Local Tourist: A Day at the PNE [Photo Journal]

Even though it looked like its fate was hanging in the balance for several years, the Pacific National Exhibition has continued to persevere and it continues to be an annual tradition here in Vancouver. It has always been a great way to mark the end of summer. The Fair at the PNE offers fun and entertainment for the whole family, from carnival food to midway games, free live shows to a little bit of gambling.

You might remember when I highlighted my trip my day at the PNE a couple years ago. Some of it is the same, but some of it is new too. I wasn’t allowed to take any photos, but the new Star Trek exhibit lets you boldly go where every fan wants to go, for example. You can see a full (fictional) timeline of the Star Trek universe, have a closer look at the props and costumes, and even take a (paid) photo in Captain Kirk’s chair. If you’re a fan of Star Trek, it’s worth checking out.

We went to the PNE last Thursday and here are some highlights from the day in roughly chronological order.

The Evolution of Exteme

It’s one thing to see the extreme motocross guys do their tricks, including death-defying backflips, but it’s another thing altogether when you see these guys do the same kinds of tricks on an ATV. Taking extreme to the next level is this guy, doing a backflip on a snow sled (Ski-doo). Crazy.

The SuperDogs

The SuperDogs have been a PNE institution for as long as I can remember and while the show isn’t quite the same without Herb Williams, it is still thoroughly enjoyable for kids and big kids alike. Indeed, there are now multiple SuperDogs troupes traveling around, including visits to other fairs like the Calgary Stampede. It’s even better when you know that a good percentage of these performing pups are shelter rescues.

Peking Acrobats

Many of the acts from this year’s Peking Acrobats are much the same as last year, like the jumping through of hoops and the stacking of chairs, but they’ve thrown in a couple new ones too. There are girls twirling parasols, for example, instead of spinning plates on sticks.

Safeway Farm Country

We have to remember that the PNE started out as an agricultural fair and that’s why everyone should pay a visit to the barns and have a look around. You’ve got everything from horses to cows, ducks to rabbits, sheep to strawberries.

Our Lady Peace Concert

When you consider that going to a concert by Coldplay or Rihanna is going to cost you about $100 a ticket, the $20 admission fee for the PNE sounds like a bargain given that you get a free live concert every evening.

For the night we were there, it was Canadian rock band Our Lady Peace. They were a popular act, to be sure, with plenty of people in the audience singing along to their favorite songs. And yes, that’s someone taking a picture with their 3DS in the photo above.

The Pacific National Exhibition, like every other year, runs until Labour Day Monday. Adult admission is $20, but you can get $15 discount tickets online, through Safeway, and from 7-Eleven stores. I didn’t partake in any of the rides this year, but you can indulge for $42.75 per person (in addition to your fair admission).

Some more photos from PNE can be found in my Flickr photostream.