Re: Pay tribute to the Ex at Lansdowne, June 23.
Like all Ottawa residents, we at OSEG (Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group) have wonderful memories of the Central Canada Exhibition — the concerts, the rides, the smells and the friends with whom we shared those moments.
The Central Canada Exhibition Association did a masterful job of planning and executing “The Ex” for so many years. In his Citizen letter, Dwayne C. Acres, a former president of the organization, wrote that he felt there should be a reminder of that era at the new Lansdowne Park.
We agree. That’s why the main street at Lansdowne running from Bank Street to the Aberdeen Pavilion is named “Exhibition Way.” It’s also why several of the larger concession stands in the stadium/arena complex are named “Pure Food,” a tribute to the Pure Food Building in which we ate until we ached at the Ex, summer after summer. Also named is the “Cattle Castle Grill” to remind us of our great local farming community.
So, thanks to Dwayne C. Acres for writing about the Ex. We’ll work hard to respect the past while carrying on the tradition of creating wonderful new memories at Lansdowne.
Bernie Ashe, Ottawa, CEO, OSEG (Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group)
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Canada Day 2017 is two years away — do you think the planning for celebrations to mark the 150th anniversary of Canada’s Confederation is on track? What would you like to see included in the capital’s festivities? Share your views of 300 words or less at letters@ottawacitizen.com
