Toronto, ON – The Canadian National Exhibition (CNE), the fifth largest fair in North America, will be opening its gates to the young and “young at heart” August 20 through September 6, 2010 in Toronto, Canada. There will be plenty to see and do over those 18 days of summer, including the spectacular Canadian International Air Show on Labour Day Weekend.

There is something for everyone at the CNE, and it may take more than one visit to experience even half of the festivities!   The CNE’s Early Bird Ticket Special is available now until midnight on August 19^th at TheEx.com; at Mac’s Convenience Stores throughout the Greater Toronto Area from July 1^st to August 19^th; and at GO Lakeshore Stations and Union Station from July 30^th to August 19^th.

The following is an overview of the 2010 attractions.  A full schedule of events with complete information is available at TheEX.com.  All events are free with CNE Admission.

2010 Show Highlights:

DAILY SHOWS:

MANA : Cirque Fantaisiste: evokes an unforgettable world where exotic creatures, fire eaters, acrobats, illusionists, jugglers, contortionists and pyrotechnics converge to create a spellbinding experience within the dark of night!

ARTrageous: a flamboyant visual artist, inspired by some of the world’s most powerful music, transforms a blank canvas into a large scale work of art before your very eyes.

Globe of Death: daring motorcycle stunts within a sphere of wire.

Aerial Acrobatic & Ice Skating Show: returns with a Rock ‘n’ Roll inspired theme

President’s Choice SuperDogs Show

Sway Poles: daredevil performances on 90’ tall swaying poles.

ENTERTAINERS:

Comedy Hypnotist Fernandez (daily)

Harmonicats (daily)

Funk Brothers (Aug. 22)

Bobby Vinton (Aug. 26)

Down With Webster (Aug. 28)

East Coast Music Festival – Ashley MacIsaac, Barra MacNeils, Jimmy Rankin (Aug. 29)

Tommy James & The Shondells (Sept. 1)

Debbie Reynolds (Sept. 2)

Bedouin Soundclash (Sept. 4)

Rising Star Youth Talent Competition (Sept. 5)

EXHIBITS:

Cheryl Ann Webster’s Beautiful Women Project

History of Rock ‘n’ Roll

International Sand Sculpting Competition

Love & Longing at the CNE

Sand Sculpture

Canadian Forces Interactive Exhibit

SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS:

Decorating / Home Improvement: Peter Fallico (Aug. 20); Colin & Justin (Aug 21); Tommy Smythe (Aug 22); Shawn Monteith (daily)

Food & Cuisine: Anthony Rose (Aug. 26); Lynn Crawford (Aug. 27), Michael Smith (Aug. 28), Rob Rainford (Aug. 29), Anna Olson (Sept. 3), Massimo Capra (Sept. 4), Rose Reisman (Sept. 5).

SPECIAL EVENTS:

RibFest (daily with the exception Aug 23 & 30)

Canadian Forces Musical Salute (Aug.20 & 21)

Blues Fest (Aug. 21)

Warriors Day Parade (Aug. 22)

Cruise Nationals Classic Car Show (Aug. 23)

39^th Annual Cat Show (Aug. 28 & 29)

Canadian International Air Show (Sept. 4, 5 & 6)

RIDES:

Skater (new), FLOWRIDER Mobile Wave, Mega Drop, Wave Swinger, Zipper, Swing Tower, Ferris Wheel and many more

OTHER DAILY ATTRACTIONS:

Kidstreet; Kid’s World Park; The Farm; HorseCapades; The Garden Show; CNE Casino

and Shopping in the At Home Pavilion, International Pavilion, Shoppers Bazaar, Arts Crafts & Hobbies, Outdoor Marketplace and Warehouse Pavilions.

For a full listing and description of attractions for kids, youth, adults and seniors, go to www.TheEx.com.  All programming is subject to change.

About the CNE

The Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) is Canada’s largest fair and the fifth largest in North America. Founded in 1879, the CNE attracts more than a million visitors over 18 days and generates more than $50 million in economic impact for the City of Toronto and over $70 million for the Province of Ontario on an annual basis. Visit TheEx.com for details.