Written by: Sandra Latcham
Well, it’s a bittersweet time of year. It’s the last weekend of the CNE so that means back to school and back to reality for me!
I have absolutely had the most fantastic 18 days of summer being a blogger for the 2012 CNE. I’ve eaten my way through the fair, shopped up a storm, seen countless shows and demonstrations but most importantly I’ve strolled the grounds at my leisure and enjoyed the magic and smiles that the EX brings to the faces of the young and old alike. Whether it is reliving memories or creating new ones, the EX brings us all together. Everyone has a sentimental story to tell about the CNE and why it is so special to them including myself!
Sixteen years ago, I had a life changing moment happen at the EX. My husband Brian knew just how much I have always loved the CNE, so he proposed to me! The magic moment was supposed to happen on the Alpine Way but it was the year it stopped operating! On to plan B…. “Where is the Bulova Tower” he asked? I thought it was strange question as it hadn’t been there for years. So finally at around 9:30pm after acting strangely all day, we stopped for a coffee at a picnic table/tree between the Bandshell (Sloan was performing) and the Art & Crafts Building (now the Medieval Times) and he popped the question. Of course I said yes!!!!! and we proceeded to the Casino (which used to be in the Carlsberg building, but is now The Liberty Grand). Brian was feeling lucky and I needed to flash my new ring……Lucky in love, not in cards, oh well.
Anyways, it turns out the picnic table and tree are gone, in their place is the wind turbine. I think that is a pretty great monument to mark the spot! And to our great surprise this year, the Alpine Way has been reincarnated as the Sky ride. A perfect relaxing ride over the Exhibition grounds to bid farewell to the sights, sounds, smells and memories of the EX. Until next summer………