Ottawa's SuperEx has opened for its final year at Lansdowne Park, with fair-goers bursting through the gates Wednesday afternoon.
After 122 years, the exhibition has seen its share of ups and downs. Although the fair's hay day was decades ago, the president of the SuperEx promises this year will be one to remember.
"We have such a great show this year and so much for people to see and do for free," said Lyn Presley.
"Once you come in, everything you can do is free – all the shows, attractions, they're free. You pay for the rides, you pay for your food, that's your choice, but there's lots to see and do."
The fair is offering free admission Thursay between noon and 6 p.m. After that admission is $12 for adults and $7 for children under 12. It's free for children under two. Ride tickets are extra.
Attractions
In addition to the midway, this year's attractions include various music shows, a demolition derby, sheep shearing, the Ottawa Valley pie baking contest and a pioneer village recreating life between the 1740s and late 1800s.
"These people are living on-site; it's going back in time. It's a wonderful production," said Presley.
Since 2002, the city has helped the SuperEx stay afloat to the tune of $2 million per year. Over that time, Presley says the exhibition has paid the city $300,000 per year in rent.
She says the SuperEx has run into various problems over the years, including sharing funding with other festivals and special events: "The dollar is spread around the city," Presley told CTV Ottawa.
Future of the SuperEx
Organizers are now looking towards the future of the SuperEx with a business plan that would move the exhibition to a plot of land at Rideau and Albion Roads.
"We've been given our notice by the city. We've been told this is our last year. We have our new property, our relocation committee is working very diligently, so is our board, to get us moved to a new site," Presley said.
The SuperEx runs at Lansdowne Park from Aug. 19 to Aug. 29.
