Loading ...Going to the Ex was definitely part of my childhood. It was usually the last “fun” thing I did before school started – my family usually made the visit over Labour Day weekend. I really loved going to see all the exhibits and to go on the rides at the midway. Unlike rides at theme parks, the midway is more traditional. Think carousels and Ferris wheels rather than mega roller coasters. To many, the rides seem quite quaint and no longer “in touch” with today’s kids. Perhaps we are too spoiled by places like Six Flags, Disney theme parks and Wonderland.
Another aspect of The Ex is the food. While I’m not much of a junk food fan, the traditional food served at fairs (ice cream on a stick, corndogs, cotton candy, etc) was a treat, especially their famed Tiny Tom donuts. Like the rides, the fare at The Ex remains, for the most part, traditional. While newer, more sophisticated fare has been introduced, the old favourites remain.
Perhaps the best part of the Ex is the controversial Canadian International Air Show, which occurs every Labour Day weekend. Over the past few years, there have been some tragedies with the Air Show, and there were times when people have called for its cancellation. However, it remains The Ex’s big send off before its closing. Many different planes are involved, and this year is no exception. Planes in the 2008 show include: the F-16 Viper, V-38 Talon (both from the US Airforce), the Canadian Harvard Aerobics team and of course, the Canadian Snowbirds.
For many, The Ex is about nostalgia. It isn’t about the biggest and scariest roller coaster, licensed characters or the “inest” cuisine. It’s two weeks of old fashioned fun, something that everyone needs to enjoy, at least once in a while.
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