#FIRSTLOOK: CNE LAUNCH MARRIAGE ON THE MIDWAY CONTEST

From ‘winning’ bells on the Midway to wedding bells. The sights and sounds of the CNE bring fond memories for many of going to the Fair as an end of summer tradition; for others as a rite of passage working their first job or getting their first taste of a warm ice cream waffle sandwich; and for some, it’s where they fell in love and found their soul mate. This year, the Canadian National Exhibition is looking for couples who have a love story or special connection to the Fair, or fans of the CNE who want to celebrate their commitment to each other in an unforgettable way with a “Marriage on the Midway.”

Beginning today, couples can submit their love story online to be selected for an all-expense paid wedding celebration to take place on Saturday, August 23, 2025 at the CNE.

The Marriage on the Midway Contest will include a vow ceremony under the backdrop of the iconic SuperWheel, an official wedding photographer, and wedding cake designed by a local bakery as part of the CNE’s inaugural Cake Decorating Competition. The winning couple and up to 20 of their invited guests will also receive unlimited rides to enjoy for the day courtesy of North American Midway Entertainment, $500 in food vouchers to spend, and reserved seating at the Bell CNE Bandshell to experience 98 Degrees in concert, serenading their hit wedding ballad, I Do (Cherish You).

“Every year we meet and hear from visitors who tell us that they had their first date at the CNE or met their partners while working their summer job; and we even know of a few vendors, some who have been married for more than 50 years, who first met and fell in love at the CNE,” said Jane Matthews, CNE Marketing Director. “We’ve had wedding proposals at the CNE, so this year we thought, why not a wedding ceremony?!”

The Marriage on the Midway Contest* is open to Ontario residents ages 18 and older. Deadline to submit is August 8, 2025 at 11:59pm ET; and the winning couple will be selected by August 15th. For contest information and submissions, go to https://www.theex.com/marriage-on-the-midway.

*Marriage on the Midway is presented as a symbolic celebration of love; and is not intended as a legally binding marriage or ceremony that recognized by the court of law.