Summary: It's like going to the airport if the airport were operated by carnies trying to swindle you out of $10 so you could 'win' a 4th rate stuffed animal.
Only go if you enjoy being treated like a criminal.
While the CNE practices some of the laxest hiring practices of any employer I've ever seen--(teenagers who didn't have the fortitude or credentials to get good summer jobs)--this hasn't usually been a problem, but their overbearing 12 year old security guards have turned this event into a huge turn-off. Only go if you enjoy being randomly singled out for bag searches and suspicious looks. I got singled out for no apparent reason (btw are you brown or look like you even MIGHT be a terrorist stereotype? Enjoy being searched). When I refused to let the highschooler go through my bag and ask me a bunch of intrusive questions--because I'd never agreed to that when I bought my ticket--I was summarily refused entry. No refunds. Following up with their office staff (more giggling/disorganized teenagers) resulted in form letter non-responses and an understanding that the CNE is just entitled to people's money and the right to continue perpetual existence no matter how much people grow tired of their crap. You'll be pouring $16 down the toilet if you choose to dignity over an unremarkable state fair experience.