Pacific Coliseum, The PNE and Playland
17 Days of fun: The Pacific National Exhibition
2010 marks the 100th anniversary of the Pacific National exhibition or ‘the PNE’ as it is called by Vancouverites. The 17 day long fair offers something fun for all ages: rides, shows, agricultural exhibitions, hose races, a large variety of concerts, trade shows sporting events, the list is endless! First opened in 1901 by Sir Wilfred Laurier, the PNE was initially called The Industrial Exhibition. Originally meant to demonstrate what British Columbia has to offer, the fair is now a huge attraction for tourists and Vancouverites alike, drawing 900,000 visitors each year.
Important technological advances have made their debut at the Fair, including the world’s first rotary telephone as well as some of the first aircrafts. The Vancouver Boat Show, the Vancouver Home Show and the Pacific International Auto Show all had their start at the PNE.
Playland Amusement Park
The PNE is also home to Playland, a 15 acre amusement park. Originally called ‘Happy Land’, Playland is home to the famous rollercoaster built in 1958. This wooden contraption is not for the faint of heart. Hang on and don’t lose your sunglasses! There is a very large selection of rides for young and old, the queasy and the thrill seeker. There is also a large midway with many games and lots of food. Be sure and have some of the famous PNE doughnuts! This is not a place to start your diet. There is also an arcade, shooting gallery, basketball court and a haunted mansion.
The Pacific Coliseum is located on the grounds of the PNE. Built in 1968, the coliseum is home to many sports events. During the PNE the coliseum is home to the Pacific Spirit Horse Show and the RCMP musical ride. Until recently, the coliseum was home to the Vancouver Canucks hockey team.
The Fair At The PNE - Attractions, Exhibitions and Shows
The fair at the PNE has lots of attractions if you don’t’ feel like going on rides. The agricultural exhibition is home to the 4H competition with competitions in every category: swine, beef, horses, sheep sewing, dogs, llamas, crafts and photography. The Pacific Spirit Horse Show is a huge draw, featuring a miniature horse show, draft hose competition, jumping exhibition and the RCMP Musical Ride.
The musical shows are a large part of the PNE- with something for every musical taste. Dal Richardson is still swinging in his 90’s with shows twice a day during the PNE. Red Robinson is hosting an annual talent show which highlights the best in BC talent. KABOOM is a pyro- technical extravaganza that covers the last one hundred years of dance and music. Headliners for the opening day concert this year are Bryan Adams and the Beach Boys. Other acts coming this year are Michael Bolton, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts and Wayne Newton.
Plan your trip to the PNE- there is a lot to do and if you are in town for an extended visit, you might want to spend a couple of days there!
Go to http://www.pne.ca/index.html
By Melissa Montgomery