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
4th Indian national arrested, charged with murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Homicide investigators in B.C. say murder charges have been laid against a fourth Indian national in connection to the killing of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar outside a Surrey gurdwara last year.
'I am angry': Alberta farmers will continue fight over world class motorsport resort
The rolling hills leading to the hamlet of Rosebud are dotted with sprawling farms and cattle pastures -- and a sign sporting a simple message: No Race Track.
Man ticketed after allegedly trespassing again at Drake's Bridle Path mansion to get his bike
A man who tried to access Drake’s Bridle Path mansion earlier this week returned to the property Saturday and was apprehended again for allegedly trespassing, Toronto police say.
Couple randomly attacked, 1 stabbed, by group of teens in Toronto, police say
A man has been transported to hospital after police say he was stabbed in a random attack carried out by a group of teens in Toronto on Friday night.
Millions of Canadians have been exposed to potentially toxic chemicals, and they're not going anywhere
For decades, North Bay, Ontario's water supply has harboured chemicals associated with liver and developmental issues, cancer and complications with pregnancy. It's far from the only city with that problem.
Wildfire that forced evacuation of Fort Nelson, B.C., caused by tree falling on wires, mayor says
The wildfire that prompted the evacuation of more than 3,000 people near Fort Nelson, B.C., was caused by a tree falling on wires, according to the municipality's mayor.
Switzerland's Nemo wins 68th Eurovision Song Contest
Swiss singer Nemo won the 68th Eurovision Song Contest on Saturday night with 'The Code,' an operatic ode to the singer’s journey toward embracing their nongender identity.
Biden calls Trump 'unhinged,' says 'something snapped' in former president after he lost 2020 U.S. election
U.S. President Joe Biden on Saturday called Donald Trump “clearly unhinged” and claimed that “something snapped” in the former president after he lost the 2020 election.
Israel orders new evacuations in Gaza's last refuge of Rafah as it expands military offensive
Israel ordered new evacuations in Gaza's southern city of Rafah on Saturday, forcing tens of thousands more people to leave as it prepared to expand its military operation deeper into what is considered Gaza’s last refuge.