Westboro- After a century of the Central Canada Exhibition being held at Lansdowne Park in the Glebe, the annual fair more commonly known as "SuperEx" has found a new home in the heart of Westboro. SuperEx was welcomed with open arms by the Westboro BIA after making a press announcement earlier today. The 122 year old fair that has controversially been moved out of the Glebe after Lansdowne development plans were made this year, is looking forward to its new home in the trendy, family oriented neighbourhood of Westboro.
The new site is out of the downtown core, but will hopefully offer Ottawa residents a chance to enjoy a fair-like atmosphere once again. "It's really an end-of-summer rite of passage for many Ottawa citizens, so I'm happy we are keeping that element alive." remarked SuperEx president Cole Chapman. "Westboro is a vibrant community that is sure to keep the magic of SuperEx alive." Chapman explained.
The move comes with some alterations however, changes that some people see as a withdrawal of the carnival atmosphere, and have some SuperEx loyalists worried. Changes include a removal of all noisy and potentially scary rides, and a strict shut down of operations at 7pm when most Westboro residents retire for the evening. Also, due to safety concerns of the many parents, midway rides will only consist of a "Yogic Flyer" ride sponsored by LuLuLemon in which participants sit on rotating foam yoga mats and chant to soothing music, and a twirling teacup ride sponsored by David's Tea and Bridgehead, where supervised children don safety helmets and ride at a slow speeds in over-sized foam tea and latte cups.
Westboro BIA president Sheila Newman is excited about the SuperEx moving in and hopes it will be as popular this year as in previous years. "We are making sure it is a safe, co-operative and learning environment, but also fun." Newman explains. Other changes to the new fair which is being dubbed "HarmonyEx" include removing all deep fried and candy foods, which will be replaced by organic, healthy alternative foods but adhering to a "no nut" policy due to child allergy concerns, a removal of musical rock acts, being replaced by quieter, contemporary folk music, and a removal of any games of chance such as ring tosses, that will be replaced by French Immersion learning games in which all participants are winners. New additions to the fair include diaper changing competitions, baby stroller races and a jogging, biking, kayaking triathlon challenge sponsored by Mountain Equipment Co-Op.
The HarmonyEx in Westboro begins August 15 and runs until September 2. Opening musical act "James Taylor" will take the stage August 15 with "Gregorian Chanters" closing the Ex September 2.
"and a removal of any games of chance such as ring tosses, that will be replaced by French Immersion learning games in which all participants are winners"
ReplyDeleteOh man, that had me busting a gut. Great blog!!
Hintonburg's gonna be so jealous.
ReplyDeleteJAMES TAYLOR?!
ReplyDelete...Oh, you were being satirical. :~(