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Why did the photographer go to the Canadian National Exhibition? To capture some fair-tographs!

I've been visiting the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) in Toronto for most of my life. I've had countless experiences and adventures at this iconic state (technically provincial) fair. Almost every year I try and come back to the CNE to soak up the atmosphere that signifies the end of summer for students and Torontonians in general. This time I was able to attend with my new camera for the first time to take home more than over-priced teddy bears and hazy junk food fueled memories.

Growing up in Toronto, the CNE was a frequent destination for me and my friends, and later on, my coworkers and significant others. Each year, the fair brought new and exciting sights, smells, and sounds that we couldn't wait to experience. It was tradition to visit, and was always particularly fun to take people who had never been before. As I try and transition into becoming a photographer, I began to view the CNE from a different perspective, one that was focused on how to capture the essence of the fair through my camera lens instead of just enjoying it for myself.

For the history buffs at the front of the class: the Exhibition has been around since 1879, and it continues to attract millions of visitors every year (when COVID policies aren't shutting it all down). One of the most significant features of the CNE is its elaborate array of historical buildings, which provide a glimpse into Canada's architectural past.

One such building is the Crystal Palace, which was first built in 1858 and moved piece by piece from its original location to what would be the new CNE grounds in 1879. Not at all pictured here. That stunning structure was made entirely of glass and iron and was once used for exhibitions and events until eventually it burned down. Today, the re-remade Crystal Palace sits in a not plot of land on the CNE grounds, but still serves as a venue for various displays and exhibits.

Another notable building is the Horticulture Building, which was constructed in 1907 after the old Crystal Palace was destroyed in a blaze. The replacement building has a stunning glass dome and brick façade. The Horticulture building is a popular spot for visitors to view elaborate displays of plants and flowers, and it also houses the annual Canadian Gardening Competition.

In addition to the impressive architecture, the CNE is also known for its thrilling amusement rides. The newest and most popular of these rides is the Sky Ride, which provides visitors with breathtaking views of the CNE and downtown Toronto. Other popular rides include the Polar Express spiny-majiggy, the innovatively named Drop Tower and the one with the name that tightens my taint, The Zipper. Just having a few expensive drinks in the adults only area and then trying to make your way through the throngs of people is it's own ride as well.

But the true highlight for many of any visit to the CNE is undoubtedly the food. From classic carnival fare like funnel cakes and deep-fried Oreos, to more innovative and downright bizarre creations like pickle lemonade and Timbit poutine. There is no shortage of delicious and unique treats to try if you've got the room in your pants to eat it all. Obviously one of my personal favorite food destinations at the CNE is the Food Building, where you can find various food vendors and concessions selling everything from traditional boring burgers and bacon-wrapped everything. For those on a budget (as I was in my high-school and college days), there's also the roughly $1 bowls of noodles from Primo Spaghetti, which has been stable sustenance there for the price conscious for most of my life.

One of the great things about doing photography at the CNE is the diversity of people and fashion styles that can be found there. As someone who cares almost none about fashion, I leave it to the people with bigger bank accounts than I have to show off. That being said, every year I'm struck by the kaleidoscope of colors and patterns, with visitors expressing themselves through their clothing and accessories as it were the main reason they attended. From vintage styles to new trends, the streets of the CNE are bursting with creativity and sweaty individuality.

Doing street style photography at a state fair also has its challenges. Crowds can make it difficult to get the perfect shot as there are always people getting into the way of my framing, and it can be easy to become overwhelmed by the sheer amount of activity and energy in the air when you're trying to focus on a singular subject. Additionally fairgrounds are so, so crowded with food vendors, rides, and attractions, making it a bit more difficult to catch everything I'd like because it isn't practical to spend five minutes trying to get the ideal photo when there's only so much time in the day.

But ultimately, the thrill of capturing the feeling of adventure at the CNE, and trying to convey the delicious smells and the blinding sights of blinking lights and swirling rides, makes the effort of worth it. There's a unique sense of energy and excitement at the fair that I try to capture in my photography, whether it's through capturing candid moments of joy or quirky and unconventional street style.

As summer turns to fall and the cold Canadian winters approach, I can't help but feel a sense of loss for the warm summer days at the CNE. It's a bittersweet feeling, knowing that another summer has come to an end and that it will be a while before we experience the excitement of the fair again. But when the next summer rolls around, I know that I'll be back at the CNE once more (as long as there's no more world changing diseases unleashed), camera in hand, eager to experience and capture the magic of the fair all over again.