This year was my first time going to the CNE and I had a pretty good time. We parked at one of the designated parkings that charges a flat rate of $25 for the whole day and we walked maybe 5 minutes and walked right into Kid's World. Not gonna lie, I had a field day there lol. They had a little reptile truck, a magic show centre, a centre for kids to make art and play music etc. Tried churros for the first time (woohoo!)
We then got out of Kid's World and started hitting more of the games and rides. We didn't wanna take part in any so we kept walking and came across the Arts and Crafts building which had vendors who made home made accessories and the likes of it but it was really neat and cute seeing so much talent. Friendly warning: it's pretty big so don't linger too long at each vendor.
We got a bit hungry afterwards so we took the free green shuttle to the Food Building and I went on a hunt for all the crazy food the CNE had in store this year! Another friendly warning: this place is packed, loud, and the smell of all the fried food can be a bit nauseating. I ended up getting the Thanksgiving Waffle, which was DELICIOUS despite its appearance. We also had a sample of a lemonade cocktail and couldn't resist getting our own (unfortunately I don't remember the name but they specialize mostly in fruit drinks).
After we went to Shoppers Market and this is what killed my feet. Probably the friendliest warning of this review: please wear comfortable shoes....flats or sandals will not do it for you....trust me. This building was huge, it almost became irritating cause we couldn't get through anything without discovering something else. They have an international market/stage which is beautifully multicultural with vendors from almost every country and the stage features cultural performances a few times a day every day of the CNE exhibition.
We grabbed a milkshake at Baskin Robbins around 9 (we really wanted to try the Peanut Butter and Sriracha Rolls from Fran's but the line was wayyyyyy too long). Then, we headed home.
Overall, it was fun and I enjoyed it but I can't go more than once or twice a year. I recommend everyone goes at least once for the experience and crazy food :)