There's still a lot of yesterday at the Canadian National Exhibition. Originally incorporated in 1879 to promote the arts, agriculture and industry in Canada, it grew to become the world's largest annual exhibition.

In many spectacular exhibition style-buildings, such as the Crystal Palace, Canadian achievements were introduced to the public. It was determined to be a true showcase, exhibiting the very best in Canadian life. Many inventions were premiered and tested during the Exhibition by the leaders and pioneers in the fields of agriculture, transportation, electricity, communications and medicine. The Toronto Industrial Exhibition, as it was then known, was the first fair in the world to be lit with electricity in 1882 and the testing of the first electric streetcar in North America premiered the following year.
 

1. CNE Government Building, ca. 1934.  2. Princes' Gates, 1929, named after the 1927 Royal Visitors, H.R.H. Edward, Prince of Wales, and his brother, Prince George. 3. Collins Wireless Demonstration, ca. 1899, Conducted in the Machinery Hall. 4. Early Hand-cranked Ferris Wheel, ca. 1895.

A co-operative effort by all levels of government and the private sector, has allowed the Canadian National Exhibition to continue to present the latest achievements in agriculture, arts and industry in Canada. Today the CNE hosts many events, including the Canadian International Air Show. It is the world's largest air show and has been a popular feature of the CNE since 1956. In addition, the Ex celebrates over fifty years with Canada's Conklin Shows, providing fun and innovative amusements to CNE midway fans. The CNE's live outdoor concerts also feature some of the best performers in the world of entertainment.

The Canadian National Exhibition will continue to provide the millions of people who visit the grounds each year, with the magic of yesterday and today. The CNE will also continue to meet the challenge of the future: To be the world's largest and greatest annual exhibition.