May 19, 2020
Vancouver, B.C. — This August 22nd the Pacific National Exhibition would have opened the gates of British Columbia’s largest ticketed event, the 110th PNE Fair. An end-of-summer tradition for generations of enthusiasts, the Fair plays a special role in the collective memory of our province.
When the decision to cancel the traditional Fair was made in April, the impact was felt across BC, as thousands of Fair fans reached out via phone, email and social media to support the iconic institution. For many, the Fair is symbolized by nightly concerts under Vancouver skies, SuperDogs, the Wooden Coaster, baby pigs and 4-H cows, and, of course, that crazy Fair food. But the PNE Fair has a significant impact beyond summertime memories, the 15-day event generates $85 million in economic impact into our region, and supports hundreds of local, family-owned small businesses who make up the concessionaires and exhibitors seen throughout the grounds each August.
Today, in an initiative aimed at supporting those businesses and showing our “Fair spirit” the Pacific National Exhibition is proud to announce the first in a new drive-through series – A Taste of the PNE – Mini Donut Edition.
This celebration of the almighty mini donut will feature the four concessionaires seen annually at the PNE Fair: Those Little Donuts, Tin Lizzy Donuts, CinCity Donuts and the PNE Fundunkers.
The Mini Donut Edition is the first in an anticipated series of events celebrating some of our Playland and Fair favourites.
The program, developed in consultation with Vancouver Coastal Health, will be a drive-thru experience with safe distancing protocols and food preparation standards.
Ticket holders will drive up to each of the participating donut stands, located in a row on the Fair’s traditional “Revel District” area at Hastings Park and pick up donuts to go for a bundled price.
“We intend to offer a number of different experiences in this series,” says PNE President and CEO Shelley Frost. “Many of the small businesses that make up our concessionaire and exhibitor core are in dire financial circumstances after losing their entire year as a result of COVID. This is a small way we can help. We’re beginning with what is perhaps the most well-known of all our Fair foods, the mini donut, and we are hoping that people who have reached out to express their support to the PNE will look at this as a way to also support the small businesses who are the heart and soul of this Fair, many of them going back generations with us.”
What: A Taste of the PNE – The Mini Donut Edition
Dates: May 22-24, 2020
Time: 1:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Location: Enter off Hastings Street, West of Playland
Tickets can be pre-purchased online at: www.ticketleader.ca. Advanced ticket purchases include two tickets to the opening day of the 2021 PNE Fair. Prices are: $20 for 24 donuts (plus two tickets to the 2021 Fair) or a Family Pack can be purchased for $35.00 for 48 donuts (plus two tickets to the 2021 Fair).
For more information about PNE visit: www.pne.ca
About the PNE:
Owned by the City of Vancouver, the Pacific National Exhibition (PNE) is a healthy and vibrant non-profit organization dedicated to delivering over 2 million visitors a year with memorable experiences through access to first-class cultural, music, sporting and family entertainment events, as well as access to public space for passive recreation. Founded in 1910, the PNE’s home is Hastings Park, a multi-facility venue in Vancouver where the organization manages four activity streams: the annual PNE Fair, Playland Amusement Park, Park Care and Facility Maintenance and an expansive portfolio of year-round events. All revenues generated are invested back into park space, community programs and non-revenue generating educational and entertainment experiences.
