Canadian National Exhibition celebrates 75 years of the Bandshell

The 133rd Canadian National Exhibition is on now, running until September 5, and this year the event celebrates the 75th anniversary of the Bandshell with performances by Marianas Trench, The Spinners with the Manhattans, Lights, Glen Campbell, My Darkest Days, Neil Sedaka, Loverboy, K-OS, Tommy James & The Shondells, and the Battle of the Bands.

Taking over the exhibition grounds, The Ex is expected to draw in 1.3 million people and big highlights for this year’s festivities include the Aerial Acrobatics & Ice Skating Show, strong man John Beatty, human cannonball David Smith Jr., the SuperDogs Show, and of course, the Canadian International Air Show, which runs over the final long weekend of The Ex from September 3 to 5.

New events this year during the CNE include some interesting and amusing attractions for just about everyone.

For the ghost hunters and the paranormal enthusiasts, the Haunted CNE exhibit at the Remember When Pavilion in the Direct Energy Centre looks at the spooky background of the CNE grounds.

Foodies and Food Network enthusiasts can get their celebrity fix in the Direct Energy Centre At Home Pavilion where they can catch the likes of Bob Blumer (Glutton for Punishment), David Rocco (Dolce Vita), Chef Corbin (Dinner Party Wars), David Adjey (The Opener), Michael Smith (Chef at Home), Bal Arneson (Spice Goddess), Duff Goldman (Ace of Cakes, Sugar High) and some of Food Network’s Top Chef Canada competitors.

Of course, if those activities don’t interest you, there’s also the midway–with the new Ferris Wheel with Laser Light Show, Mega Drop, Wave Swinger, Zipper and Swing Tower–not to mention Rib Fest, the 40th annual Cat Show, the CNE Casino, and all the other regular attractions like the Farm, Garden Show, At Home Pavilion, Shoppers Market, Arts, Crafts & Hobbies, Outdoor Marketplace, daily parades, park entertainers, and the food.

Visit www.TheEX.com for more on the CNE, and check out a few of the CNE Bandshell highlights below. Plus, stay tuned to The GATE for photos and highlights.

Highlights of Bandshell Lineup:

Lights with Michou – Thursday, August 25th, 7:30 PM

TDSB@CNE – Tuesday, August 30th, 5:00 – 9:00 PM
(Featuring Shawn Desman, Stereos, JRDN, Down with Webster, and others. Free concert, wristband is required to enter the Bandshell concert area. Reserved passes are sold out, but you may be able to pick up rush passes which will be released after 3:00 PM on Tuesday, August 30, 2011.)

K-OS with Reema Major – Friday, September 2nd, 7:30 PM