What to expect when the Fair at the PNE returns this weekend
Metro Vancouver’s end of summer tradition is almost here.
The long-awaited Fair at the PNE is opening Saturday after being scaled down during the pandemic.
Vendors spent Thursday setting up their booths as doors open in just a couple of days.
“Every member of our team is incredibly excited to welcome back British Columbia,” said Shelley Frost, the PNE president and CEO.
"It’s no secret the last two years have been difficult for our organization and during that time, we have heard unwavering support from people across the province,” she added.
The fair will also include dozens of cultural performances.
"At Festival Park, fairgoers can experience our cultural showcases of three shows daily bringing you a mosaic of dancers and exhilarating musical performers,” Frost said.
“Together we have weathered the storm of COVID-19 and we have emerged stronger. And we’re making investments into our team and into our business dreams,” she continued.
New attractions include a canoe carving showcase and new drag shows.
The Peking Acrobats and the SuperDogs will also return to the stage.
“It’s our 45th year here at the PNE. It’s a dream for us to have been here this long,” said Leonard Chase, the creative director of SuperDogs.
“We go to other cities. We’re very well appreciated in most cities, but let me tell you the enthusiasm here in Vancouver is beyond anything,” he added.
Visitors to Playland can also check out some classic rides such as the Wooden Roller Coaster, as well as the new Skybender.
Some big names will headline the Summer Nights Concerts, including the Barenaked Ladies, Nelly and TLC.
Translink is boosting bus service to help support guests taking transit to the fair.
In a statement, TransLink said it will be adding an express bus to and from the PNE, which will run every 15 minutes each day the fair is open. The 16 PNE Special will run between 29th Avenue Station, Renfrew Station, and the PNE.
The fair runs from Aug. 20 to Sept. 5.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'He didn't want to die': Family of Calgary man killed in standoff speaks out
Family of a Calgary man killed after a 30-hour standoff with police last week are speaking out, sharing details of the tense and heart-wrenching experience.
Toronto family doctor who called patient's body 'perfect' suspended for 3 months: tribunal
A family doctor in Toronto has been suspended for three months after a disciplinary tribunal found that he failed to follow proper protocols while examining a patient's breasts and made inappropriate comments about her body.
Ohio mom who left toddler alone 10 days when she went on vacation pleads guilty to aggravated murder
An Ohio mother whose 16-month-old daughter died after being left home alone in a playpen for 10 days last summer while she went on vacation was sentenced Monday to life in prison with no chance of parole.
Canadian commander of volunteer fighter group dies in Ukraine
A Canadian-born commander of the so-called Norman Brigade, a volunteer fighting group in Ukraine, has died.
5 charged in Calgary kidnappings that targeted women
Calgary police have charged five men in a pair of kidnappings last year that targeted innocent victims.
Demand soars for solar eclipse glasses in Canada. Are they worth buying?
The demand for total solar eclipse glasses used to safely view the rare celestial event has been ramping up as sellers, along with astronomy and eye-care experts in Canada, warn that viewing the eclipse with the naked eye is dangerous.
Woman, 18, killed by co-worker's vehicle on Highway 1 in Moose Jaw
Moose Jaw police say an 18-year-old woman who was at work has died from injuries she sustained in a collision with a vehicle being driven by her co-worker last Thursday.
Retired teacher pleads guilty to paying for sex with 15-year-old in Collingwood, Ont.
In a Barrie courtroom on Monday, a retired high school teacher from the Niagara Region pleaded guilty to sexual touching and obtaining sexual services from a 15-year-old boy in Collingwood in 2021.
MPs to vote on NDP motion calling on Canada to recognize Palestinian statehood
Members of Parliament will vote Monday on a motion from the federal New Democrats, calling on Canada to recognize the 'State of Palestine,' among a range of other calls to action in regards to the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict.