TORONTO — Organizers say this year’s Canadian National Exhibition was one of the most successful in the past decade, with early indicators estimating a 10 per cent increase in attendance over last year.
Last year, the iconic exhibition saw 1.43 million visitors and although the final numbers have yet to be released, organizers said they are confident that the 2015 CNE will be one of the highest attended since 2004.
READ MORE: In pictures: the history of the CNE
“The EX is an end-of-summer Toronto tradition that keeps getting better with each year,” said CNE General Manager, Virginia Ludy.
“The CNE remains one of the most value-packed entertainment events in the city, and people are recognizing this and responding positively. Combined with great weather and accessibility by transit to our grounds, visitors near and far have come out to enjoy the Fair.”
WATCH: Thousands enjoy the final hours of the CNE
Monday marked the last day of the CNE, with highlights from this year including an extreme pogo show, aerial acrobatics and ice skating show, parkour, a celebrity chef stage food trucks and the event’s first-ever craft beer festival.
The Exhibition also saw headlining musical performances from Chubby Checker, Alan Doyle, Rick Springfield, Cody Simpson, Classified and Dallas Smith.
READ MORE: Interesting facts and figures about the CNE
New foods introduced this year included the S&M (spaghetti and meatball) burger, deep-fried red velvet Oreos, a coffee and doughnut milkshake, Frosted Flakes battered chicken and chicken and waffle on a stick.
Organizers said the CNE is Canada’s largest fair and generates an economic impact of approximately $69.3 million for the GTA and $102.3 million for the province of Ontario each year.
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