CNE opening weekend dampneed by downpour, but event expects attendance to improve

A member of the press takes photos during the media preview day at the ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø Exhibition in Toronto, Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2024. The exhibition, which began last Friday, says opening day attendance was up by about 10,000 from last year, but rainy weather over the weekend did seem to deter some visitors. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Laura Proctor

TORONTO - Downpours in Toronto dampened attendance for the opening weekend of the ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø Exhibition, but more visitors are expected in the coming days.

CNE spokesperson Tran Nguyen says opening day attendance for the annual summer event, which began last Friday, was up by about 10,000 from last year, but rainy weather over the weekend did seem to deter some visitors.

Environment Canada had issued special weather statements across southern Ontario last weekend, including a rainfall warning in Toronto, which saw a record-breaking 128.3-millimetre downpour at Pearson International Airport.

Nguyen says that while exact attendance numbers so far are unavailable, the CNE's midway and buildings with indoor activities were "still very active" despite the severe weather.

Attendance is expected to build as the weather forecast improves and Labour Day weekend approaches, Nguyen says.

The event, which features midway rides, exhibitions and unique food offerings, runs until Sept. 2.

This report by ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø was first published Aug. 21, 2024.

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