THUNDER BAY -- A little rain did nothing to dampen the spirits of Canadian Lakehead Exhibition attendees, who flocked to the fairgrounds as the gates opened at noon on Wednesday to kick off this year’s event.
Nine-year-old Kallie Wagenaar is a brave youngster, who came for one reason and one reason only.
“I like how scary some of the rides are. I like to go on the ring of fire,” she said, her best friend Seija Hankilanoja at her side.
“And the food is good. Being scared is fun.”
Having fun was the theme of opening day.
Ten-year-old Jake Ong spent time feeding llamas at the petting zoo, but like Kallie, was there as a thrill-seeker.
“I have been here before and I keep coming back because of all the great rides,” he said. “I like the pirate ship ride because it goes up and down really high. I just go on it almost every year.”
Surprisingly – or not – it was the animals that pushed his fear tolerance to the limit.
“They would keep coming toward me because I have all this food. It was frightening,” he said.
Milla Ramuscak said she too was there for the fun.
“You get to go on rides and you get to play,” she said, taking a quick break from the petting zoo.
“(A goat) was jumping on me because he wanted some more food.”
Fair chairman Basil Lychowyd said there’s nothing like Day 1 at the Canadian Lakehead Exhbition.
“I’m very excited. This is what we work for all year. I know we’ve got a little bit of rain outside, but I think it’s going to clear up,” he said.
“All the kids are happy to come to the fair. The sun’s going to come out, we’ve got great entertainment so come down.”
Tickets and ride wristbands are available at the gate.
Moviegoers can pay $11 at the entrance which gets the access to the fairgrounds and the theatre.