The Pacific National Exhibition announces that Playland reopen on July 10 through a phased in approach, and that the last weeks of August will include a PNE Fair experience.
On Canada Day, the PNE will host Canada's first drive-thru Canada Day celebration. In order to adhere to COVID-19 physical distancing measures, the 'reverse parade' will have guests drive along the parade route. They are encouraged to decorate their vehicles in a Canadian theme and dress in their favourite red and white and wave the flag with pride.
In a release, the PNE states that the experience will celebrate 'everything Canada' with live performers, logger sports, and a celebration of Canada’s national sport of hockey along the route.
The experience is $10 per car, regardless of number of passengers plus the cost of any food purchased. Tickets are available now online.
Following the Canada Day celebration, PNE will reopen the first phase Playland Amusement Park on July 10. This initial opening will include between 10-12 of the park’s most popular family-friendly rides and attractions. Additional rides will be added later this summer.
Back in March, the PNE stated that it would delay the reopening of Playland due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, it had anticipated reopening in June.
Tickets will be under $30 per person for Playland phase one and will be available June 30 online.
“This is without a doubt one of the most challenging periods in PNE history,” says President and CEO Shelley Frost. “But what has become apparent is the deep desire of British Columbians to support not only the PNE organization but our staff, our partners and our concessionaire families. Building on the success of the Taste of the PNE series, we are incredibly excited to announce a number of other initiatives to continue to support the small Canadian businesses who make up our extended family. While we won’t have our usual thousands of jobs, we will be able, through these experiences, to recall hundreds of our staff team and provide them with at least some work during this difficult time.”
The 2020 PNE Fair will also return in a drive through format to ensure proper social distancing. THE PNE says they developed the plan in consultation with Vancouver Coastal Health, and that this year's Fair will include everything from the Superdogs to family shows and entertainment to agriculture and exhibits as well as Fair food. Tickets will go on sale at Ticketleader.ca in the coming weeks.
As part of its COVID-19 protocols, all of these programs are entirely cashless, and tickets must be purchased in advance online.
