As we leave Toronto, we pass the Canadian National Exhibition Grounds. This 192 acre site is home to the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE or The Ex) every August through September for 18 days, ending on Labor Day. The CNE is Canada’s largest community event and one of the top 10 agricultural fairs in North America. More than 1.3 million people visit the CNE annually. The CNE started in 1879 as the Toronto Industrial Exhibition. The main purpose was to allow agriculturists, engineers, and scientists to exhibit their discoveries and inventions, to showcase the work and talent of the nation. The EX changed its name to the Canadian National Exhibition in 1912 to better reflect the scope and reach of the fair. The CNE has been held every year, except during WWII. During WWI, the CNE grounds were used as a military training & housing center known as Exhibition Camp. Most of the troops temporarily moved out during the CNE, but the ones that remained took part in demonstrations aimed at educating CNE visitors on Canada’s war effort. In addition to experiencing the traditional fair, visitors could tour trenches dug by the soldiers, witness them “charging” out of trenches, watch their daily drills, bayonet demonstrations & other military maneuvers.