[MG1]

I've beed going to the PNE for as long as I can remember. For some reason, I'm really looking forward to it.

Even though it sucks balls, gotta get stuff from Jimmy's, Hunky Bills, Root Beer, and PNE House tickets.

I haven't checked yet, but those places might be gone.......... nothing is forever.

I missed the jousting last year. Will have to make it a point to see it this year.

Seniors admission and further 30% off via BCAA, ftmfw!

[Mikoyan]

http://www.pne.ca/2023-fair-food/

They're still there.

[MG1]

Jesuzzzzzzzzzzz............ now I know what I'll be doing. Starve myself two days before, then go wild.

[mikemhg]

We're goin to TLC on Saturday.

No scrubs baby.

[StylinRed]

We're goin to TLC on Saturday.

No scrubs baby.

Holy crap thanks for the heads up! I didn't get to go to their concert as a kid before left eye died and then I always ended up not hearing about or missing every concert since, not this time though!

[Badhobz]

Don’t go chasing waterfalls.

[punkwax]

We're goin to TLC on Saturday.

No scrubs baby.

https://media.tenor.com/BA_byA21xuIAAAAC/other-guys-creep.gif

[Badhobz]

Love that movie. Wish they made a sequel.

Gator don’t play like that.

[punkwax]

Apparently anchorman is the only sequel that Ferrel has done but I agree. Fantastic comedy.

[Hondaracer]

I’ve got tickets for TLC and walk of the earth I’ll sell for face value + throw in free PNE tickets if anyone is interested

Fuck really wanted to see TLC as they sounded amazing last year even outside of the amphitheater but going away this weekend now

[danned]

same thing every year

[MG1]

Third button!

[mikemhg]

Holy crap thanks for the heads up! I didn't get to go to their concert as a kid before left eye died and then I always ended up not hearing about or missing every concert since, not this time though!

If you see me say hello.

I stick out a lot.

Look for a dude with a shaved head and tattoos singing loudly to Creep.

[StylinRed]

lol will do! ill be singing along to every song from the crazy sexy cool album too

[bokch0y]

same thing every year

Just like the stampede.

[AzNightmare]

As I'm getting older, I feel like I have no interest in any of these kind of things anymore. Always feels like the same shit... been there, done that. But being a new dad, I feel I'll have to repeat the cycle of life again and start going to all these things for the sake of my kid to experience it all, just like I once did when I was younger.

[bokch0y]

As I'm getting older, I feel like I have no interest in any of these kind of things anymore. Always feels like the same shit... been there, done that. But being a new dad, I feel I'll have to repeat the cycle of life again and start going to all these things for the sake of my kid to experience it all, just like I once did when I was younger.

We did that too when our kids were young and obviously stopped after a few years but it was due to the ridic price hikes. I don't know what it's like at the PNE now as we haven't been in over 10 years, but this year I went to the stampede for the first time in like 8 years and wow - $8 for bottled water. And that's just the start, so I would imagine the PNE is the same???

Regardless, good experience with the kid(s) but gets costlier each year.

[MG1]

When my kids were young, the PNE didn't have strict rules. We packed a picnic basket. Loaded it with food that was 1001 times better than any of the places offered. Obento style. Karaage, teriyaki, tempura,BBQ'd wild salmon with miso, wieners rolled up in tamago (egg), onigiri with katsuo and ume on the inside all wrapped in ajitsuke nori, etc. It wasn't a basket, per se, but in traditional Japanese jyubako. People around us were like............. "Holy Shit!"

Needless to say, my kids looked forward to the PNE. It's what you make of it, I guess. Back then, there was lots to see and do for free. So many things are gone now. It was an actual fair back then. I remember all the displays. Challenger Map in full was there along with 4H, and a whole slew of best of the year (produce, preserves, floral arrangements, whathaveyou) contest winners. People showing off their craft.

Anyway................... now it's just a gong show. A very expensive gong show. My daughter still wants to play Whack-a-Mole, and the water pistol games with the old man. Daddy used to be good at that stuff. I have all the plushies to prove it. Nowadays, my daughter is like a ninja master at Whack-A-Mole. One day is reserved for father/daughter time. Just got to remember not to call anything gay or retarded. Oh, speaking about retarded. Doesn't matter how many years I've gone to the PNE, one of the must do things for me is the retarded shoot 'em up gallery thing. Like why? It's just one of those things that defy Vulcan logic.

[bokch0y]

When my kids were young, the PNE didn't have strict rules. We packed a picnic basket. Loaded it with food that was 1001 times better than any of the places offered. Obento style. Karaage, teriyaki, tempura,BBQ'd wild salmon with miso, wieners rolled up in tamago (egg), onigiri with katsuo and ume on the inside all wrapped in ajitsuke nori, etc. It wasn't a basket, per se, but in traditional Japanese jyubako. People around us were like............. "Holy Shit!"

Needless to say, my kids looked forward to the PNE. It's what you make of it, I guess. Back then, there was lots to see and do for free. So many things are gone now. It was an actual fair back then. I remember all the displays. Challenger Map in full was there along with 4H, and a whole slew of best of the year (produce, preserves, floral arrangements, whathaveyou) contest winners. People showing off their craft.

Anyway................... now it's just a gong show. A very expensive gong show. My daughter still wants to play Whack-a-Mole, and the water pistol games with the old man. Daddy used to be good at that stuff. I have all the plushies to prove it. Nowadays, my daughter is like a ninja master at Whack-A-Mole. One day is reserved for father/daughter time. Just got to remember not to call anything gay or retarded. Oh, speaking about retarded. Doesn't matter how many years I've gone to the PNE, one of the must do things for me is the retarded shoot 'em up gallery thing. Like why? It's just one of those things that defy Vulcan logic.


gay or retarded, absolute gold hahahaha. love it!!!

[Hondaracer]

It’s a thing to do?

I don’t really get people who like constantly shit on it as boring etc. then don’t go lol, it’s just an annual thing to do, you’re not obligated to spend anything more than entry

[MG1]

"It's the same every year," is so worn out................ like my new "Exclusive" LP I just purchased last week. It skips......... as in plays the same track over and over again.

It's about tradition and making new memories............. meeting people you haven't seen in decades. One year, I saw someone who I wanted to avoid at all costs. Well, dude spotted me from behind the tents where I was hiding. It actually turned out alright. He changed - a lot. I must stand out more than Mike. jbol.

[mikemhg]

I dunno I thought last year was pretty cool at the PNE.

They've pivoted the event to be a little more adult-centric.

No more stupid beer gardens, you can walk around the entire venue with your drinks, which is awesome.

WAY more food trucks and options as well, if you're a foodie you'll find way more shit to stick your teeth in nowadays.

[MG1]

way more shit to stick your teeth in nowadays.

I better make sure I put on a lot of Sea Bond.

[SSM_DC5]

Air quality going to start decreasing tomorrow. Any predictions on what it'll be like for the rest of The Fair?

[mikemhg]

TLC was good, damn did they take a lot of breaks between songs though, TBOZ must've needed a breather. Pretty short set in total.

The PNE was pretty dead last night, I was surprised.

I guess people are staying in due to the smoke.

[MG1]

Maybe with people struggling to make ends meet in this economy and the fact ticket prices are high, it might be a sign for PNE to think about adjusting their prices.

With lower attendance, the merchants, who no doubt are struggling already with higher material costs, might decide it's time to call it quits. Hopefully, it's the poor air quality that's keeping people from attending.


It was $7.00 entry day, as well.......... so maybe air quality.

https://clk.ticketleader.ca/e/es?s=649172&e=17605&elqTrackId=efd74c1a1b7a40299e524d6e5aa03bea&elq=91d564a16d7a4264aa137d3e7c5a70ca&elqaid=691&elqat=1

[winson604]

TLC was good, damn did they take a lot of breaks between songs though, TBOZ must've needed a breather. Pretty short set in total.

The PNE was pretty dead last night, I was surprised.

I guess people are staying in due to the smoke.

Yup went to Playland yesterday got there around 5pm and stayed till 1030 but holy it was quiet as hell on the rides side.

This is the 2nd time I've gone and just a FYI to people who are going and plan to play games they've changed the pricing model now which might be a good thing or bad thing depending on how you look at it. In the past you pay money for x amount of balls etc for a chance to win prizes. Now they straight up have a price tag on each of the size of prices so you're essentially just buying it at a jacked up price. Note this doesn't apply to all games, like some of the ones where you can win crazy prices like a PS5 for example. My son really wanted this slothy doll which was an extra large size at the stupid kids fishing game, $40 lol jesus fuck. It made it ok because on our way out a group of teens/early 20 year old boys wanted to get more players to join the scooby doo racing game, you know the one where you roll a ball and depending on where it lands the scooby doo (they have a horse version) moves and a certain distance. Anyway they needed more players to get to the larger prizes and my son (age 9) fucking smoked them the next closest scooby only made it half way down the track it was pretty funny and the boys defeated look was also hilarious.

[SSM_DC5]

Opening weekend is historically low attendance. Everyone goes final weekend before school starts.

[Tapioca]

Gotta think that the Richmond Night Market and other events, like the Greater Van food truck festival and beer festivals, have taken some of the business away from the PNE as well, at least when it comes to food offerings and the "vibe".

West Coast Amusements does pop up carnivals across the Lower Mainland at various times of the year too. People don't need to wait for the PNE to get their fix of low budget rides and mini donuts in either.

I'm not that old and I remember when the PNE used to give away tickets to kids during report card season. Yes, the economics are challenging, but times are rough for the demographic they're trying to attract (RS families in detached houses notwithstanding). They need to get people in the door and you can't do that when they're charging adults $20.

[MG1]

I'm not that old and I remember when the PNE used to give away tickets to kids during report card season.

OMFG! I remember that. It used to be like that for eons. I mean as long as I can remember. And that's going waaaaayyyyyy back. At least early 50's.


Shit me not, I'm going to be the first RS member to reach 100 and still be alive and posting shit..............

[Razor Ramon HG]

Lol, we used to go every year before school started with those free tickets. Since I graduated elementary, I've probably only gone to the PNE like less than three times.

[Badhobz]

Last time I went to pne and playland was back when I still used to go to van tech.

Holy crap. I should go again for ha ha s

[MG1]

Last time I went to pne and playland was back when I still used to go to van tech.

Holy crap. I should go again for ha ha s

Van Tech was like a carnival every day. Amirite?

[Badhobz]

Aye. Walking up those steps to get your ass beat was quite an experience

[keifun]

Went to PNE yesterday (Sunday). Bought the tickets ahead of time for $7 discount price. I was expecting long line ups at the front gate at 11am, turns out to be quite short. Inside was less busy than I expected it would be.

$7 tickets sure, I will go, but not $20 reg price. Even the buy one get one Friday deal seems a bit much.

Lots of food truck options. Wanted to try a few places but each one costs anywhere from $12-20. Just getting way too expensive everywhere.

[winson604]

Lol, we used to go every year before school started with those free tickets. Since I graduated elementary, I've probably only gone to the PNE like less than three times.

I've gone every year since 2006 and prior to that went fairly consistently. The change with 2006 is when my wife and I started dating and her parents lived by the PNE and would get 4 free tickets every year and since we had our first kid 9 years ago we have just made it a yearly thing to go with them.

[mikemhg]

Even the drinks are pricy at the PNE.

$10 one oz. cocktails of cheap booze?

That with entrance ticket ($25), concert tickets ($80 each, my GF is a retard booking those seats..), food, drinks.

Pricy lil night.

[Hondaracer]

Yea we had those $80 tickets, when I heard we spent like $200 for TLC was like wtfff lol

Thing is, this is just everywhere now, not just PNE. Haven’t been to a place with sub $7 drinks in recent memory

[teggy604]

I guess $80 bucks not bad. What do Taylor Swift tickets start at? lol

[Hondaracer]

I think the issue is that it used to be free, then it was $20 GA, now it’s $80+ for the prime seats

[snowball]

Is TLC worth going back to watch a second time? Seems like their set-list would be pretty repetitive at this point in their careers, but I guess nothing beats the power of nostalgia.

[MG1]

Even the drinks are pricy at the PNE.

$10 one oz. cocktails of cheap booze?

That with entrance ticket ($25), concert tickets ($80 each, my GF is a retard booking those seats..), food, drinks.

Pricy lil night.

Did it pay off?

[mikemhg]

That's not an issue :lol

The woman has a higher sex drive than me. Mid to late 30s ain't fair man.

For the record we were both too full from all the donuts and shitty food anyways :lol

[MG1]

So what were the terms again? Puma, then cougar, then the ultimate........... wildcat, jbol.


Or was that a jaguar

[mikemhg]

Is TLC worth going back to watch a second time? Seems like their set-list would be pretty repetitive at this point in their careers, but I guess nothing beats the power of nostalgia.

I wouldn't say so, the set was short and they took a fuck ton of breaks between songs (I assume cause T-Boz needed a breather). Chili still looks like she's in her 20s, that blew my mind how good she still looks in her 40s.

Here's a trick that my dummy GF didn't realize, for any of these concerts.

Book the cheapest seats possible, way up in the bleachers, pay like $20 for those seats.

Don't even bother sitting in your seat, just stand in the GA area and watch the show, you'll be grabbing drinks at the bar anyways. Security doesn't bother checking unless you go into the seating up front.

Doing it that way, the concerts are cheap, they're all short sets anyways (no openers or anything), you don't need to actually sit.

[MG1]

For those who have gone already, do they still have those refillable cups? They're plastic with a handle and flex straw.

[TypeRNammer]

For those who have gone already, do they still have those refillable cups? They're plastic with a handle and flex straw.

Going tomorrow, I'll report back.

But I'll definitely bring my refillable cup, refillable popcorn bucket, and refillable slushie mug :lawl:

[MG1]

Going tomorrow, I'll report back.

But I'll definitely bring my refillable cup, refillable popcorn bucket, and refillable slushie mug :lawl:

I'm going tomorrow, too.

[N.V.M.]

walking around with a beer is such a game changer. need more pissers though.

[TypeRNammer]

In regards to the souvenir cup for soda refills, didn't get a chance to ask around, but there were people asking me where I got mines. Told them to check the Snack Shop to see if there were any.

I utilized all my cups for soda, slushie, and popcorn refills :lawl:

[Blueboy222]

.

[MG1]

In regards to the souvenir cup for soda refills, didn't get a chance to ask around, but there were people asking me where I got mines. Told them to check the Snack Shop to see if there were any.

I utilized all my cups for soda, slushie, and popcorn refills :lawl:

I didn’t see the refillable cups for sale anywhere, but I did get refills for $1.00. I have a whole collection of the refillable cups. All colours and shapes. My favourite is the limited edition anniversary edition refillable cup.

I had the Taco Nori Chicken Karaage and it was good. The collosal onion thing. Always good. Mini doughnuts and that was it. Escaped without spending too much. Oh, the PNE house tickets.

[Hondaracer]

Went last night, actually felt a bit better than previous years in terms of entertainment

The monet exhibit is pretty sweet for free, and the high diving was pretty crazy and a quick entertaining show. Had typical hunky bills and a corn dog, felt pretty satisfied

[PeanutButter]

walking around with a beer is such a game changer. need more pissers though.

Wait, the entire PNE grounds you can walk around with alcohol now?

[MG1]

Going back on Wednesday with daughter to redeem the free tickets I got from BC Lions game. Hopefully air quality will be better.

[EvoFire]

Wait, the entire PNE grounds you can walk around with alcohol now?

Yes, they a bar area in the playland area, and lots of alcohol stands in the food area. Shit ain't cheap though, $9 for a beer.

[PeanutButter]

https://ticketleader.evenue.net/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/EVExecMacro?linkID=tktldr&evm=prmo&RSRC=&RDAT=&caller=PR

CODE: VANPARK

$10 tickets from city of Vancouver.

Ticket Minimum is 4

[MG1]

Just got back from the PNE. Went with daughter. Had a great time. Wasn't crowded, so experience was better than previous years. Free parking. Can't beat that. The Remix Inferno was good. Better than last year. Dueling Pianos was very entertaining. People in the audience were dancing and really getting into it. Weather behaved itself. I feel sorry for the vendors. Little to no business. I missed the high dive thing.......... damnit

[supafamous]

Spent the better part of the day yesterday at the PNE with my 4 year old and she had a blast. The lineups for the rides were really long so we only did 1 ride but otherwise I was surprised at how time flew for us.

I did LOL at one of the food stand tip machines giving me a range of 15-30% tip options - dude, you're just handing me food through a window.

[PeanutButter]

The high dive into the water was pretty entertaining.. The performers were super impressive and the guy who jumped off the very top was pretty spectacular.

[MG1]

The high dive into the water was pretty entertaining.. The performers were super impressive and the guy who jumped off the very top was pretty spectacular.

Damnit.......... I knew I should have made more of an effort to go see it.

[MG1]

Pne sucks

Apparently not.


https://vancouver.citynews.ca/2023/09/05/vancouver-pne-fair-record-attendance/

So my take on it is 2022 must have been a really shitty year for attendance. I remember the PNE to be like the episode of Star Trek………… The Mark of Gideon. Shoulder to shoulder crowds as far as the eye could see. Crazy view from the ski lift they had there at one time or from the giant Ferris Bueller Wheel. Don’t think it’ll ever be like that again. Unless, they bring back free attendance days again.

[MG1]

1986 record attendance of 1.1 million.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pacific_National_Exhibition#:~:text=The%20highest% 20attendance%20at%20the,was%20occurring%20at%20the %20time.

[RevYouUp]

Did anyone go this year? I went this year because I got free tickets, holy shit it’s dead lol

[whitev70r]

They are practically giving tickets away this week, 2 for 1.

[Hondaracer]

The construction of the new amphitheater basically cut 1/4 of the space out of the PNE side

Wouldn’t doubt they have quite low turn out this year

[Mikoyan]

Yup, Casino/bbq area gone. Concerts moved to the Colliseum, super dogs to Agradome. One bbq stand and gambling area between the forum and the Italian Gardens.

[mikemhg]

Going to Luda tomorrow, any food spots anyone recommends this year?

[CivicBlues]

Donut Holes! (Donut Holes)

From different area codes (area codes)

Holes!

[Hondaracer]

Moms grilled cheese has a birria grilled cheese they did with Top Rope Birria which I’ll probably get next time I go

Had the bbq chicken last time I went was trash. Hunky bills perogies were decent like usual. Not really that much to try that’s crazy this year.. Jamaican me juicy always hits the spot with those Jamaican Pattie’s

[winson604]

Did anyone go this year? I went this year because I got free tickets, holy shit it’s dead lol

Yup went like a week ago, my 17 or 18th year in a row going. I go because it's free and I get free parking as well so a no brainer to pass time for a day in late August. The day I went the weather was fine, perfect actually no rain, not hot and not cold but it was deeeeeead. Like depressing level dead I actually felt sorry for everyone involved. The look on the face of vendors both food and otherwise said it all that day.

[MG1]

Yup went like a week ago, my 17 or 18th year in a row going. I go because it's free and I get free parking as well so a no brainer to pass time for a day in late August. The day I went the weather was fine, perfect actually no rain, not hot and not cold but it was deeeeeead. Like depressing level dead I actually felt sorry for everyone involved. The look on the face of vendors both food and otherwise said it all that day.

I went on the first weekend (Sunday), 'cause 7 bucks. Empty. I thought it was because of the rain.

I've been going every year for over 60 years, lol............ beat that!


Tickets were free for all students who attended Vancouver schools. VSB, ftw! Free notebooks, pens, pencils, etc. My mom kept a few of them. Lined at the bottom and space to draw on at the top. Scared to see what's in it. Probably pictures of the devil and people getting their heads chopped off...........

[supafamous]

Went today with wife and 5 year old and had a nice little time there. Stuff like SuperDogs and the pig races are things my kid loves and I don't mind getting bent over on food prices cause some of that stuff is just stuff you don't otherwise get to eat much like corn dogs, the donuts, the lemonade etc.

$22 for tickets for the 3 of us, $25 for parking, and I think we spent about $70 on food. Not a bad way to spend the day IMO.

[whitev70r]

$22 for tickets for the 3 of us, $25 for parking, and I think we spent about $70 on food. Not a bad way to spend the day IMO.

You didn't use little old lady or old gentlemen selling their front lawn for parking at $15?

[Mikoyan]

You didn't use little old lady or old gentlemen selling their front lawn for parking at $15?

Going rate is $20 from what I saw walking over from my in law's place.

[supafamous]

You didn't use little old lady or old gentlemen selling their front lawn for parking at $15?

I thought they banned that stuff b/c it was messing up the neighbourhoods? Parking close is so much better with a little kid though, I don't even think about doing anything else when I'm out nowadays.

[Hondaracer]

I thought they banned that stuff b/c it was messing up the neighbourhoods? Parking close is so much better with a little kid though, I don't even think about doing anything else when I'm out nowadays.

Nah, people who are 5 minutes from death are still out their hawking their spaces lol

[Badhobz]

I’m gonna go today. Seems like fun… I haven’t been in 20+ years

[keifun]

Drove by the PNE area yesterday. Those grandmas and grandpa's selling their lot for parking were charging from $15-25.

Going to Ludacris tonight. Got 2nd row upper level tix

[Harvey Specter]

I attended the PNE with my kids on Tuesday. Despite the discount, I ended up spending around $200 on entry, ride passes, food, and games. The food selection was dreadful. I finally decided to give Jimmy's Lunch a try, and my gosh, the hamburger was beyond disgusting. It tasted like mystery meat. Literally burned $30.

Maybe I'm getting old, but Playland/PNE is depressing and needs a major overhaul. I actually find the amusement rides that come to Richmond Centre in spring to be a better bargain.

[Hondaracer]

I think they are going to have 2 pretty big down years this and next while the new amphitheater is being built

They really have to reinvent the entire thing when it opens in 2026 imo.. should be new rides, concessions, everything to revitalize the entire thing otherwise it’s just going to fade into oblivion

The new roller coaster was great, however, we waited over an hour for a 34 second ride (we timed it in line) they really dropped the ball in not building a coaster that could load multiple cars at once as opposed to having to wait for the single car to complete its ride and then unload and reload imo

[winson604]

I thought they banned that stuff b/c it was messing up the neighbourhoods? Parking close is so much better with a little kid though, I don't even think about doing anything else when I'm out nowadays.

Like most things Government, having the rules in place is one thing but enforcing is another topic.

[MG1]

First weekend, it was $25.00. Quickly changed after that. Being a Sunday, I parked for free on Hastings.

[Blueboy222]

Worth going this year or no?

[mikemhg]

PNE bent me over good on Friday night.

Spent $200 on drinks during the Luda concert, which was expected.

Don't get the fucking BBQ, I spent $45 on the solitary BBQ stall they have there, and between my other 2 buddies we all agreed it was the worst BBQ we've ever had. You like dry meat? These guys got it.

Brisket = Dry, Ribs = Super Dry, Cornbread = Dry -- how do you fuck up cornbread? Complete waste of money.

On a side note, I also smelt the rankest stinkiest fart in years at the drink lineup in the Coliseum. Whoever that person was, man your stomach must've been FUCKED. The entire line was gagging for no lie 5 minutes straight, even 10 minutes later chicks were walking by the lineup covering their noses from the lingering smell of sulfurous eggs and shit.

Amazing stuff.

[Hondaracer]

Yea I was lined up for the bbq yesterday and walked away when I saw what people were getting, totally wack food offerings this year

Went to the bare naked ladies concert last night was actually quite good outside of the fucking loser sitting behind us talking non stop about how his wife cheated on him and his life is in shambles. Luckily there were enough enoty seats near the top to move around

[whitev70r]

Worth going this year or no?

You don't have much more time to decide.

[EvoFire]

PNE food is never really good. We bring our own water and get some grilled cheese for the kids. I did go to the BBQ stall and got some pork ribs. It was not amazing but it's kind of a rites of passage thing every year.

[TypeRNammer]

Another year of PNE, and still not able to buy the refillable souvenir cup and souvenir popcorn bucket.

From what I told from one of the kids working at the stalls, the only time they are stocked is during the summer time for Play Land, once it's out, no more restock

[mikemhg]

What's the consensus on the best mini donuts at the PNE, which stall takes the crown?

[MG1]

Another year of PNE, and still not able to buy the refillable souvenir cup and souvenir popcorn bucket.

From what I told from one of the kids working at the stalls, the only time they are stocked is during the summer time for Play Land, once it's out, no more restock

I have all the colours of them. Green, Red, Yellow............... maybe that's all there was. Anyway, the Beast one. I have earlier ones that are collectible items, like the anniversary edition.

I take it with me every year. Still a dollar a refill ($1.12). It shouldn't be taxed at all, but not arguing, jbol. It's a good deal. Use it the one day and back to storage for another year.

[Hondaracer]

What's the consensus on the best mini donuts at the PNE, which stall takes the crown?

Since they got rid of the old traditional one I think now it’s just about whoever is actually turning them over

Had a bag from the stall near the bottom of the animal pens etc. by where the sushi taco place is, they were very good

[mikemhg]

^You remember the name? Going to Sean Paul on Tuesday so I wanna stock up on the way out.

[supafamous]

^You remember the name? Going to Sean Paul on Tuesday so I wanna stock up on the way out.

When you say stock up do you mean "fill your belly till it's bursting before I walk out the gates" or "I'm gonna freeze two hundred of these so I can satisfy my midnight cravings and have something to eat on cheat days"?

I'm here for the latter.

[Mikoyan]

.

[Mikoyan]

^You remember the name? Going to Sean Paul on Tuesday so I wanna stock up on the way out.

SinCity donuts I think? We bought a bag from them last night. They only have the one stall. the other one is another vendor? and then there's the PNE mini donuts on the Playland side.

[MG1]

There was this one vendor on the way up to Playland just before the trampoline and diving show.Mini doughnuts by the bucket. Not sure if they were any good or not, Bucket o' mini doughnuts. Nice!!!

[blkgsr]

went last night with my wife and daughter..animal barn, kids parade, pig races etc

had fun

[EvoFire]

Lol we failed. My wife kept telling my kids we will be going PNE today. PNE is closed on Mondays :failed:

[Gerbs]

Got the $8.50 for 15 mini donuts with the 5 pick-up stalls, garbage!

[mikemhg]

When you say stock up do you mean "fill your belly till it's bursting before I walk out the gates" or "I'm gonna freeze two hundred of these so I can satisfy my midnight cravings and have something to eat on cheat days"?

I'm here for the latter.

:lol

I always wait until I'm leaving before I stuff my face with food, usually grab dinner, and take something to go. I don't like boozing and walking around all while full.

As for the donuts, I don't eat them right away, I take them home and throw 'em in the air fryer after smoking a joint :)

[Hondaracer]

They’ve got a corn dog now alternating meatballs and mozzarella balls at the corn dog place up by the concert stage, highly recommended

[mikemhg]

DONE

[Eatman]

Went twice so far this year, once opening weekend and again last night.
I have to say, attendance is noticeably down this year, I would say about 30-40%. No lineups at any food vendors or games, only the popular rides had lines.

There's just really not much to see this year, no exhibitions or new special events like the immersive art exhibit or Nintendo event from previous years. Heck, even Henry's outdoor bbq chicken wasn't invited back this year, some beef going on with management and them.

Maybe they spent all their resources on the new amphitheatre..

[Hondaracer]

I think once the amphitheatre opens, they will attempt to have some sort of renaissance because I agree in general it’s becoming quite stale. We typically buy the seasons passes because we will go a few nights a week for the concerts and dinner or a drink but there is almost zero reason for anyone who has to commute a distance to go more than once.

I know parking is a problem in the area but I feel like moving the horse races away from the Friday/saturdays the PNE is on was a mistake. Should have them them going and offered something for people to hop over to in between the PNE stuff

[68style]

No new infrasructure either, the buildings are old gulags for any events to be in.

I wnet last day of Stampede this year and despite being a similar event, they have access to the giant brand new BMO Centre where they can put the market and drinking areas and art exhibits etc... it's so much more attractive.

https://venues.calgarystampede.com/event-spaces/bmo-centre

That said for some stupid reason the SuperDogs was OUTDOORS with like a couple of wooden and metal bleachers towed into a grass area. Lke WTF?? 30C out and make dogs run around and people / kids sit there in the direct sun???

[Eatman]

I think once the amphitheatre opens, they will attempt to have some sort of renaissance because I agree in general it’s becoming quite stale. We typically buy the seasons passes because we will go a few nights a week for the concerts and dinner or a drink but there is almost zero reason for anyone who has to commute a distance to go more than once.

I know parking is a problem in the area but I feel like moving the horse races away from the Friday/saturdays the PNE is on was a mistake. Should have them them going and offered something for people to hop over to in between the PNE stuff

As for parking, that hasn't been an issue so far, neighborhood lots have not been filling up with rates sitting at $10-15.

it's sad because this is not the PNE I grew up attending and now taking my kids there, it's just depressing to see the way things are now. Fingers crossed for next year.

[Hondaracer]

Obviously the construction of the amphitheater ate up a lot of space at the bottom but man when the dueling pianos was in the tent down there with the beer garden that was a hell of a lot of fun nightly

Now the setup inside the roller derby barn there is fucking wack and sounds absolutely terrible

[Tapioca]

The people and families who have money to burn in this city are not going to the PNE because they're either on vacation in the summer months, or they're doing a hundred other things that Vancouver and the surrounding region offer in the summer months. The PNE is kinda lowbrow for this demographic.

The PNE is for middle and lower-income folks, but ~$130 just to get in the door with a couple of ride passes for the kids is a lot in these times of inflation. Once you add in food for a day and you're close to $250-$300 for a day out with the kids. With that said, it looks like they're offering some more promos for the last week to boost attendance - $99 for 4 gate admissions and 2 ride passes.

When the PNE brought in 90s groups for the summer night concerts about 10 years ago, it was worth paying gate admission to see those bands for free. Too bad those days are gone.

[68style]

Obviously the construction of the amphitheater ate up a lot of space at the bottom but man when the dueling pianos was in the tent down there with the beer garden that was a hell of a lot of fun nightly

Now the setup inside the roller derby barn there is fucking wack and sounds absolutely terrible

Dueling pianos for years was the best thing to do by far at PNE, especially for adults with no kids. They had it at Stampede too, but somehow the vibe wasn’t the same as the PNE version at its peak

[mikemhg]

Went twice so far this year, once opening weekend and again last night.
I have to say, attendance is noticeably down this year, I would say about 30-40%. No lineups at any food vendors or games, only the popular rides had lines.

There's just really not much to see this year, no exhibitions or new special events like the immersive art exhibit or Nintendo event from previous years. Heck, even Henry's outdoor bbq chicken wasn't invited back this year, some beef going on with management and them.

Maybe they spent all their resources on the new amphitheatre..

I was curious what beef went down, Henry's chicken is my go to every time I do the PNE, and they've been pretty much a legacy tenant there.

Really curious what happened.

[68style]

Remove the original mini donut people got in a beef too and disappeared, their kids were running a slightly renamed version at Stampede still… not sure if the PNE beef got resolved. Seems like PNE pisses off a lot of vendors.

[Hondaracer]

Dueling pianos for years was the best thing to do by far at PNE, especially for adults with no kids. They had it at Stampede too, but somehow the vibe wasn’t the same as the PNE version at its peak

The old couple that were there 3-4 years ago were must see every time we went, both are professional musicians from Detroit and ultimately had a couple kids so they stopped coming west for the PNE. Both of them were sooo good though, could bang out any request and they just sounded amazing, some of their renditions were the best I’ve ever heard live

Unfortunately since they’ve had fairly meh duos and it’s compounded by a poor venue with bad sound as opposed to that old covered tent area

[keifun]

Today driving by I saw the grandmas and grandpas offering parking for as low as $7
It does seem lower key this year.

[Hondaracer]

Wasn’t open today

[Mikoyan]

We went on Saturday, and definitely noticed the lack of crowds. The only new thing, if you can call it that, were the two WW1 cannons that they dug up accidentally when excavating for the new amphitheatre.

With the nightly concert moved to the Colliseum, they lost a building to use. We still go because the kids love the Super dogs. But yeah they need to get something new for next year.

[RevYouUp]

The last weekend is always full of people. I’d avoid going this weekend

[Eatman]

I was curious what beef went down, Henry's chicken is my go to every time I do the PNE, and they've been pretty much a legacy tenant there.

Really curious what happened.

Yeah I eat it every year too, half chicken combo yeah yeah.
They started getting good again recently too, there were a few bad years where the chicken was not good, but I still went back out of tradition.

I believe they changed ownership some time ago, so that may have affected the quality.

[6793026]

^ it's the best time to shop at 5 PM / closing time cause they just wnat to clear away stock..

[MG1]

Did any of you see Nespresso giving out samples of coffee at the PNE?

[mikemhg]

For you Honda. I'd give it a 7.5/10 my Italian buddy thought it was solid.

Sean Paul - 9/10 concert, great show.

https://i.ibb.co/C3Qtm1C6/IMG-8100.jpg

[supafamous]

How many donuts did you take home Mike?

[Harvey Specter]

It’s definitely less crowded this year despite the nice weather. It comes down to value for money, it’s too expensive, and young people barely have enough to survive, let alone drop $100 going to the PNE.

And maybe I’m just getting old, but the PNE feels like a dump. It really needs a revamp because it's not worth the price of admission.

[mikemhg]

My friend grabbed some red velvet donuts which sucked, and a girl we knew at the show didn't want to finish her regular minis so I just ate a few of them. Figured I didn't need to stuff my face with greasy donuts at 11PM, so brought none home.

I did however bring some butter chicken home from that Curry In A Hurry truck, would definitely recommend.

They didn't brown me out either with all sauce and 3 pieces of chicken, which was nice.

[Eatman]

It’s definitely less crowded this year despite the nice weather. It comes down to value for money, it’s too expensive, and young people barely have enough to survive, let alone drop $100 going to the PNE.

And maybe I’m just getting old, but the PNE feels like a dump. It really needs a revamp because it's not worth the price of admission.

I agree that it's expensive, but admission is pretty fair considering there are promotions going on. It's really the price for food and games that are a major deterrent, nobody wants to spend when prices are this high.

I'm just waiting for the final attendance count that they usually release once the fair is over.

[supafamous]

For reference:

Recent PNE Fair Attendance Figures:
2024: 637,920
2023: 626,531
2022: 529,772
2021: 239,000 (pandemic-reduced)
2019: 731,708 (pre-pandemic)
2018: 705,381
2017: 722,466
2016: 712,367
2015: 678,193
2014: 769,242
2013: 712,049
2012: 763,000
2011: 803,598
2010: 937,485
2009: 855,137
2008: 753,298
2007: 906,808
2006: 958,781
2005: 903,467

I'd be surprised if the final numbers are below 600k despite the anecdotal reports as I would have expected a lot of last second promotions to push tickets. 600k is still a far cry from the 900k they used to get though - maybe after the renovations are closer to complete they can push for that again (it's felt very crowded to me at 600k though).

I don't mind the prices at the PNE - like it's pretty much what any fair charges - but I do think that the PNE is really for just two demographics: 1) People with kids and 2) People attending the concerts who want a night out.

I stopped going for a long time b/c I was neither of those demographics but now I've been the last 3 years and I'm going on Saturday cause my kid loves it. Now that she's a bit older I figure I'll be a regular for the next 4-5 years as she likes the kind of rides that Playland offers as well.

[mikemhg]

^It's kind of neat looking at stats like that, we tend to forget how much COVID has just threw a wrench into everything we're seeing nowadays.

Its all had a lasting effect.

[Badhobz]

I’m still living my best Covid days. Socially distancing from my co workers and barely showing up to work. Picking up garbage at krab park ?! Don’t make me laugh.

[N.V.M.]

1.1 million 1986. Expo powered crowds.

[supafamous]

I’m still living my best Covid days. Socially distancing from my co workers and barely showing up to work. Picking up garbage at krab park ?! Don’t make me laugh.

Speaking of Crab Park, Honda's gonna be in a rage when he finds out the city spent money on fixing up the playground. Playgrounds in the DTES?! Fuck them kids!

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/16sJpDABtw/

[supafamous]

Spent the day at the PNE/Playland yesterday with my kid and her bestie and had a grand time. Yes, food is pricey but I still consumed a corn dog, donuts, a foot long (covered in cheese sauce, a mac and cheese bowl, ate some ice cream, and had a beer (well over my calorie budget - probably 3 cheat days in one).

Definitely not as busy as last year especially considering the comfortable weather (especially after 3pm) but still pretty packed - I can't fathom what it was like 20 years ago when attendance was 50% higher. The construction definitely didn't help the vibe though and it seems like they relocated the kid's favourite, the pig races.

[blkgsr]

pig races was in the middle of the barn area. was packed full when we were there a few weeks ago. the announcer is funny and odd but a good entertainer

[Eatman]

https://vancouver.citynews.ca/2025/09/02/pne-fair-closes-with-lower-overall-attendence/

Attendance is down this year, surprised they even hit over 600k
The PNE says attendance topped 612,000 for its 115th fair — a drop of about 25,000 attendees from 2024.

[bcrdukes]

It's not the same exact thing, but for comparison and discussion, the CNE in Toronto reported 1 million visitors as of August 29th, and organizers estimate they will hit 1.4 million visitors by the end of the fair season.

In 2024, the CNE reported 1.49 million visitors.

[6793026]

^it's totalyl different cause the population is just crazy.

2025 Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) cost $55. like wtf
https://torontolife.mblycdn.com/tl/resized/2025/08/w1280/toronto-cne-the-ex-food-2025-two-foot-hot-dog.jpg
thsi one was actually interesting

Deep Fried Frozen Watermelon
$12 bucks
https://torontolife.mblycdn.com/tl/resized/2025/08/w1280/toronto-cne-the-ex-food-2025-deep-fried-watermelon.jpg

[mikemhg]

^Given Toronto has over double the population, I'd say those numbers seem to follow scope for the most part.

[bcrdukes]

For Vancouver's PNE to see a 25K drop in attendance is not bad.