It's over a century old, and has seen lots of changes through the years, but for 2020, the Fair at the Pacific National Exhibition (PNE) is going to be one like none other in its history.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions on mass gatherings, the PNE has gotten creative with their approaches to bringing people together, supporting vendors, and celebrating British Columbia.
For 2020, the PNE Fair will be a "drive-thru experience" aimed at giving guests a taste of all their traditional Fair favourites.
“We really wanted to showcase those special PNE memories of great entertainment and bring together British Columbians for their traditional end-of-summer PNE experience that celebrates the best of the PNE Fair,” says the PNE Creative Director Patrick Roberge.
SuperDogs? Check. Giant dinos? Check. Agriculture? Check.
There will also be a parade, and heaps of fair food for the whole family to enjoy.
Here's what the PNE outlines for what ticketholders will experience:
- The President's Choice® SuperDogs™ Tail-Gate Party!
- Drive thru-agriculture displays including all your favourite barnyard animals
- A Summer Celebration PNE Reverse Parade!
- Win A House, Win a Car! PNE Prize Home drive thru ticket sales
- Larger than life dinosaurs and your favourite cartoon characters
- Iconic Fair food including Hunky Bills, mini donuts, corn dogs and poutine
Earlier this season, the PNE debuted the drive-thru format, test driving (if you will) the concept with events centred on iconic foods like Mini Donuts and BBQ. They've since done more themed food and entertainment events, as well as a Canada Day "reverse parade."
Admission is priced per vehicle, $25, regardless of how many people you (safely) have inside the car. Each vehicle going through the PNE Fair "drive-thru experience" will receive a pair of tickets to the 2021 Fair at the PNE as well as a PNE face mask. Food and prize home ticket purchases extra.
Fair reps note that the event will follow full social distancing protocols as outlined by the Ministry of Health and public health officials.
The PNE Fair is early this year, and will run August 22 through 30 (closed on Monday, August 24). Hours will be 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Additionally, for separate (pre-purchased) admission, you can visit Playland, which will be open Saturdays, Sundays and holidays until September 7 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
PNE Fair 2020 Drive-Thru Experience
When: Aug. 22-30 (closed Aug. 24) from 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Where: PNE Grounds - 2901 E Hastings St., Vancouver
Cost: $25 per carload; food and prize home tickets separate. Buy tickets online
