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'If there's no CNE, the summer never ends': Canada reacts to CNE's historic cancellation

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced us all to adapt to new norms, and the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) is no exception.

For the second time in its 142-year history, the CNE has been cancelled, due to the pandemic.

The only other time the CNE was cancelled was during the Second World War, when the grounds were being used as a recruitment and military camp.

Military camp on CNE grounds during WWII
Military camp on CNE grounds during WWII

It’s not the only major event in Toronto that’s been cancelled by the pandemic, as the Pride Parade, Caribana (known officially as the Toronto Caribbean Carnival) live Canada Day events and other staples of the summer aren’t feasible at this juncture.

The CNE serves as the unofficial ending of summer to some and predictably, Twitter wasn’t thrilled about the event being cancelled, even if the rationale is quite obvious.

It is shaping up to be the most unusual summer in decades and the cancellation of an annual event that marks the passage of time for most Canadians just adds to the perpetual list of reminders that we are in unprecedented times.

How do you feel about quarantine life and cancellations? Tell us in the comments below and vote in the poll above.