Pacific National Exhibition Comes Calling

PINK AND BLUE CLOUDS of cotton candy, sizzling hot donuts and deep-fried onions don’t sound very nutritious. But the whiff of sweet aromas from diverse food offerings at the Pacific National Exhibition always conjures up yummy memories.

It isn’t Disneyland … but the annual PNE in Vancouver, BC, does provide family fun that is treasured throughout the years. Wild carnival rides, games of chance, art and entertainment (including concerts, eco-sculptures, dog shows and the legendary RCMP Musical Ride) fill the city air from August 21st to September 6th.

That the event marks its 100th year is incredible, indeed, since the location of the exhibition at Hastings Park, as well as the exhibition concept itself, have been frequently challenged. When the brochure came to my door I marveled at how the event has survived and thrived. I also realized that some serious rain will likely fall in the southwest as it often does when the PNE comes to town. Rain or shine I was inspired to look through some family photos taken at the fair in years gone by and found this pretty lady posing in an olden day costume with an umbrella. Although the picture was taken more recently at a photo studio set up at the fair grounds, this could be how people dressed when the PNE first arrived in Vancouver a century ago.

Explorers can discover more sites from around the globe at My World.