"Canada’s largest fair, and an iconic Toronto celebration, will not light up this summer. The Canadian National Exhibition Association (CNEA) announced today, with the support of the Province of Ontario and City of Toronto, that this year’s CNE will not move forward with its 18-day event slated for August 21 to September 7, 2020 at Exhibition Place. The historic decision marks only the second occasion in its 142-year history, and not since WWII, has the CNE closed in its entirety.
“Safety always comes first at the CNE, and the decision to cancel our event is the right decision during this critical time to protect the health of all Canadians,” said John Kiru, President of the CNEA. “Summer in Toronto will not be the same without the sights and sounds of the CNE, alongside so many annual festivals and cultural events that have been forced to cancel. We stand in solidarity with the collective effort to curb this global pandemic, and we will all do our part to ensure it happens.”
In close consultation with the provincial and municipal governments, the CNEA Board of Directors voted on May 7, 2020 to cancel the event this year out of an abundance of precaution to safeguard the health of its employees, volunteers, visitors, vendors and artists; and its shared responsibility in protecting public safety during this unprecedented health crisis.
“Our hearts go out to the thousands of Canadians and families who have been affected by COVID-19; and we continue to draw hope and inspiration from the bravery of our healthcare and frontline workers, the compassion of everyday heroes, and community spirit that is stronger than ever,” says Kiru. “We believe in the resilience of Torontonians; and know – when the time is right – the CNE will be back.”
The CNE is one of the largest fairs in North America and attracts more than 1.4 million visitors each year. Last year’s highlights included the 3rd annual Gaming Garage presented by AMD, The EX Race obstacle course, Legends of the Silk Road Come to Light indoor lantern festival, and perennial favourites including the President’s Choice SuperDogs, the Canadian International Air Show, and Bandshell Concerts featuring artists including Buffy Sainte-Marie, Jann Arden and Walk off the Earth in 2019. The CNE is perhaps best known for its vast array of food offerings, and annual debut of creative dishes such as last year’s pickle pizza and pickle lemonade.
And for the Airshow.
We are extremely sad to announce that we are unable to hold the 2020 Canadian International Air Show. As our loyal supporters, we wanted the Insiders to be the first to know. A press release will be going out shortly to announce this publicly. We are in the process of advising all our performers, partners, and sponsors.
The extraordinary circumstances and impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the risk to public safety, has brought us to this difficult and unfortunate decision. In partnership with our presenting sponsor, the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE), we have chosen to jointly cancel our 2020 events based on recommendations by Government and Health Officials.
Since we don't know what to do with ourselves on Labour Day weekend this year, we do plan on having an online event on show weekend. This will be an opportunity for you to see your favourite performers and get behind-the-scenes access to aircraft. Stay tuned for more info.
Don't worry, we'll be back with another exciting Air Show over Lake Ontario for Labour Day weekend 2021. Thank you for your understanding and continued support."
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