Attention as Visitor Enters Princes' Gates". The Globe. August 27, 1927. p. 7.
  35. ^ a b "C.N.E.-- An Annual World's Fair That Pays: The Canadian National Exhibition, Celebrating Its Golden Jubilee This Year, Surpasses in Size and Importance Every Other Annual Institution of Its Kind in the World". The Globe. August 24, 1928. p. 2.
  36. ^ "Diving Girl Loses Fight With Death". The Globe. October 20, 1936. p. 1.
  37. ^ "C.N.E. TO SPEND SURPLUS FUNDS". The Globe. August 13, 1936. p. 10.
  38. ^ "Music Will Blend With Fine Colors: New C.N.E. Band Shell To Be Opened". The Globe. August 27, 1936. p. 3.
  39. ^ Willis, Andrew (October 26, 2004). "FINANCING: New boutique ZED offers debt-linked funding STREETWISE". The Globe and Mail. p. B19.
  40. ^ "Display Ad - Everything For You!". The Globe. August 24, 1939. p. 8.
  41. ^ a b c "Only Year Left To Lift Face Of 'Ex' Park". The Globe and Mail. August 23, 1946. p. 11.
  42. ^ Sendzikas 2011, p. 136.
  43. ^ Sendzikas 2011, p. 139.
  44. ^ a b "Spectacular Fire Burns Grandstand At C.N.E. Grounds". The Globe and Mail. April 15, 1946. p. 8.
  45. ^ "CNE Grandstand Won't Be Ready For 1947: Mayor". The Globe and Mail. June 19, 1946. p. 5.
  46. ^ Leveridge 1978, p. 22.
  47. ^ Leveridge 1978, pp. 22–25.
  48. ^ Leveridge 1978, pp. 23–43.
  49. ^ "'To Cost Over 4 Million,' Asks Grandstand Probe". The Globe and Mail. September 21, 1948.
  50. ^ "Fireworks Over CNE: Council Would Let Ex Boss Grandstand, Field; Fiery Aldermen Object". The Globe and Mail. November 2, 1948.
  51. ^ Coleman, Jim (September 29, 1948). "By Jim Coleman". The Globe and Mail.
  52. ^ Tumpane, Frank (December 7, 1949). "Sweet reason". The Globe and Mail.
  53. ^ "Spring Rehabilitation: Offer to Improve CNE Sports Field For 1950 Grey Cup". The Globe and Mail. December 7, 1949.
  54. ^ a b "Canadian International Air Show fonds". CNE Archives. Retrieved September 1, 2024.
  55. ^ Leveridge 1978, pp. 27–33.
  56. ^ a b Leveridge 1978, p. 39.
  57. ^ Leveridge 1978, pp. 40–41.
  58. ^ Leveridge 1978, p. 44.
  59. ^ Leveridge 1978, pp. 45–50.
  60. ^ "CNE Approves New Food Building To Cost $1,500,000". The Globe and Mail. May 12, 1953. p. 23.
  61. ^ "Princess to Speak: Itinerary Allows Time for Margaret to Greet 20,000 at Grandstand". Toronto Star. July 30, 1958. p. 4.
  62. ^ "Last ditch plea fails as wreckers hit Bulova Tower". Toronto Star. November 26, 1985. p. A6.
  63. ^ Martins-Manteiga 2007, p. 73.
  64. ^ Schiller, Bill (September 16, 1985). "Time may be running out for clock tower". Toronto Star. p. B16.
  65. ^ Martins-Manteiga 2007, p. 11.
  66. ^ "Demolition permit issued for Bulova Tower". Toronto Star. November 7, 1985. p. B1.
  67. ^ Donald Newman (August 19, 1968). "CNE makes history with Sunday crowd". The Globe and Mail. Toronto. p. 1.
  68. ^ "Lord Thomson opens CNE: Girls are go-go. cable car isn't". The Globe and Mail. August 20, 1966. p. 5.
  69. ^ "New sights and sounds: Variety marks Ex entertainment". The Globe and Mail. August 17, 1966. p. 11.
  70. ^ a b "CNE ride fails during storm; 30 trapped for 90 minutes". The Globe and Mail. August 23, 1971. p. 5.
  71. ^ "Denied booth at exhibition: CNE won't let group sell Mao quotations". The Globe and Mail. July 13, 1972. p. 5.
  72. ^ Hall, Joseph (August 7, 2004). "EXtreme Makeover". Toronto Star. pp. E1, E4, E5.
  73. ^ "The Flyer's Grounded". Toronto Star. April 25, 1992. p. A1.
  74. ^ "Not the roller-coaster". The Globe and Mail. April 27, 1992. p. A17.
  75. ^ MacKinnon, Donna Jean (October 13, 1994). "CNE Cable Cars Bite The Dust". Toronto Star. p. A7.
  76. ^ Winter, Chris (July 23, 2011). "How Exhibition Place Showcases Green Leadership". Toronto Star. p. SS8-5.
  77. ^ CNE (August 19, 2015). "Display Ad". Toronto Star. p. A11.
  78. ^ "What's On". Toronto Star. August 20, 2015. p. E7.
  79. ^ "CNE, Honda Indy and an Ex Hotel on tap at the Exhibition Place Community Liaison committee meeting". Parkdale Villager. July 2, 2013. p. 1.
  80. ^ McGinnis, Rick (August 17, 2013). "The CNE gets a 1000+ foot zip line for 2013". blogto.com. Retrieved March 10, 2024.
  81. ^ "Barefoot and Better Than You". Toronto Star. August 18, 2016. p. GT4.
  82. ^ "Tired Tech Showcase Retools". Toronto Star. August 19, 2016. pp. B1, B4.
  83. ^ "Canadian National Exhibition Makes Historic Decision to Cancel the 2020 Fair" (PDF) (Press release). CNEA. May 12, 2020. Retrieved June 6, 2020.
  84. ^ "All major summer events, including CNE, Caribbean Carnival, cancelled again this year, city says". CP24. May 14, 2021. Retrieved May 14, 2021.
  85. ^ "Difficult Decisions Ahead for the Canadian National Exhibition as the City of Toronto Extends Cancellation of In-Person Major Events through to Labour Day" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on May 17, 2021.
  86. ^ "A Historic Year for the Canadian National Exhibition, and Preliminary Attendance Figures Indicate Likewise" (PDF). theex.com. September 2, 2022. Retrieved February 7, 2024.
  87. ^ "Record-Breaking Attendance for the 2023 Canadian National Exhibition" (PDF). theex.com. September 21, 2023. Retrieved February 7, 2024.
  88. ^ "Ex-Citing Additions: Superwheel's debut will have heads spinning at CNE". August 9, 2023. Retrieved February 7, 2024.
  89. ^ "From Thrill Rides to Kiddie Rides, Our Carnival Rides Can't Be Forgotten". Retrieved February 7, 2024.
  90. ^ "Ferris Wheel, ca. 1900". theex.com. Retrieved February 7, 2024.
  91. ^ "One Rainy Day Kills Bid for Three Million". Toronto Daily Star. September 12, 1960. p. 19. ProQuest 1428371238.
  92. ^ Slotnick, Lorry (September 9, 1983). "Old Figures Were 'Puffed Up': CNE Reports Attendance Rise". The Globe and Mail. p. 5. ProQuest 1238656294.
  93. ^ "National Exhibition Opens 44th Season By Breaking Record". The Globe. August 28, 1922. p. 1.
  94. ^ a b "Official Attendance at C.N.E. Totals 1,839,000". The Globe and Mail. September 8, 1941. p. 3. ProQuest 1356053335.
  95. ^ "CNE Profits in '47 $205,348 to City". The Globe and Mail. February 26, 1948. p. 4. ProQuest 1291575657.
  96. ^ "CNE Attendance". Toronto Daily Star. September 16, 1952. p. 6. ProQuest 1419024922.
  97. ^ "Weather Vagaries Cut CNE Attendance Total". The Globe and Mail. September 14, 1953. p. 5. ProQuest 1287218887.
  98. ^ "116,000 Attend Opening of CNE". The Globe and Mail. August 24, 1957. p. 1. ProQuest 1288695837.
  99. ^ "Attendance Lower, But CNE Called Best". The Globe and Mail. September 12, 1955. p. 1. ProQuest 1316427117.
  100. ^ a b c "Record CNE Attendance But Short of 3 Million". Toronto Daily Star. September 8, 1958. p. 1. ProQuest 1434647628.
  101. ^ "Up for Day, Total CNE Attendance Drops". The Globe and Mail. September 14, 1959. p. 19. ProQuest 1288496689.
  102. ^ a b "3,000,000 Still Elusive Ponder 17-Day 'Ex' in '62". Toronto Daily Star. September 16, 1952. p. 17. ProQuest 1428846194.
  103. ^ "CNE Hopes to Smash '63 Attendance Record". Toronto Daily Star. September 8, 1958. p. 66. ProQuest 1435649554.
  104. ^ a b "Turnstiles Click Merrily at CNE Saturday's 249,000 Big Increase". Toronto Daily Star. August 23, 1965. p. 1. ProQuest 1425706158.
  105. ^ a b "CNE May Open Sundays to Compete with Expo". The Globe and Mail. September 6, 1966. p. 1. ProQuest 1270603689.
  106. ^ "tatoo Takes Ex Over 3,000,000". Toronto Daily Star. September 5, 1967. p. 1. ProQuest 1417468684.
  107. ^ a b "Attendance Is Down But CNE Has Profit First Time in 3 Years". Toronto Daily Star. September 2, 1969. p. 35. ProQuest 1419937571.
  108. ^ a b "CNE Attendance Goes Over 3,000,000". Toronto Daily Star. September 7, 1971. p. 34. ProQuest 1411358960.
  109. ^ Hampton, Edna (September 5, 1972). "CNE Officials Jubilant as 3,561,000 Visitors Set New Record". The Globe and Mail. p. 1. ProQuest 1240534059.
  110. ^ a b "4 Million CNE visitors If Not for TTC Strike, Official Says". The Globe and Mail. September 3, 1974. p. 15. ProQuest 1239766661.
  111. ^ a b "CNE Attracts Record Turnout". The Globe and Mail. September 7, 1976. p. 1. ProQuest 1240534059.
  112. ^ a b c "CNE Attendance Drops 277,500 from Last Year". The Globe and Mail. September 2, 1980. p. 2. ProQuest 1125107701.
  113. ^ a b "CNE Makes Profit of $50,000 in 1982". The Globe and Mail. October 14, 1982. p. 15. ProQuest 1238746359.
  114. ^ a b "CNE Tickets to Rise 50 Cents Despite 1984 Attendance Fall". The Globe and Mail. November 22, 1984. p. M3. ProQuest 1237585768.
  115. ^ "CNE Attendance Higher This Year Despite Rainfall". The Globe and Mail. September 14, 1985. p. 17. ProQuest 1435612570.
  116. ^ Byers, Jim (October 1, 1986). "Rain Blamed for 6.3% Drop in CNE Attendance". Toronto Star. p. A16. ProQuest 435484405.
  117. ^ Nyman, Judy; Byers, Jim (November 11, 1987). "CNE Patrons Shrugging Off $1 Increase". Toronto Star. p. A6. ProQuest 435682645.
  118. ^ Byers, Jim (October 21, 1988). "Ex Barely Tops 2 Million Attendance Mark". Toronto Star. p. A6. ProQuest 435787727.
  119. ^ "Attendance at CNE Up by 31,000". Toronto Star. October 19, 1989. p. A6. ProQuest 436049730.
  120. ^ a b c Deverell, John (October 16, 1992). "Attendance Down 6.6% at CNE This Year". Toronto Star. p. D11. ProQuest 436729698.
  121. ^ Royson, James (December 21, 1993). "Baby Boomers Love to Hate CNE, Report Says". Toronto Star. p. A6. ProQuest 436951548.
  122. ^ a b Small, Peter (December 13, 1995). "CNE Attendance Down 7 Per Cent". Toronto Star. p. A24. ProQuest 437366649.
  123. ^ "CNE Reports Rise in Attendance for First Time in Last Three Years". Toronto Star. October 18, 1996. p. A6. ProQuest 437558664.
  124. ^ Van Alphen, Tony (April 27, 1999). "Free-Ticket Fiasco Creates CNE Loss". Toronto Star. p. 1. ProQuest 437906200.
  125. ^ Moloney, Paul (October 16, 1998). "Crowds Larger, but CNE Back in the Red". Toronto Star. p. 1. ProQuest 437822969.
  126. ^ Abbate, Gay (August 14, 2000). "CNE Struggling to Stay Current". The Globe and Mail. p. A16. ProQuest 384235522.
  127. ^ a b c d e f Daubs, Katie (September 4, 2010). "Keeping the Grand Old Lady Young: CNE's Future May Lie in More Participatory Events to Interest Kids, Manager Says". Toronto Star. p. GT1. ProQuest 437822969.
  128. ^ a b c Shaw, Rob (September 7, 2004). "CNE Officials See Blue Skies Through the Smog". The Globe and Mail. p. A10. ProQuest 383826534.
  129. ^ "On the Heels of a Very Successful Fair, the CNEA Names New President to Lead the CNE in Exciting New Direction!" (PDF) (Press release). Canadian National Exhibition Association. October 20, 2011. Archived from the original (PDF) on October 6, 2012.
  130. ^ "2012 CNE a Great Success!" (PDF) (Press release). Canadian National Exhibition Association. October 25, 2012. Archived from the original (PDF) on January 17, 2013.
  131. ^ "2014 CNE the Most Highly Attended of the Past Decade" (PDF) (Press release). Canadian National Exhibition Association. October 23, 2014. Archived from the original (PDF) on December 15, 2014.
  132. ^ "Attendance at the 2015 CNE, the Highest Since 1998" (PDF) (Press release). Canadian National Exhibition Association. October 22, 2015. Archived from the original (PDF) on March 8, 2017.
  133. ^ "2016 Canadian National Exhibition Attracted Over 1.5 Million Visitors Marking Another Banner Year for Canada's Largest Fair" (PDF) (Press release). Canadian National Exhibition Association. October 27, 2016. Archived from the original (PDF) on March 8, 2017.
  134. ^ "Sunny Attendance Results for the 2017 Canadian National Exhibition Despite a Summer of Unpredictable Weather" (PDF) (Press release). Canadian National Exhibition Association. October 26, 2017. Archived from the original (PDF) on February 21, 2018.
  135. ^ a b Draaisma, Muriel. "Ex Attendance Rises to An Estimated 1.5 Million This Year, CNE Officials Say". CBC News. Retrieved July 27, 2024.
  136. ^ "CNE Organizers Anticipate Labour Day Weekend Attendance Will Soar Sky High" (PDF) (Press release). Canadian National Exhibition Association. Retrieved July 27, 2024.
  137. ^ "Record-Breaking Attendance for the 2023 Canadian National Exhibition" (PDF) (Press release). Canadian National Exhibition Association. September 21, 2023. Retrieved July 27, 2024.

Bibliography

[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Canadian National Exhibition.
  • Leveridge, A. W. (Bill) (1978). Fair Sport: A History of Sports at the Canadian National Exhibition Since 1879. Toronto, ON: Canadian National Exhibition.
  • Lorimer, James (1973). The Ex: A Picture History of the Canadian National Exhibition. Toronto: James Lewis & Samuel, Publishers. ISBN 0888620543.
  • Martins-Manteiga, John (2007). Mean city : from architecture to design : how Toronto went boom!. Key Porter Books. ISBN 9781552639122.
  • Sendzikas, Aldona (2011). Stanley Barracks: Toronto's Military Legacy. Toronto, Ontario: Natural Heritage Books. ISBN 9781554887880.
  • Walden, Keith (1997). Becoming modern in Toronto : the Industrial Exhibition and the shaping of a late Victorian culture. Toronto: University of Toronto Press. ISBN 0802078702.

Further reading

[edit]
  • Palmisano, Richard (2011). Ghosts of the Canadian National Exhibition. Toronto: Dundurn Press. ISBN 9781554889747.
  • Withrow, John, ed. (1978). Once Upon a Century: 100 Year History of The 'Ex'. J.H. Robinson Publishing Ltd.
  • Withrow, Oswald C. J. (1936). The romance of the Canadian national exhibition. Saunders.
[edit]
Retrieved from "https://wiki.riteme.site/w/index.php?title=History_of_the_Canadian_National_Exhibition&oldid=1245845160"