Nrthwnd Posted August 31, 2018 Author Share Posted August 31, 2018 (edited) ~ Out At The Fair Day ~ So we bought some pairs of rainbow socks, and got immediate entry into The PNE yesterday....easy! Throughout the day, we also saw (probable) non-LGBTQ2+ people and groups wearing the socks too, so that was great to see. And as usual with David, when we go to The Fair together, RIBS is our eventual main focus, As well as a trip through the Marketplace, which I let him do (already been through it once and once was enough), while I spent time in the Festival Park beer garden, people watching and have a couple of beers. But before we did that, we (finally) went and saw the The Lost World of Dragons exhibit up at the front of The Fair grounds. Great display with some pretty good animatronics involved. A lot there to do for the kids, and a VR spot, where you could ride a dragon, etc. Cool! But the queue and time was way too long to invest in (45 min wait, we were told), so we passed on it. Other than that, some great displays, information, and photo ops there. It was fun. Then after this, David went to Marketplace and I went to the beer garden close by. We decided this year, to really taste test all three ribs companys. So we bought just a 1/3 rack of ribs (four ribs each) from each spot (Gator BBQ, Prairie Smoke, Misty Mountain), took them into the Celebration Plaza beer tent, and ate...and ate... and ate. No sides with these ribs, but David found one of them (out of all three) had corn bread too, so we got a piece of that to share. It was nice and moist, almost too cake-like to be 'bread.' It could have used a bit more corn meal in the recipe too. BUt that was okay. We discovered our old fave (Misty) somehow got more stringy and dry, even with a good sized dollop of the sauce on it. Booo. And one of the others (Prairie) tasted much better, and having the corn bread gave it a few extra points. But our real surprise was the third (Gator) which in previous tastings was dryer than the others. In the past. Not this time. Totally thick and juicy with meat (we had pork ribs for all of them), this meat were literally coming off it's bone, by just a small shake of it! We were really surprised by this. Happily so. So our new order of preference as: Gator, Prairie, and then Misty. And we bought two bottles of Gator's sauce for future home use. Where we buy the PNE Rainbow Socks. Bought mine! And later, I got a few more pairs, for unique souvenirs of The Fair. Where we're headed. First this we saw was Smaug, guarding his loot. David is a pose. Me, holding "something" back. Basic stuff for kids to have fun with. This was my favourite dragon. Future dragons. Now we have to find a generous faerie. No....wait..... They all sounded the same to me. Noted! (To be continued...) Edited August 31, 2018 by Nrthwnd Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nrthwnd Posted August 31, 2018 Author Share Posted August 31, 2018 (edited) After the Dragon exhibit, it was time for me and David to part, for an hour or so. He hit the Marketplace and I hit the Beer Garden, lol! And we met up later, to head to the Ribs Fest. After our "Ribs Fest", we went and tried something I'd seen since first visiting the Fair this year. And after that. David went and visited POPnology (I'd already seen it) and I noticed a very short line for the Prize Home. So, knowing I really didn't want to even buy a ticket for this, I went in.... You gotta love TUPPERWARE for being around for so many years. A regular at The PNE every year. Irish Dancers onstage at Festival park. A closer look at the Rainbow Socks. We just had to show them to the ticket takers, to get into The Fair. Not very busy right now. The sky didn't look too good. But it actually cleared up, and we got sunshine the rest of our visit! The Silver Starlets were back again, performing, Think I have seen them four times now. David's back, with his Swiss Nuts from Marketplace. An annual 'thing' for him to get. Pretty organized at The Fair this year, for one's garbage, etc. Gator BBQ's past wins. Very impressive. Two out of three, here. Okay. Left to right, Gator, Prairie, and Misty Mountain ribs. And Gator Ribs won! (o: Sock-On-A-Wrist. Now we had some of this. "Charcoal" Soft Serve. I waited till we could both try it. It was great! Tasted like coconut mixed with vanilla. But black all through it. After we finished this up, David went to the POPnology exhibit.... ....while I decided (gasp, you didn't!) to take the "Win A House!" house tour. Too modern for my tastes. But hey, we already got a great house of our own already. Paid for, too! Besides the socks, there were a few make up looks around, on the Fair workers, too. Nice. Mmmm good call. Hot tubs help sell a house. But we have one of those, too. (o; This stopped a lot of people, including myself, in their tracks. An elevator in this house? Awesome! (To be continued...) Edited August 31, 2018 by Nrthwnd Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nrthwnd Posted August 31, 2018 Author Share Posted August 31, 2018 More of the Prize Home tour. Then, one more corn dogs tasting. A stroll around Playland and we played a couple of arcades games. Then off to home. We were so tired from all the walking around we did, we couldn't stay for the evening show at the Celebration Tent. Which also had a Drag Show duking it out with the Dueling Pianos. We hoped it would go well, with everyone a winner. And here's my final decision on my Corn Dog Challenge: Coco's Corn Dog King Chicky's Chicken & Fries Lookout Grill (the mini dogs we just had) Coaster Dogs Where I found our last corn dogs to eat. These were mini-dogs at $4 each. They were good, better than I'd expected from a "small dog." (o; Another Unicorn sighting. First train running. New flavour of "What The Fudge". Second train running. What our total Arcade Games' winnings were. David finally gets an Oreo Churro. And liked it! Water refill. Back at home with the BBQ Sauce, our Arcade Prize, Popcorn...and the Socks. See? I got three pairs of them. (o: And, love The PNE, they went with the Hot Pink drinking wristband. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bert425 Posted August 31, 2018 Share Posted August 31, 2018 I love that you bought rainbow socks (multiple pairs!). . and then walked around all day without putting them on - wearing NO socks. despite the fact they would have matched your tie dye Disney shirt. LOL Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nrthwnd Posted August 31, 2018 Author Share Posted August 31, 2018 I love that you bought rainbow socks (multiple pairs!). . and then walked around all day without putting them on - wearing NO socks. despite the fact they would have matched your tie dye Disney shirt. LOL Yeah, I planning to wear them, but with shoes that would accommodate them. The ones I had on were snug, and wearing the socks would have made it a tight fit for me to wear all day. Dumb me for picking the wrong shoes. So I let the t-shirt speak for the socks, LOL! And people did notice me, more than if I had worn the socks, I felt. I also checked at the Pride Society Tent outside the Main Gate, and found out that The PNE isn't the first Cdn.Fair to do a Pride Day. Edmonton, Alberta's Fair did it before us! Now the main question is, will either Fair repeat the day, next summer? We shall see, eventually. It was yesterday, and it was fun! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nrthwnd Posted September 1, 2018 Author Share Posted September 1, 2018 ~ Night Time @ The PNE ~ Usually by the end of The Fair, I have visited the fairgrounds at least once in the evening. Usually for a Concert Series performance. But not this time. No Concerts seen, and nothing really to make me stay way into the night hours. But I still enjoy seeing The Fair at night, with lights on, especially in Playland. So yesterday was an Evening Visit. Along with a new burger to try at Gourmet Burgers (sadly no crickets, this time). And it ended with a 15 minute show called NOVA, end of the night. Pardon that a number of the photos are not in focus. I was snapping away, as I moved along through the fairgrounds and Playland. But I think there's a few good ones taken, here and there. Enjoy On my way to the bus stop. Didn't look too great up above. These smaller condo units are popping up all along this one street! Outdoor House Art. Here we go, again. Groove & Tonic is the name of this great covers band. Destination achieved! The new Special Burgers being offered this year. And I have no idea where a "milkshake" fits into these. Le Main Menu. What I decided to have. Plus fries = $16 - $! coupon = $15 Cdn. lol Voila! Got myself a Shock Top Belgian Ale, and was set for dinner. They "lit the fires" in the Beer Garden. It was a bit cooler that evening. Not too busy, as the majority were heading to the big concert in a 1/2 hour or so. The burger - was - Awesome! Even with pineapple in it! Very impressed with this one. Evening sky looking better. Darkness descends. The PNE Prize Home looks nice at night. Coco's! Winner of my PNE Corn Dog Challenge! Congrats! Looking over to POPnology and the Pacific Coliseum. I believe in Aretha Franklin! The Agrodome. Where Knights of Valor takes place. I see you peeking out from there. (To be continued...) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nrthwnd Posted September 1, 2018 Author Share Posted September 1, 2018 After eating, I then headed (in a round about way) to Playland, to check out those lights. Traveling down the"Street Of Dreams" at night. I love this little trailer! Oooooo purty at night! Hmmm. Wonder why the Hastings Racetrack is open this late? Oh. Night races! Very cool idea. Hope the horses are okay with night races. (o; The Rib Fest was still going strong. Orbiter! The Baby StarFlyer! Ferris Wheel #2! The Celebration Plaza Beer garden also had a Big Screen, for those who missed out on Reserved Seat tix or free entry into whichever Concert was happening that night. Mob Central. This is what happens when nothing is left. And this was last night's Concert. And it was loud enough to hear in Playland over the rides and screams! Zoooom! Kettle Creek Mine coaster at night. Even the kids stay up late during the PNE. Whooosh! Yellow train running. (To be continued...) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nrthwnd Posted September 1, 2018 Author Share Posted September 1, 2018 Still checking out Playland here. Eventually, I headed back to the Festival Park, another beer, and waiting for the final free show of the evening to happen: NOVA. Our little Carousel. Bug Whirled. These figure-8 coasters are now Everywhere in North America! Crazy Beach Parrty running, but not very lit up. The Fuzzy Green Beast. Beside the Side Car Bar, this was happening, Very noisy (but fun) at times with the metal in back. Hell's Gate down. Again. The main arcade of Playland. "What The Fudge" in it's own glow. Long queue for mini donuts. Yellow train running uphill. Wheee! Followed by red train. Glass House in need of some.....window cleaner? Enterprise never went totally vertical. And I watched it for three cycles. The Wine Chalet gets attention in the evenings, here. Everything quiet at Farm Country. Groove & Tonic wrapping up their second show. (To be continued...) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nrthwnd Posted September 1, 2018 Author Share Posted September 1, 2018 The PNE always tries to end each evening with a short, but interesting show that's suited for the night. Last year it was flying LED drones in formations etc. This year, something a bit different...and in a bubble! Called NOVA, it was a laser light show, but with this "bubble" over all of the stage, none of the laser lights shot into the sky and got lost. All was contained, and it made for a really cool 15 minute show! Hard to explain it all, but here's the photos that I took of it... Earlier in the evening, this is what I saw from the Beer Garden, while eating my burger. Check, check, check. Planning to see this again, in the new year (Feb-March I believe). After visiting Playland, I got myself an Adirondack chair and got much closer to the bubble. Sky looked fluffy, but no rain, yay! The show starts. See the face, peeking through the triangle? WTF? This was nice. It's over. Bows. And goodnight from The PNE, everybody! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ratdogg68 Posted September 2, 2018 Share Posted September 2, 2018 Great report, The Bubble looks interesting. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nrthwnd Posted September 2, 2018 Author Share Posted September 2, 2018 ^ Thanks! I do what I can, with what I've got for TR photo taking, lol. Plans are to visit The Fair one more day, tomorrow (Closing Day of The Fair), to get a few more random shots. And I wanted to see that NOVA "bubble" again, close up. I know it's usually deflated over all it's platform and equipment, during the day time. Hopefully, one of the two guys running the show might be close by, and I can ask a few questions about it all. If not, I'll still get a shot or two of a deflated bubble. How the main PNE info.flyer describes NOVA. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bert425 Posted September 2, 2018 Share Posted September 2, 2018 glad to see they are getting a good turn out at night. surprised you didn't go to any bands, a few of them looked like fun (the 80's night in particular, I certainly would have shown up for). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nrthwnd Posted September 2, 2018 Author Share Posted September 2, 2018 ^ You mean for the Concert Series? The minute the tickets go up for grabs every year, it doesn't take too long, to totally sell out the main orchestra area for a good # of them. I got lucky last couple of times (Huey Lewis & News last year; Boy George in 2016). But I procrastinated too long for this set. My $ only goes so far at The Fair, plus the energy to get through it all physically, considering it does get The Crowds particular days. And not necessarily on the weekends, either. Depends on who's playing that night, etc. Also, seeing any of these acts for free, meant standing in queue in the middle of the day for tix, and then lining up to get choice free seats in the upper "bowl" of the Concert area. Not worth the time or energy, for myself. That's why I try and make this like an out-of-town visit, and get a good seat for myself. And it's not too $$$ at that. The two acts I would have loved to see at this year's Fair, was Jann Arden (Out Day At The Fair) and Cyndi Lauper (tomorrow night). The PNE really does come up with a great variety of acts for the Series, I will give them that. And with cover bands playing in Festival Park, I use them as an added nicety while having a brew or eating. Depending on who's playing, and when they're playing, during the daily schedule. Where I'm heading tomorrow mid-afternoon, Closing Day of The PNE, for some nom nom nom BBQ chicken! (o: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nrthwnd Posted September 4, 2018 Author Share Posted September 4, 2018 ~ Closing Day at The PNE ~ All good things must come to an end. And so be it, for this year's PNE. I arrived mid-afternoon, had my Henry's BBQ Chicken & Fries, and got myself a few brews during "Happy Hour" that happens at all the bars at The Fair (3-5pm). Ran into some friends of David's and mine. Then after eating, continued on up to the Side Car Bar in Playland, for a couple more "reasonably priced" beers. Took lots of photos from there, as it's the perfect spot to get people to show off their Arcade winnings, etc. And then I headed home, happy with PNE memories, and thinking about the summer ahead. On my way to the bus, I pass this residence that keeps bees! And egg laying chickens, too! Bus to The Fair isn't too crowded. Easy transport. I wonder what kind of METAL they serve? One more time through the main gate. Dare I go in? I dare! I wanted to get a photo of these oversized bottle caps "art". Wonder what the view is, from up there? Destination reached! The price board. Noted. I got a 1/4 chicken, with a HUGE amount of fries. And a Happy Hour beer! Yum! So - many - fries! Second beer. Third beer. Line up for ice cream. It was hot today. Labor Day crowd a-plenty! (To be continued...) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nrthwnd Posted September 4, 2018 Author Share Posted September 4, 2018 (edited) Continuing on, this final day of The Pacific National Exhibition (full name)... On the way up to the Side Car Bar in Playland... But I have to finish the beer I have now, in here at the Celebration tent. Gator BBQ. Check out the cute cook! The final Concert tonight. Wish I had tickets. Yellow train running. Followed by the red train... Loved the beard! And he keeps it blue all year long! Yay! A non-unicorn win! Side Car Bar filled up nicely. The dads seem to be stuck with the oversize stuffies. See what I mean? Headgear is cool! This one actually deflated his hammer. So dad had to re-inflate it up. Un-won big stuffies. Neat tattoo beside me in the Bar. At least this unicorn got a ride! (To be continued...) Edited September 4, 2018 by Nrthwnd Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nrthwnd Posted September 4, 2018 Author Share Posted September 4, 2018 (edited) Final set of photos of The Fair....till next year. P.S. Sorry guys, but I totally forgot to take any photos of the "deflated bubble" that NOVA was using. Or talk to anybody about it. My only excuse is my age, and I'm sticking to that excuse. P.P.S. Playland reopens for the next two weekends, then closes to get ready for Fright Nights in October. http://www.pne.ca Down for the count. I think they should sell it, and get something else. What I got, was PINA COLADA fudge. Pardon the fuzzy sign. Another unicorn win. Then I saw this. A 60 year old Grandfather with his grandson. Cool! Mob scene at Coaster. "The Category Is"..... Biker POSE! On my way to the bus stop. Bye bye PNE! Thanks for an awesome two weeks! (o: Edited September 5, 2018 by Nrthwnd Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nrthwnd Posted September 5, 2018 Author Share Posted September 5, 2018 From the "Totally Forgot, Dude" Dept.... How could I forget to post The Last Fudge I bought, at this year's PNE? Shame. Shame on me. Here's what the Pina Colada Fudge looked like. And it was really good, although I'm not quite sure what the nuts on top, were for. Whatever. It was good. Also, here's three of most fun photos I got to take at this year's PNE. Kind of like the Pineapple-Walnut Fudge ~ with much less pineapple. (o; At the PNE Prize Home. Definitely into "Out At The Fair" Day. This was awesome! Made me think about a light red streak in my old grey locks. (o; You KNOW you WANT some RIBS from this guy, right?... Ladies? Gentlemen? Undecided? @Gator BBQ. Our "Winner" this year at Rib Fest. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KingOfNynex2003 Posted September 5, 2018 Share Posted September 5, 2018 sorry we missed you Nrthwnd, here’s the photos we got when we went on the last day, I left around 7PM and my friend left around 6ish, I was able to win close to $200 total at the Under/Over tables this year, not too bad. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nrthwnd Posted September 5, 2018 Author Share Posted September 5, 2018 ^ That's okay, not connecting. There's always next year. What did you think of POPnology, and the Sports Show? I enjoyed going through the exhibit, and was kind of 'meh' with the Show. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Philrad71 Posted September 6, 2018 Share Posted September 6, 2018 Great reporting of the PNE as usual, Bill! Love the food, beer, rides, strange exhibits...I'd love to check this out sometime! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nrthwnd Posted September 6, 2018 Author Share Posted September 6, 2018 ^ Thanks, Phil. And "just so ya know for long term planning", with the way calendars go year to year, next year's PNE should be Aug.17-Sept.02/19. And the 'Out At The Fair' Day. should happen on Thurs.Aug.29th, if they want it to happen again, within the Fair's second week. Just a guess, mind. But possible, for now. And you easily buy your tix online, once they become available for the Fair, the Concert Series, Playland tix, etc. www.pne.ca Only open for Two Weekends, Sept.08-16. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dwils01 Posted September 8, 2018 Share Posted September 8, 2018 My friend and I are going to Playland tomorrow because it's the only day we could both get off. It's suppose to rain about 20mm tomorrow so I wanted to know what are the chances of the rides running. The rain doesn't bother me, I don't mind getting wet. I just want to be able to go on the rides. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nrthwnd Posted September 8, 2018 Author Share Posted September 8, 2018 A Rainy Day at Playland? I was ready for supposed, predicted, downpours today, at the park. Had my poncho handy, etc. But it didn't rain. At - all while I was there. Lots of clouds overhead. Dark grey ones. But no rain came down, and it was an easy couple of hours there. I got two more rides on Coaster, bringing my total to 55 rides on it this season. 10 away from my goal of "65", which is the age I turned this past March. I wanted to marathon it in one or more days. But it wasn't open the first month of the season, and then.....well.... it didn't seem plausible to try that. So getting 65 rides in before Fright Nights end has been The Goal, for now. And I should reach it by Fright Nights, definitely P.S. After 4:30 this afternoon, we got MONSOON-style downpours, dumped all over the city! Finally! Hells Gate never seemed to get a chance, this entire season. After riding Coaster twice, I took a photo of this. Starting to get ready for Fright Nights in October. Yellow train running. "Ya wanna got FAST-TER???" On The West Coast Wheel. Overcast skies, everywhere. Horse racing today at Hastings Park. Downtown. And look ma, no fire smoke! Clouds only. No fire smoke here......for now. Burnaby in the distance. Where Haunted House dark ride used to be during the PNE. I miss the Ride Side Bar already. And does anybody say "highballs" anymore? Secret passageway still secretly there. Bump. The most landscaping and theming in the entire park. For the kids' train ride. One more Whee! And then...it was closed. Supposed to "open later," but I'd finished today's visit. Oooo a new sign! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nrthwnd Posted September 9, 2018 Author Share Posted September 9, 2018 A Slightly Wet Hour at The Park There was some rain falling, today. But nothing "torrential" etc. Still, there was hardly anyone at the park, which made it a bit difficult to gather people together to ride Coaster! Their "standard" is a minimum of 12 people to run a Coaster train. My last ride (of four, today), it took us 20 minutes to get 12 people on board! So after that ride, I figured it was enough time spent there, and headed home. With my $1 popcorn bucket refill. http://www.pne.ca (For Fright Nights' Hiring Information) Doesn't look like it, but it was raining, although not that heavily. Noted. But define "inclement weather" please? (o; No big line at all for The Beast, today. View from the West Coast Wheel. Mmmm nice , wet, asphalt. Red train running. When it got at least 12 people to ride it, lol. It wasn't that bad! Now Hiring for next month's Fright Nights! www.pne.ca Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KingOfNynex2003 Posted September 9, 2018 Share Posted September 9, 2018 ^ That's okay, not connecting. There's always next year. What did you think of POPnology, and the Sports Show? I enjoyed going through the exhibit, and was kind of 'meh' with the Show. Popnology was fun but I think they got one of those rigged Donkey Kong machines so that high score wouldn’t be beat. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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