CNE cancels Youth Day event
Popular program that offers discounted tickets was scene of multiple fights in 2016
The Canadian National Exhibition has cancelled its popular Youth Day for this year’s exhibition, citing issues in 2016 when it was forced to shut down early due to safety concerns.
The CNE reviews its promotions yearly and last year’s incident was a factor in the decision, media spokesperson Tran Nguyen said.
Last year, police were called to the fair grounds after multiple fights broke out during Youth Day, when admission prices drop to $6 before 3p.m. and there are discounted rides.
Two 16-year-olds and a 17-year-old were arrested and, in a “proactive measure,” the exhibition closed nearly three hours early.
The CNE then said it would be reevaluating the event, which they have had for six years.
“A few bad apples” won’t deter the CNE from welcoming youth, Nguyen said.
Security is “very comprehensive” and they factor in past years’ experiences into the security plan, Nguyen said.
This year, in an effort to appeal to the younger demographic despite cancelling Youth Day, youth-oriented programming has been expanded for the whole fair, including concerts and events such as Parkour demonstrations and laser shows, Nguyen said.
Tickets are being offered at $8 to all ages after 5 p.m. each Monday to Thursday, excluding Labour Day.
In 2015, the CNE closed an hour early due to overcrowding, when 20,000 more people than expected, including “large groups of youth” were counted at the Youth Day event. While they called the turnout a “positive response,” the decision was “simply to ensure the safety of our guests.” With files from Emily Fearon