Just like a B-movie monster, it seems as though it may be impossible to kill the PNE.
The Fair is back for another year of carny-filled hokum, bringing such events as the Celebration Parade, Whack-a-Mole, Superdogs, and a bunch of crappy bands you've never heard of into the heart of Hastings Park.
In case you're wondering about the PNE's future, the City of Vancouver is still working out the details, but it appears that the PNE and Playland will live on in one form or another well into the 21st Century. (See the Council decision from June 2004 here).
At present, the Park Board is continuing work on a master plan for the continued redevelopment and greening of Hastings Park, which at 162 acres is Vancouver's second largest. The past six years have already seen the construction of the Italian Gardens, the Sanctuary (pictured below) a skateboard park, and Empire Field.
According to a November 2004 report to City Council, a 15+ year plan for Hastings Park is currently being drafted, with the goal of having a comprehensive site plan completed by April 2007.
It appears that the city has decided to keep both Playland and the 17-day PNE, although they will eventually operate on a smaller, greened site. Most importantly, some heritage elements are likely to be preserved, including the Livestock Building on 'historic' Miller Drive (link to pdf) and of course, the roller coaster.
Hopefully those mini-donuts will live on as well.
