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There is something bittersweet about this and if you grew up in Toronto you know why - the CNE opened its gates again for the 129th time Friday. The annual fair is looked on with eager anticipation by most and dreaded by a few - while it boasts a ton of fun and games it also portends the end of summer, the beginning of school, a back to work mode for business types and this year, the drone of Ontario politicians as election fever heats up.

None of which means you shouldn't head on down to the Grand Old Lady By The Lake. All the usual features are there - the Midway, the Food Building (where CNE brass claims some 22,000 lbs. of Tiny Tom donuts will be eaten), the Superdogs, the casino and more.

So what's new at the Ex that you haven't seen before? There's Aquarêves from France, described as a "pyromusical acrobatic street performance" featuring stunning stunt people and laser effects that go off in front of your eyes; skaters present a Salute to Broadway at the Ricoh Coliseum, gliding on ice to tunes from shows like "Annie", "Mamma Mia", and "Grease"; there's a brother and sister human cannonball act trying to literally fire up the crowd; the "Sustainable Condo" is designed to show you how living "green" doesn't have to mean sacrificing comfort; and early fair goers can take part in a world record attempt to build the planet's tallest Lego structure. That takes place only until August 20th.

The Bandshell offers free shows from some big names. The Village People kicked things off on opening night, followed by April Wine on Saturday and David Wilcox on Sunday. Other talent to come: polka king Walter Ostanek, Sloan, and the cast of the Young and the Restless. (Check the schedule here.)

The annual Air Show flies the skies as the month changes and the fair has its final days in September.

The Welshes, a lucky Mississauga family, had the honour of being first through the gates at 10am sharp. But getting in before anyone else wasn't their only prize. The brood also received a week-long trip to Paris for four and $2,000 spending money. Hopefully, they won't spend it all at the Ex, although that would suit G.M. David Bednar just fine. It's his 10th year as head of the summer fair.

He knows there's a lot of competition for your buck - including places like Canada's Wonderland. But he believes his attraction has more to offer, including a tradition that spans the generations. "The theme parks don't actually have an advantage on this one," he insists. "The sensation of riding on a mechanical ride really is its own thing ... The Tilt-a-Whirl, the Polar Express - these are classic, classic rides. And we've got a good smattering of roller coasters and Ferris wheels. And we've also got this year this swing ride, which is kind of an ordinary swing. I mean you sit in the chair. You swing around. Only this one you're 110 feet in the air."

The gates and the buildings are open from 10am to 10pm all 18 days, except closing night on Labour Day when the Ex traditionally shuts down early. The Midway runs from 11am to midnight on weekdays and 10am to midnight on weekends. And you can lose as much money as you want at the casino all day and all night from noon to 6am.

Admission is $14 for adults, while seniors 60 and over and children 13 and under can hit the grounds for just $10. Toonie Mondays lets the younger set in for just $2. Babies two years old or less are always free.

So get ready for the end of those lazy, hazy days. Because once we reach the Ex summer, it truly begins to feel like an ex-summer.