The Canadian National Exhibition

The world class performers and spectacular air shows are the really big draws every year at the Canadian National Exhibition. Everyone in Toronto knows when the Canadian International Air Show is on at the "Ex" as the loud, fast and spectacular jets dance over the Toronto sky.

Each summer I go to the CNE with students. This summer 2006, it is to see the "Super Dogs" and shop in the international pavilion. Last summer 2005 it was to see the world record holder "Human Cannon Ball" and the "Fire and Ice" show.

The "CNE or Ex" is a wonderful field trip for international students to learn English and see products, cultural exhibits, foods, performers and people from across Canada and every other country in the world. Every new item triggers questions and learning opportunities as students expand their vocabulary and language fluency.

Every year the CNE features a nice combination of regular performers along with new acts, performers and shows. It is comfortable to see familiar performers do new tricks to excite and wow the crowds.

One of the new shows "Wonders of Dance and Music" presents a fusion of Brazilian Carnival Samba, Flamenco, Tango, Arabic and Gypsy dance masterpieces integrated into one high-energy musical expression.

Another new show is "The Movie Song Show" where singers and dancers perform hit songs and scenes from famous movies like Flashdance, Top Gun, Back to the Future, The Bodyguard, Men in Black, Moulin Rouge, Chicago, and Titanic.

The Toronto Urban Music Festival is a presentation of Urban Music with new performers and regular performers with news songs and new routines. The show presents a wide variety of contemporary urban music including Hip Hop and Rap.

There are many smaller venue stages all over the Exhibition grounds to see performers. Toronto Star Bandshell, Global Food Building Stage, The Green Thumb Garden Theatre, Rogers International Stage, Kids? World Feature Stage, Labatt Blue Midway Stage, Remember When Pavilion, Renovation Stage, Rock Valley Café, A Taste of the World Gourmet Theatre and TTC Stage. The TTC Stage hosts the TTC Busker Auditions to hundreds of hopefuls that come to the CNE and audition for their chance to entertain you on the TTC.

International students recognize foods, clothes, gift items, collectable's from their countries and have the opportunity to explain in English what they are, their cultural or historical significance to other international students that have never seen them before. In many ways it is like traveling to the most exotic global markets without having to pay airfare.

The best prices for for shopping can occur at the CNE as many outlet shops, importers and clearance jobbers sell products at huge discounts. Students like to buy dictionaries for one dollar, or learn English CD sets for 3 dollars instead of the regular list price of thirty dollars. I like to buy books, software, music cd's, vhs tapes, dvd's and other resource materials for my classes at a 75 to 90 percent discount and so do the students.

The CNE exhibits are everywhere and have something for everyone. Some students love the gardens, gardening, and landscaping. Some students love the agricultural exhibits with all the food products, farm animals, farm equipment and the horse shows. Other students play at the sports pavilion to test their abilities with new sports challenges. Some like to see arts and crafts and art displays others like to participate in the "how to" demonstrations and create their own art piece. Some students just like to play the latest sega video games or sony games "be" pc gamers or x box pros and play on the newest equipment or game platform.

The final day of the CNE is Labour Day. Since it is too late to go again this year you are welcome join us for a day trip to the 2007 CNE.

See you then!!

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