VERTICAL: Action Sports Showcase. This is daredevil at its extreme. Stunt kayakers and North Shore bikers are featured in two separate shows. Some of the hottest names in white water will churn up the pool as they sail down from amidst the rafters of the CNE’s SportZone. The fine art of biking balance and skill will spellbind crowds in a dazzling show of North Shore biking, a "very Canadian" discipline of freestyle mountain biking, which hails from the "North Shore" of Vancouver Island. Pulsating excitement flies high as The EX marks the spot for X-treme sports. Catch daily performances at the SportZone.

Hollywood: The Movie Song Show: A musical journey Hollywood style! Singers and dancers perform memorable hit songs from favourite movie scenes that are sure to get the audience singing. Performances run twice daily at the CNE Bandshell from August 19^th – August 31^st (with one show only on Thursdays).

Barbie and Me: The Love Story of Barbie and Taiwan explores the impact of the blue-eyed, blonde-haired icon on the Taiwanese residents in the Town of Taishan -- leading a small rural area to become a major industry manufacturer of Barbie dolls. Journey through the world’s love affair with Barbie and explore her many faces and roles. Barbie puts her best face forward at the Arts and Hobbies Pavilion every day of the CNE.

Watching TV at The EX. A fascinating exhibit on display in the At Home Pavilion features a collection of historic television sets and memorabilia on loan from the Moses Znaimer TV Museum. Thought-provoking and reflective, Watching TV showcases the evolution of electronic television from its roots as a cathode-ray picture tube to today’s LCD-High Definition TVs. This exhibit explores the intensity and realization of the medium that helped shape the history of the 20^th Century.

Celebrity Chef Graham Kerr: He’s back! Tantalize your taste buds as British gourmet chef Graham Kerr showcases his culinary skills cooking low-fat cuisines on the Taste of the World Gourmet Stage in the At Home Pavilion in the Direct Energy Centre. The original television personality who came to fame as the Galloping Gourmet, Graham shares his passion for food and secrets of cooking at The EX only on Opening Weekend, August 18, 19 & 20.

Aerial Acrobatics & Ice Skating Show: Hot on the cool heels of last year’s hugely popular aerial acrobatics ice skating show, this multi-disciplinary extravaganza returns to the CNE this summer in a brand new incarnation! This year, circus acts, and live music will join aerialists and figure skaters in an exciting new show produced by the International Snow Flyers company, the architects behind last year’s "skate-away" success! (twice daily August 25^th to September 4^th)

Canadian International Air Show (September 2, 3, & 4). The 57^th Annual Canadian International Air Show (CIAS) takes over the CNE skies Labour Day Weekend for another awe inspiring show. The CIAS has a tradition of being one of the best air shows in North America and the 2006 show, which features the popular Canadian Snowbirds among many other aerial stunt artists, is going to be one of the best ever!

Yuk Yuks Comedy Fest: Laugh out loud this summer at The EX. Comedians will poke fun, crack jokes and charm audiences with lots of witty humour and hilarious antics. Check out the amazing Labour Day Weekend line-up at the Food Building Stage, September 1^st - 4^th.

CELEBRATE CNE ANNIVERSARIES

The Toronto Urban Music Festival marks its 10^th anniversary at the CNE. A special two-day event showcases Toronto’s urban music scene bringing a youthful energy unmatched by any other event at The EX. Canadian hip-hop superstars will entertain audiences with performances and free concerts on September 1^st and 2^nd at the CNE Bandshell.

The Pee Wee Baseball Tournament hits its 50^th home run this year. The CNE commemorates half a century of teaching young boys and girls the value of teamwork, good sportsmanship and hard work. The Pee Wee Baseball Tournament delivers the spirit of youth to The EX and the community. Stay tuned for the exciting celebrations and unveiling of a 50^th anniversary Commemorative Medallion. Let’s Play Ball!

The Rising Star Youth Talent Competition: Celebrating 20 Years of Musical Dreams. Over the last 20 years, the Rising Star Youth Talent competition has given over 20,000 hopefuls a chance at their dreams as they sing their way to the finals…who will be the next rising star?

Budding performers can get a head start on the competition at the preliminary auditions held at major malls across the GTA starting May 24^th through to June 16^th. The deadline for applications for the Rising Star Youth Competition is May 22^nd.

Contestants will compete in four categories: solo vocal, solo dance, group vocal and group dance. Additional preliminary auditions, quarterfinals and semi-finals will be held at the CNE Food Building Stage from August 18^th – August 31^st, and the Rising Star will be crowned September 3^rd at the CNE Bandshell.

IAMS SuperDogs Show: Attention Dog Lovers – Tu hablas espanol? This year, the lovable canines are taking on a Latin theme. El Festiva showcases top breeds from around the world performing canine talents that will thrill thousands of spectators three times daily in Hall D at the Direct Energy Centre.

The Human Cannonball: Back by popular demand after his grand debut last year, David Smith Jr. will blow away his audience as he once again catapults 150 feet above the CNE site. Watch the skies for Dave this summer when the Human Cannonball blasts-off twice daily on weekdays and three times daily on weekends.

The Daily CNE Mardi Gras Parade: Wrap up a great day at The EX and take in the colourful costumes, jazz harmonies and pomp and excitement of the CNE Mardi Gras Parade. The Parade marches through The EX at 6 p.m. each day.

Kids’ World: Bring the kids to for a day of fun and play at Kids’ World – a safe and exciting playground complete with a petting zoo, midway rides, clowns and puppet shows. The EX marks the spot for family fun.

The Garden Show presents its All Time Favourites as the theme for this year’s exhibit. Horticulture enthusiasts and garden lovers alike can admire the colourful Feature Gardens specially designed for display at the CNE, and shop around for their favourite perennials at the marketplace. Anyone can cultivate their green thumb at this year’s Annual Garden Show.

The CNE Horse Show gallops in early to The EX on July 31^st, more than two weeks before the fair opens August 18^th. Horse aficionados can enjoy the many competitions, which showcase the best of breeds in various categories. This year’s Horse Show also includes the first Annual CNE Dressage Classic (August 8^th to 12^th) and the popular Texas Trick Riding Show (August 16^th to September 4^th).

The Horse Show also includes HorsePlay, a fun and interactive introduction to the world of horses for equestrian amateurs and kids of all ages. Visitors can pet and feed horses, learn about horse grooming and enjoy a wagon ride on the grounds. HorsePlay and the Horse Show are free prior to the CNE and free with CNE admission once the fair opens. HorsePlay runs daily in the Horse Palace; all competitions scheduled prior to the fair take place in the Ricoh Coliseum.

The CNE Casino: A popular annual draw, the CNE Casino features a variety of games including Multi-action Blackjack, Roulette, WAR, Spanish 21 and Three Card Poker. In addition to the private air-conditioned Texas Hold ‘em Poker area, the casino offers a beautiful outdoor patio. This year the Casino, which is located in the east side of the Better Living Centre, is open July 31^th to September 4^th, with the exception of the first weekend in August.