The annual fair at the Canadian Lakehead Exhibition (CLE) is returning for a 135th year of operation.
On Tuesday, the organizers announced the performance lineup while detailing activities and events taking place.
The annual event is taking place from August 6 to 10.
Each fair day will include a performance by Hypnotist Corrie J from 7:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., followed by musical performances taking place from 9:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Musical acts include:
- Taylor’s Story – Taylor Swift tribute – Wednesday, August 06
- Beatles – The Caverners – Thursday, August 07
- The Northern Pikes – Friday, August 08
- Shania Twain – Carla Sacco – Saturday, August 09
- Queen – Simply Queen – Sunday, August 10
The fair is also welcoming a new type of act this year.
“We have a meet and greet with licensed cartoon characters,” explained Fair Chair Basil Lychowyd. “We’re going to have Bluey and Bingo here on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from noon till four each day, and on the weekend we’re going to have Peppa the pig and George (during the) same time from noon until four.”
Other activities and the building they are taking place in include:
- Clayton Building: Kids World with educational stations, CLE Nostalgic Display
- Dorothy Dove Building: Home crafts, culinary arts, horticulture, cooking shows
- Heritage Building: Farm animals, horticulture
- Coliseum Building: Vendors
“Finally, we’ll conduct this year’s fair with a spectacular fireworks display on Sunday, August 12th,” added Lychowyd. “I know all my relatives have been itching to see this. It’s something that Thunder Bay really enjoys and and I could tell you the people in the East End, they love it.”
Residents will also have fair rides to look forward to being supplied by two Canadian companies.
“We have a Canadian midway, they offer us plenty of rides, food and activities during that time, some other fairs they’re struggling, believe it or not, they’re struggling.”
Lychowyd explained that there have been complications for American midways looking to operate north of the border.
Amid trade tensions with the U.S, the CLE is hoping the fair provides an opportunity for individuals to spend their money locally.
“What’s happening in South of the border has caused many people to rethink their summers, and we’re hoping that we could draw them to the CLE. It’s calculated that we have an economic impact on the city, which is well over $8 million in spending in tourist dollars here.”
The fair is also launching online ticket sales this year, which can be found by clicking here.
Tickets can also be purchased from the following locations:
- Shoppers Drug Mart in McIntyre Plaza
- Canadian Tire on Arthur Street
- Canadian Tire – Nipigon and Marathon
- Northern Computers – Terrace Bay
- Wellington Inn – Sioux Lookout
