Air travel will take on dramatic new life this summer as Ontario’s Circus Orange takes flight at the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) nightly in Jump Jet, a stunning outdoor high flying circus extravaganza.  This exciting production is funded by the Government of Ontario.

The 20 minute pyrotechnic, acrobatic and circus theatre performance, which unfolds in three acts set to original music, makes its Ontario debut at the CNE. Each night of the fair, CNE visitors will be mesmerized by Jump Jet’s spectacular aerial splendour.

Jump Jet Media Partner:  Z103.5

More Information:
www.circusorange.com

Illusionist Kevin Ridgeway and Escape Artist Kristen Johnson make their Ontario debut at the CNE. The dynamic duo has been featured on The Discovery and Travel Channels, CBS, NBC and FOX, and has toured extensively throughout the United States and Australia. Kristen is an award winning Escape Artist who is recognized as one of the best in the world. She was the only woman selected for the national TV show: Inside the Houdini Museum and the only female in the world attempting the famous Houdini Water Torture Cell. Kevin is a born entertainer whose unique blend of wit, charisma and magic has won the hearts of audiences on two continents.

More Information:
Ridgeway & Johnson on YouTube

From the producers that brought CNE audiences the very popular Aerial Acrobatic and Ice Skating shows, comes a sensational new equestrian spectacular. Set to traditional gypsy folk music, complete with a vocalist, guitar, violin and accordion, CNE visitors will be transported into a vibrant landscape where dancers, aerialists, acrobats and horses conspire to tell a mythical tale of the great gypsy legend. Showcased through breathtaking acrobatic performances and equestrian arts including ballet of dressage, Hippike is sure to be a highlight of the 2008 CNE!

See, hear and touch the Games!  Experience the adrenaline yourself by trying your hand at Olympic and Paralympic sports like Athletics, Badminton, Basketball, Bocce, Fencing, Field Hockey, Tennis, Soccer, Softball and Wheelchair Basketball.

Watch and participate in demonstrations by athletes in Trampoline, Taekwondo, Fencing, Rhythmic Gymnastics, Wheelchair Rugby and Seated Volleyball. Hear about the journey to the Olympic Games from real Olympians in daily appearances.

Feel the Olympic Spirit in our Olympic Exhibits tent, where you can browse artifacts from the Canada's Sports Hall of Fame, remember past Olympic Games and send best wishes to athletes at the Olympic Summer Games in Beijing!

You can talk to local sport clubs and associations to learn more about the sport and programs in your area, and soon you’ll be on your way to the podium. Celebrate the Olympic Spirit is an event for all ages – come join the celebration!

ATHLETE APPEARANCE DATES

Sunday, August 17th @ 1:30 PM  - Eric Fleming & Shane Risto (Para-Athletics: 2000 Olympics)

Monday, August 18th @ 1:30 pm -John Barrett (Volleyball; 1984 & 1988 Olympic Games)

Tuesday, August 19th @ afternoon - Mitt Ottey (Athletics; 1984 & 1988 Olympic Games)

Wednesday, August 20th @ 1:30 pm - Paul Osland (Athletics; 1988 Olympic Games)

Saturday, August 23rd @ 1:30 pm - Shanyn MacEachern (Gymnastics; 1996 Olympic Games)

Monday, August 25th @ TBA - Andrew Mowatt (Athletics)

Tuesday, August 26th @ 1:30 pm - Rob Rusnov (Archery; 1991 & 1996 Olympic Games)

Wednesday, August 27th @ TBC - Molly Killingbeck (Athletics 1984 & 1988 Olympic Games)

Thursday, August 28th in the evening - Paul Craig (Athletics; 1976 Olympic Games)

Saturday, August 30th in the morning - Sterling & Doug Hinds (Athletics; 1984 Olympic Games)

Read more about the participating organizations which include:

Athlete Appearances.pdf 59.81 kb

With wagging tails and winning ways, the ever popular SuperDogs launch a sparkling brand new show at the CNE this year: “Bling it On!!” COME, SIT, STAY and enjoy Canada’s premiere family entertainment. Bling it On is not only crazy cute canine fun but a dazzling Super Spectacle with the world’s most popular dogs: the Iams SuperDogs!

From Los Angeles to Washington DC and from Vancouver to Halifax with stops in Mexico, Bermuda, and Puerto Rico, the talented SuperDogs create “pooch mania” wherever they appear. Yes, every dog is special but these dogs are super special! Featuring more than 40 dogs representing 30 different breeds, the SuperDogs are sure “bling on” the applause at The Ex thrilling literally thousands of people each day of the fair.

More Information:
www.superdogs.com

The CNE is celebrating its 130th anniversary with a daily Mardi Gras themed parade. Every day of the fair at 6:00 p.m., all activity will pause as bands, entertainers, floats and acrobats make their way from the Princes’ Gates through the CNE grounds.  

As entertainers and attractions come and go from the fair, it is a new parade every day.

Widely regarded as the world’s greatest living hypnotist, Mike Mandel has hypnotized tens of thousands of people throughout Canada, the United States, Britain and Australia. A regular and very popular CNE headliner, Mike Mandel returns to spellbind CNE audiences for another sensational year. With the power of suggestion and his quick wit, Mike guides his volunteers through increasingly ludicrous mental excursions, each displaying a brilliant sense of imagination. Described as “Comedy Meets High Velocity Trance”, the antics of the onstage participants which range from people yelling at tax collectors to howling at the moon – have audiences in stitches. His brand new show is bound to spellbind crowds at this year’s CNE.

More Information:
mikemandelhypnosis.com

Fresh from seven years and over 1500 performances for Disney Cruise Lines master showman Michael Harrison is making his CNE debut.  This extraordinarily talented ventriloquist, puppeteer and comedian has worked along side the likes of The Muppets and Boyz to Men. This one-man tour de force is sure to have you laughing-out-loud. Fun for the whole family!

See Michael on You Tube.

More Information:
www.funnyguy.ca

p>Back by popular demand, the RCMP Musical Ride gallops into the CNE for two shows daily on the final four days of the fair. Last seen at The EX in 2004, the RCMP Musical Ride presents a breathtaking display of pageantry and horsemanship as 32 horses and riders perform a variety of cavalry drills choreographed to music. The Musical Ride was developed in 1876 (three years before the CNE was established) by early members of the North-West Mounted Police to display their riding ability and entertain the local community. Over the decades, it has evolved into a uniquely Canadian performance enjoyed by tens of thousands of spectators each year.

RODEO! Canada’s oldest sport returns to Canada’s largest fair this summer as the Canadian National Exhibition features rodeo for the first time in more than 25 years.

This spectacular show, presented by Rodeo Management Group, features more than 200 cowboys and cowgirls in Team Roping, Barrel Racing, Jr. Barrel Racing, Steer Wrestling, Bareback Riding, Tie Down Roping, Ladies Break Away Roping, Junior Bull Riding, Saddle Bronc Riding and the world’s most dangerous sport: Bull Riding.

Grab life by the horns and watch Toronto become the centre of the wild, wild east!

Fresh from operations around the world, the Canadian Forces return to the CNE with their interactive display for the third consecutive year.

Climb into the cockpit of a Snowbird plane.  Explore the world inside a tank.  Discover first hand what our armed forces experience every day working abroad. Plus, send greetings to our troops overseas by sending a personal message on the Canadian Forces banner.

Come meet the men and women that make Canada proud, here at home and abroad.

Enjoy the last laugh of summer with superb camedians who will help us celebrate the dog days of summer with high humour and lots of laughs.  Veteran Canadian comic Glenn Ottaway, Little Freddie Wonder (a.k.a Major Bedhead from Big Comfy Couch), comedian Allyson Smith and comic impressionist Mark Walker will give us something to smile about in this two-hour comedy show!

The 59th Annual Canadian International Air Show (CIAS) takes over the CNE skies Labour Day Weekend for another awe-inspiring show. This year’s theme is: Celebrating Freedom Through Flight! The CIAS has a tradition of being one of the best air shows in North America and the 2008 show is going to be one of the most exciting ever!  With featured performances by the Canadian Forces Snowbirds, the CF-18 Hornet, Matt Chapman, Julie Clark and the Canadian Harvards, this year’s display is bound to thrill all attendees. Up to the minute details and the list of performers can be found on the Air Show’s new and frequently updated website: www.cias.org.

More Information:
Canadian International Air Show