So much to do, so Let's go to The Ex

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What to do first?

Katherine McGreechan and her three young nieces weren't sure, but as the first family though the gates of the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) they couldn't wait to get started.

"We have a lot of things to do," said McGreechan, a resident of Scarborough. "Whatever we see that is exciting, that's what we are going to do."

McGreechan and her nieces Megan and Rebecca McGreechan and Madeline Moore entered the CNE grounds through the historic Princes' Gates high atop a float, as part of the ceremonial parade which marked the opening of this year's Ex on Aug. 15.

The family had big plans to head to the giant tiger slide, ferris wheel and merry-go-round.

Madeline, said she wanted to go on the roller coaster, while her cousins couldn't even pin-point what it was they wanted to do first; they were excited about everything.

Originally called the Toronto Industrial Exhibition, the annual event began in 1879.

"The CNE today is best known for its rides, its shows, its cotton candy and all that fun stuff," said Peter Fonseca, Ontario's minister of tourism. "But in the late 19 century when the CNE first started it was to encourage the development of industry such as agriculture and manufacturing, commerce and the arts."

Since that first year admission has gone from a quarter to $14, but the president of the Canadian National Exhibition Association Jim McMillen said the price is well worth it.

"We truly have the best admission value in the GTA," McMillen said. "Any one of the CNE's attractions are worth the price of admission, but we offer them all for one low price."

He said the value of the CNE extends far beyond the 102 acres of family fun.

"There is something about The Ex that represents an enduring value to the people of Toronto," McMillen said. "The CNE truly reflects the city in which it takes place."

The CNE is Canada's largest agricultural fair and contributes millions of dollars, not only to the economy of Toronto, but the entire GTA, he said.

"Even though it is located in Toronto it is still Canada's fair and exhibitors come from all over Canada," he said.

The Ex runs through to Sept. 1.