XO Condos will be a neighbor of one of Toronto’s most infamous summer traditions, the Canadian National Exhibition, which is currently in full swing for its 140th year on the grounds of Exhibition Place, just blocks from XO’s location at King and Dufferin. First held in 1879 as the Toronto Industrial Exhibition, the CNE is now one of the 10 largest annual fairs in North America, drawing more than 1.5 million people through its gates every year for its two-week run.
“The Ex” has it all, for young and old alike, and runs until Labour Day Monday, September 2nd, when its grounds close at 9:00pm. Its’ gates are open every day from 10am to 10pm, with its grounds and rides open until midnight.
The rides and games of chance are a staple of summer fun, as is the Food Building, containing the latest and greatest in food options (make sure to check out the “Under $6 in the Six” value menu for the first time!). There are numerous shows to be seen as well, such as The Garden Show, a spectacular display of plant and vegetable life, held daily in the Heritage Court of the Enercare Centre.
The Ex is also a magnet for some terrific competitions including The Rising Star Talent Competition, with semi-finals and finals from August 26 through September 1, the PeeWee Baseball Tournament until August 28th and the Women’s Fastball Tournament between August 31 and September 1st.
The highlight and stunning conclusion every year is the “Roar by The Shore”, the Canadian International Air Show, celebrating its’ 70th anniversary this year from August 31 until September 2nd from 12 – 3pm daily.
Featured this year will be the Royal Air Force’s aerobatic team, the ‘Red Arrows’, along with the pride and joy of Canada and one of the world’s most respected aerial acrobatics jet teams, the beloved ‘Snowbirds’, who never fail to dazzle and amaze with their maneuvers high above Lake Ontario. There is also a MiG 15 jet this year and a demonstration by the USAF’s Black Hawk Helicopters.
The Ex is just part of the fun and excitement which makes the XO Condos’ neighbourhood one of the most lively in Toronto.