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100 Years of the PNE & Playland Contest

Comments 164 by Rebecca Bollwitt

The Pacific National Exhibition or PNE will be celebrating 100 years this summer. From livestock, pig races, demolition derbies, and the “As Seen on TV” marketplace, to cotton candy, fried onions, mini donuts and The Mousetrap, it’s a Vancouver tradition. While the PNE won’t be around for its limited engagement until summer is in full swing, Playland is now open on weekends.

  • 1910: The first Vancouver Exhibition was launched. The exhibition and agricultural fair saw 5,000 people on opening day, each paying the 50 cent admission. According to Vancouver History, “over the next 10 days, some 68,000 people attended… …and for the next two decades the Vancouver Exhibition was the second largest in North America after New York City’s.”

    • 1910 – Procession for the opening of the first Vancouver Exhibition, Granville & Dunsmuir
    ITEM #: CVA 7-105, Photographer: Quiney, James L.
  • 1915: The Vancouver Exhibition became a permanent structure at Hastings Park. In 1915 it was also the first time the fair offered up major prizes (totally $50,000).

    • (Left) 1918 Exhibit ITEM #: CVA 99-646 (Right) 1925 Exhibit ITEM #: CVA 99-3556
    Photographer: Stuart Thomson

    (Left) 1918 – Women’s Building (Right) 1925 – Inside Women’s Building
    ITEM #: CVA 99-645, ITEM #: CVA 99-3560
    Photographer: Stuart Thomson
  • 1926: Happyland opens.

    • 1929 – Entrance gate to the Vancouver Exhibition and Happyland on Renfrew
    VPL Accession Number: 7925
    Photographer / Studio: Frank, Leonard

    1931 – Pure Foods Building
    ITEM #: Bu N508, Photographer: Moore, W.J.
  • 1934: The PNE gave away its first prize home (valued at $5,000).
  • 1936: The Parker Carousel from Kansas City (built in 1912) was bought by Happyland at the PNE and made its way to Vancouver.
  • 1947: It was announced that one of Happyland’s main attractions, the Giant Dipper, would be torn down in order to make room for an expanding race track at Hastings Park.
  • 1947: The Vancouver Exhibition was renamed the Pacific National Exhibition.
  • 1942 to 1946: The PNE was closed and like the Canadian National Exhibition served a military training facility for the duration of World War II. [wiki]

    • 1940s – Line up at the Giant Dipper, Happyland
    ITEM #: CVA 1184-1219, Photographer: Jack Lindsay
  • 1957: Happyland was demolished. The Parker Carousel went into a pavilion at the PNE.
  • 1958: The largest roller coaster in Canada was built at the PNE grounds. Playland opens up on a new site (not the old Happyland location).

    • 1950s – VPL Accession Number: 41011
    Photographer / Studio: Province Newspaper
  • 1962: PNE attendance passes the one million mark.
  • 1963: The 8,000-seat Agridome opened at the PNE. [VancouverHistory]
  • 1971: The British Columbia Sports Hall of Fame opened in the B.C. Pavilion at the PNE.
  • 1972: The pavilion that housed the Parker Carousel was demolished so the carousel was put outdoors and brought in at the end of the season.
  • 1989: The Parker Carousel was purchased by the City of Burnaby and now resides at the Burnaby Village Museum.
  • 1993: Playland became a division of the PNE.
    • The Continued Quest For Fun
    2009 – Photo credit: Jody Taylor on Flickr

    For updates and information about this year’s attractions at Playland or the 100th anniversary celebrations at the PNE you can follow them on Twitter or Facebook.

    If you would like to check out Playland, I have a couple of passes to give away. Playland is currently open Saturday, Sundays, & Holidays (10:00am – 6:00pm) until it expands its summer hours in June.

    Here’s how to enter to win one of two 4-packs of passes:

  • Leave a comment on this post (2 entries)
  • Post the following on Twitter (1 entry)
    Enter to win a 4-pack of passes to Playland from @Miss604 & @pne_playland http://ow.ly/1J8gA

    • The passes are good for any full day at Playland during the 2010 season.

    Update May 18th My first winner is Sharon. I’ll draw another next week in a few days, thanks for entering!
    Update May 20th The final winner is Ashley – thanks for all the great comments!

    Fine print: I’ll do the draw for one of the 4-packs on May 18th, and I’ll do the other one week later on the 25th 20th (sorry, I’ll be leaving town on Friday and want to mail the passes before I go). Comment entries will be duplicated during the draw process in order to count them as two entries. Approximate value is $29.95 per ticket ($120 per 4-pack). Please note: the Playland day-passes are NOT valid during the week of the PNE.

    Current Contests on Miss604
    *All contests are open to residents of Canada only, unless otherwise stated. Contest timelines are published on each individual post along with entry methods. Some contests may only be open to those 19 years of age and older. Winners are announced on the contest blog posts. Contest policy »

    164 Comments  —  Comments Are Closed

    1. OwieMonday, May 10th, 2010 — 11:35am PDT

      Our family loves Playland! Happy 100th!

    2. TriciaMonday, May 10th, 2010 — 11:39am PDT

      Wouldn’t pass on a free trip to Playland! Weeeee!

    3. SarahMonday, May 10th, 2010 — 11:42am PDT

      I love Playland! I cant wait to take my son there so he can enjoy it too!

    4. VanessaMonday, May 10th, 2010 — 11:54am PDT

      Playland rocks! I remember when I would go with 5 of my cousins (ranging in age from 6-15, me included) and one of my aunts and would spend all day, on multiple occasions, at Playland during summer break. We’d hit all of the big rides first, then take a break in the arcade, then hit the rides again. We would always save the water log ride for the end so that it didn’t matter how soaked we got. Fun times, great memories!

    5. KarlMonday, May 10th, 2010 — 12:05pm PDT

      A summer tradition, count me in

    6. Karen CampbellMonday, May 10th, 2010 — 12:15pm PDT

      Never been, would love to go!

    7. DomMonday, May 10th, 2010 — 12:16pm PDT

      Good article and interesting facts. Count me in!

    8. T. KingMonday, May 10th, 2010 — 12:18pm PDT

      always a good time there and haven’t been in years!

    9. JenMonday, May 10th, 2010 — 12:28pm PDT

      Always my highlight of summer, thanks for all the history:)

    10. JayMonday, May 10th, 2010 — 12:32pm PDT

      love the rides!

    11. taradenMonday, May 10th, 2010 — 12:41pm PDT

      Very neat to see all the old photos in this post. I would love to enter…..my son would love to visit Playland!!!

    12. JennMonday, May 10th, 2010 — 12:47pm PDT

      The coaster is the best!

    13. Vancouver Search Engine MarketingMonday, May 10th, 2010 — 12:49pm PDT

      Have been going there for the last 6-7 years every year. Always have awesome time. I am in 🙂

    14. GraemeMonday, May 10th, 2010 — 1:21pm PDT

      Sweet, I would happily accept free tickets to Playland!

    15. matthew mMonday, May 10th, 2010 — 1:24pm PDT

      would love to check out playland for free this summer.

    16. SharonMonday, May 10th, 2010 — 1:27pm PDT

      I love all the old photos!

    17. deniMonday, May 10th, 2010 — 1:33pm PDT

      We took our 2 year olds last year and they loved it! We can’t wait to go again.

    18. JeffMonday, May 10th, 2010 — 2:07pm PDT

      I want to go to Happyland!

    19. RoshenaMonday, May 10th, 2010 — 2:07pm PDT

      Make sure to ride on a full stomach!

    20. SandyMonday, May 10th, 2010 — 2:11pm PDT

      Haven’t been yet!

    21. AlexMonday, May 10th, 2010 — 2:12pm PDT

      Haven’t been to Playland for 5 years. Hands-free on the wooden roller coaster would be just awesome.

    22. RachelleMonday, May 10th, 2010 — 2:20pm PDT

      I would love passes to Playland! Haven’t been there for a while!

    23. GillianMonday, May 10th, 2010 — 2:20pm PDT

      Would love to win those tickets, we go several times a year, one of my favourite places in Vancouver

    24. VanMonday, May 10th, 2010 — 2:23pm PDT

      That’d be sweet! I love playland!

    25. LindsayMonday, May 10th, 2010 — 2:28pm PDT

      I love playland, and its not just the rides…it is the memories, we used to go every year at the end of the school year and then again for my birthday 🙂 I still try to go at least once a year to keep my inner child happy <3

    26. Art BuffieMonday, May 10th, 2010 — 2:31pm PDT

      I’d love to win this, the PNE is one of my favorite parts of summer.

    27. Alan CMonday, May 10th, 2010 — 2:43pm PDT

      Count me in, thanks!

    28. amfriesenMonday, May 10th, 2010 — 2:50pm PDT

      Haven’t been to Playland or PNE in a few years. Keep meaning to and with this momentus anniversary, I guess I’ll make the extra effort.

      Thanks for the opportunity of free passes. You rock!

    29. WinMonday, May 10th, 2010 — 3:06pm PDT

      Free trip to PlayLand, awesome
      I can’t wait to take my 3 yo son

    30. Michael RebakMonday, May 10th, 2010 — 3:26pm PDT

      I’d love love love to go to playland with friends.

    31. ShannonMonday, May 10th, 2010 — 3:35pm PDT

      I took my kids (now 5 & 3) to Playland for the first time last year and they had such a blast!! I can’t wait to take them again this summer and start making a tradition out of it. We would love to win tickets!

    32. KymMonday, May 10th, 2010 — 3:37pm PDT

      count me in!

    33. The Amber DawnMonday, May 10th, 2010 — 3:44pm PDT

      I’m planning on going to the PNE this year anyways, cause I missed last years, but I can’t pass up an opportunity to go to playland too!

    34. ChristelMonday, May 10th, 2010 — 3:46pm PDT

      Playland rules!!! The big wooden roller coaster vanquished my rollercoaster fears in grade 11 at physics day! 8)

    35. mariaMonday, May 10th, 2010 — 3:46pm PDT

      I would love to win this prize!!!

    36. sandyMonday, May 10th, 2010 — 3:48pm PDT

      The kids would love this!!!

    37. angelaMonday, May 10th, 2010 — 3:48pm PDT

      My kids are still little and they love going every year!!

    38. JustinMonday, May 10th, 2010 — 3:53pm PDT

      I didn’t go last two years and I’d love to go for the centennial celebration!

    39. Ron K.Monday, May 10th, 2010 — 3:57pm PDT

      I’m sure my nephew would love it there!

    40. LiaMonday, May 10th, 2010 — 4:25pm PDT

      Sounds so awesome! 100 years! WOW!

    41. elmoMonday, May 10th, 2010 — 4:35pm PDT

      can’t wait till it’s open soon!

    42. MonaMonday, May 10th, 2010 — 4:38pm PDT

      count me in for the draw, thanks!

    43. Marisa WMonday, May 10th, 2010 — 4:50pm PDT

      I haven’t been to playland in a few years…. I’m not going to be in Vancouver next summer, would love to get a last crack at that wooden roller coaster!!

    44. TracyMonday, May 10th, 2010 — 5:03pm PDT

      Haven’t been in a while. Would love to go this year!

    45. KatieMonday, May 10th, 2010 — 5:16pm PDT

      Can’t wait to go back, would love to go.

    46. LeighMonday, May 10th, 2010 — 5:17pm PDT

      Can’t wait to take my little girl this year! So much fun to be had!

    47. ShellyMonday, May 10th, 2010 — 5:19pm PDT

      We haven’t been in a few years, but I know the girls would love to go this year.

    48. Kate LMonday, May 10th, 2010 — 5:50pm PDT

      Haven’t laughed harder than during my first ride on the mousetrap. Can’t wait to go again!

    49. DaianneMonday, May 10th, 2010 — 6:34pm PDT

      I would love know PNE.Since we moved for Vancouver we had no chance to go there yet…
      thanks for the contest and for all the good information you share with us in this cool space.

    50. Marlene MacIsaacMonday, May 10th, 2010 — 7:06pm PDT

      My husband and I rode the Playland Coaster on our wedding day, after the ceremony and before the reception. We rode in the front, in our formal wear, my veil swaying, with our guests taking up the rest of the cars behind us. Playland’s Laura Ballance rocks!

    51. Jeff MacLeodMonday, May 10th, 2010 — 7:14pm PDT

      Gotta love Playland 🙂

    52. MonicaMonday, May 10th, 2010 — 7:33pm PDT

      I love the archival photos. Thanks for the contest.

    53. JessicaMonday, May 10th, 2010 — 8:22pm PDT

      The thing I love most about the P.N.E is the precious time I get to spend with my family. We have so much fun, even though we go every year!

    54. loriMonday, May 10th, 2010 — 8:57pm PDT

      Kids would love to go. Thanks! 😀

    55. Tiffany R WMonday, May 10th, 2010 — 9:11pm PDT

      although i’ve grown up so much now i still go with my family each year. it’s tradition!

    56. MeganMonday, May 10th, 2010 — 9:31pm PDT

      I love Playland! I can never decide if I prefer the food or the rides…

    57. JeremyMonday, May 10th, 2010 — 9:32pm PDT

      What a fun prize!

    58. JenMonday, May 10th, 2010 — 9:33pm PDT

      I have always loved Playland and the PNE, lots of good memories!

    59. CameronMonday, May 10th, 2010 — 9:36pm PDT

      The PNE will be fantastic!

    60. Kevin WongMonday, May 10th, 2010 — 10:47pm PDT

      its been years since i’ve been there.

    61. TashMonday, May 10th, 2010 — 11:09pm PDT

      Thanks for the history and info. What a great opportunity!
      I’d love a pair of passes!

    62. VeronicaMonday, May 10th, 2010 — 11:29pm PDT

      awesome contest… i’d love to take my kids!

    63. JerryTuesday, May 11th, 2010 — 12:57am PDT

      My family of 4 would love it!

    64. Anne SashyCatTuesday, May 11th, 2010 — 7:08am PDT

      Bring on the rollercoaster and the mini donuts!

    65. mmxTuesday, May 11th, 2010 — 8:29am PDT

      Thank you for yet another sweet contest give-away on your blog! Will def tweet about it as well! 🙂

    66. AnnaTuesday, May 11th, 2010 — 9:02am PDT

      Would love a set of tickets for my family to go 🙂

    67. GeoffTuesday, May 11th, 2010 — 9:27am PDT

      The musical and dance fireworks show at PNE is awesome, love it

    68. HeatherTuesday, May 11th, 2010 — 9:45am PDT

      Too much fun!

    69. GilTuesday, May 11th, 2010 — 1:18pm PDT

      My kids would love it.

    70. Stewart RogersTuesday, May 11th, 2010 — 3:24pm PDT

      Yeah Playland!!

    71. AvaTuesday, May 11th, 2010 — 3:47pm PDT

      Love going to Playland! Summer tradition =)

    72. RachelTuesday, May 11th, 2010 — 4:05pm PDT

      I would like to go to there.

    73. Cathy KuzelTuesday, May 11th, 2010 — 4:21pm PDT

      Here’a a piece of PNE history that wasn’t on your list.
      The Challenger map is the world’s largest relief map. BC lumberman George Challenger spent 7 years, individually cutting nearly a million pieces of wood which were then assembled into an approx. 6000 sq. feet scale map of British Columbia. The map was officially introduced to the public at the PNE, in 1954.
      A large section of the giant Challenger map, mothballed for 10 years, became the centerpiece of the Vancouver 2010 Integrated Security Unit for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
      It would be great to see it all in one piece again!

    74. RennTuesday, May 11th, 2010 — 4:44pm PDT

      Great read about the history of PNE!

    75. gregTuesday, May 11th, 2010 — 4:53pm PDT

      Minidonuts, Rollercoasters, and Superdogs! Wahooo!

    76. JeanieTuesday, May 11th, 2010 — 5:07pm PDT

      Fun!

    77. MinaTuesday, May 11th, 2010 — 6:21pm PDT

      Its going to be like the best day ever!!

    78. AshleyTuesday, May 11th, 2010 — 7:05pm PDT

      Love Playland and the PNE! Bought an unlimited pass one year in high school and I still have memories of that as my favourite summer ever! Go at least once a year, and will be there this year as well!

    79. scottTuesday, May 11th, 2010 — 10:01pm PDT

      great article (love the history at this site) and fun amusement park!

    80. sweetacheekWednesday, May 12th, 2010 — 12:36am PDT

      Great to see the history behind PNE!

    81. KarenWednesday, May 12th, 2010 — 9:18am PDT

      I’d love to win this!

    82. JohnWednesday, May 12th, 2010 — 12:31pm PDT

      mini-donuts and crazy spinning art

    83. JanetWednesday, May 12th, 2010 — 1:17pm PDT

      Playland is always the high point of summer!

    84. JessicaWednesday, May 12th, 2010 — 3:08pm PDT

      The best ride @ Playland: the rickety old wooden Coaster. LOVE that ride!

    85. JuliaWednesday, May 12th, 2010 — 6:08pm PDT

      I’ve never been to Playland, but would love to go!! I hear the roller coasters are awesome!

    86. AretaThursday, May 13th, 2010 — 9:26am PDT

      a great contest!

    87. AdelaideThursday, May 13th, 2010 — 11:45am PDT

      Great post Rebecca!

    88. MichelleThursday, May 13th, 2010 — 12:14pm PDT

      Love the nostalgia/history.

    89. KelliThursday, May 13th, 2010 — 3:43pm PDT

      I’m so glad the new park wasn’t named “Happyland” in honor of the old one. That’s just asking for trouble!

    90. SanazThursday, May 13th, 2010 — 3:49pm PDT

      I haven’t been to playland for ages, not since I graduated from high school:( It’ll be nice to go and check it out again.

    91. JamieThursday, May 13th, 2010 — 3:59pm PDT

      Wooden roller coaster and ye olde Waveswinger– timeless classics.

    92. simoneThursday, May 13th, 2010 — 7:27pm PDT

      I’m dreaming about going to play land, I have to win.

    93. CherpThursday, May 13th, 2010 — 11:01pm PDT

      It’s a great place to have fun and enjoy summer !!

    94. Steph :)Friday, May 14th, 2010 — 12:16am PDT

      I’m looking forward to the 100th anniversary this summer!

    95. RichardFriday, May 14th, 2010 — 12:25am PDT

      Had a great time out there last year, would love to have some passes this year.

    96. B0bbyFriday, May 14th, 2010 — 12:42am PDT

      I <3 PNE and Playland! Happ Birthday 🙂

    97. CindyFriday, May 14th, 2010 — 1:26am PDT

      Sounds like it’ll be fun. 🙂

    98. christyFriday, May 14th, 2010 — 10:51am PDT

      my favourite ride is definitely the wooden coaster (:

    99. DeeFriday, May 14th, 2010 — 7:04pm PDT

      i’ve never been-would love to go!

    100. RoxFriday, May 14th, 2010 — 9:35pm PDT

      Last year we got a seasons pass and had an absolute hoot. One of the best part of moving to the city!

    101. JaniceFriday, May 14th, 2010 — 11:23pm PDT

      I’d like to try all the rides! I really like exciting rides!

    102. SherrySaturday, May 15th, 2010 — 7:02pm PDT

      Love the trivia and photos! Hope to win the 4pack. Can’t believe the first home was worth $5000. Wonder where the lot was located. Does anyone know?

    103. LindaSaturday, May 15th, 2010 — 9:45pm PDT

      Thanks for putting the history and pics together! I had no idea there was so much story behind it. Will appreciate it much more.

    104. XingjiSunday, May 16th, 2010 — 7:27am PDT

      A good contest!

    105. AnnSunday, May 16th, 2010 — 10:37am PDT

      Playland is so much fun.

    106. Safiq majeSunday, May 16th, 2010 — 11:05am PDT

      Love the pics..nice post. I remember my first date at playland.

    107. BonnieSunday, May 16th, 2010 — 2:03pm PDT

      great contest! count me in!

    108. GerrySunday, May 16th, 2010 — 5:12pm PDT

      My Grand Daughter, Kaylee, will freek out at Playland. She’s 5!

    109. JasonSunday, May 16th, 2010 — 9:22pm PDT

      I love all the black and white pictures you’ve put up.

    110. SusanSunday, May 16th, 2010 — 10:22pm PDT

      I haven’t been to playland since I was a kid. Now its my 3 kids turn this summer.

    111. TanisMonday, May 17th, 2010 — 11:41am PDT

      I’d love to win as it’s been so long since we’ve gone! Thank you!

    112. AmyMonday, May 17th, 2010 — 11:44am PDT

      playland passes? yes please! 🙂 thanks for the contest!

    113. EHONGMonday, May 17th, 2010 — 11:48am PDT

      omg yesssss. i haven’t gone in two years since going back to ontario 🙁

      congrats to 100 years and hopefully another 100 more years lol

    114. DannyMonday, May 17th, 2010 — 12:15pm PDT

      The PNE is a yearly must do for our family!! Thx.

    115. TobyMonday, May 17th, 2010 — 12:23pm PDT

      My little girls love Playland! Can’t wait!

    116. David DarlingMonday, May 17th, 2010 — 12:29pm PDT

      Would love these passes for the fam!

    117. Jenny WongMonday, May 17th, 2010 — 12:43pm PDT

      i would love to visit playland or pne havent been there a while. need to try all the food again – whale tails.

    118. Robyn SmithMonday, May 17th, 2010 — 12:46pm PDT

      Sounds like a fun Saturday!

    119. Nyla CarpentierMonday, May 17th, 2010 — 12:54pm PDT

      Love Playland and what a great history. 100 years and counting. The best part is the rollercoaster, mini donuts and well the mini donuts.

    120. NavMonday, May 17th, 2010 — 12:58pm PDT

      love the old pics!

    121. tabulaarasaMonday, May 17th, 2010 — 2:29pm PDT

      Many good memories of PNE. Fun for the whole family!

    122. JeanetteMonday, May 17th, 2010 — 3:38pm PDT

      What great photos! Love some passes for the family!

    123. Mike DeWolfeMonday, May 17th, 2010 — 4:16pm PDT

      It’s been a while since I’ve been to Playland, but I plan on returning soon.

    124. Tami LuciowMonday, May 17th, 2010 — 6:11pm PDT

      My son and I have been going every year with my friend and her son since the boys were little and we all still have a blast!

    125. Jon JenningsMonday, May 17th, 2010 — 8:57pm PDT

      Excellent! Didn’t know about its WWII history.

      (And the pond area is a beautiful retreat late afternoon when the pressures of the day start to get to you & you need 15 minutes to recharge & refresh ready for the evening)

    126. ariaTuesday, May 18th, 2010 — 12:37am PDT

      great photos

    127. peteTuesday, May 18th, 2010 — 12:39am PDT

      INTERESTING!

    128. YingTuesday, May 18th, 2010 — 12:40am PDT

      Looking forward to PNE and Playland.

    129. StacyTuesday, May 18th, 2010 — 9:38am PDT

      What fun — would love to go!

    130. Julie NichollsTuesday, May 18th, 2010 — 11:00am PDT

      great contest!

    131. MarilouTuesday, May 18th, 2010 — 6:32pm PDT

      I would love to take my daughter (4 years old) and her friend to Playland this year. Thanks for sharing the photos too! Love it!

    132. Jessica AdamsonTuesday, May 18th, 2010 — 7:01pm PDT

      Oh, that would be awesome. Especially since the draw in on my birthday. 😉

    133. HelenTuesday, May 18th, 2010 — 7:48pm PDT

      Awesome info on the history of the PNE! Playland is great!

    134. nplumTuesday, May 18th, 2010 — 8:01pm PDT

      Mini donuts, bbq chicken, lemonade, sham-wows…aahh… good times at the PNE!

    135. aceyTuesday, May 18th, 2010 — 8:07pm PDT

      I love the PNE!

    136. NicoleTuesday, May 18th, 2010 — 11:51pm PDT

      I use to live around there, brings back memories. I use to be able to see the fireworks from my room on the third floor of my house. My childhood memories.

    137. PLOWednesday, May 19th, 2010 — 12:30am PDT

      Happy 100th and many more!

    138. ariaWednesday, May 19th, 2010 — 12:32am PDT

      Haven’t been going in the last few years. But would love to go this year.

    139. RoseWednesday, May 19th, 2010 — 12:34am PDT

      Wonder if there is still survivors from the first pne?

    140. JessicaWednesday, May 19th, 2010 — 1:49am PDT

      the pne is one of the best parts of living in vancouver <3

    141. ALWednesday, May 19th, 2010 — 7:48am PDT

      Puppy love happens at the PNE.

    142. DanielleWednesday, May 19th, 2010 — 11:10am PDT

      love playland!

    143. JuliaWednesday, May 19th, 2010 — 11:19am PDT

      I love Playland!

    144. DanaWednesday, May 19th, 2010 — 11:23am PDT

      I love Playland. When I get there I go on as many rides as I possibly can as quickly as I can. I have been doing it for years. My favourte recent memory was going with my teenage step daughter and going on about 10+ rides. We both walked off the last one and did not feel very well. We went to the race track to chill out and sadly the thing that finally calmed my tummy was a cider 🙂

    145. CassandraWednesday, May 19th, 2010 — 11:31am PDT

      Would love to go to Playland! Thanks for all the great info!

    146. SamWednesday, May 19th, 2010 — 11:39am PDT

      The kids are counting the days……

    147. SamWednesday, May 19th, 2010 — 12:00pm PDT

      kids are ready……….

    148. HannahWednesday, May 19th, 2010 — 12:15pm PDT

      I can’t wait for mini donuts!

    149. DianaWednesday, May 19th, 2010 — 12:18pm PDT

      Coaster, mini-donuts… Win a House! Win a Car!

    150. RyanWednesday, May 19th, 2010 — 1:07pm PDT

      You know the fall is coming when the PNE is happening!

    151. ChelseaWednesday, May 19th, 2010 — 1:12pm PDT

      happy birthday PNE/playland! would love to go 🙂

    152. AlanWednesday, May 19th, 2010 — 1:15pm PDT

      Oh would love to win this.

    153. GillianWednesday, May 19th, 2010 — 2:41pm PDT

      LOVE “Happyland!” 🙂

    154. JulieWednesday, May 19th, 2010 — 6:26pm PDT

      Thanks again for the opportunity! Excellent site!

    155. AnnabelleWednesday, May 19th, 2010 — 7:08pm PDT

      I love Playland!!! I haven’t been there for 2 years. I would definitely want to go this year!

    156. miss teaseWednesday, May 19th, 2010 — 10:50pm PDT

      Playland’s almost as old as Purdy’s (whom I work for). What great history Vancity has 🙂

    157. CaitlinThursday, May 20th, 2010 — 9:28am PDT

      What a great contest!! I would love to take my niece and nephew if I won, they have never been before.

    158. Rebecca Bollwitt, Miss604 Miss604Thursday, May 20th, 2010 — 11:29am PDT

      This contest is now closed. Thank you for the entries and I hope to have another contest of this nature running sometime this summer.

    159. ryanWednesday, June 2nd, 2010 — 4:11am PDT

      wow does playland suck even in the 40’s they had more roller coasters
      Playland is basicly a broken down dump of a park which is a shame because Vancouver would go a lot more if they added real rides nt dumpy little rides that they get for basicly for free and the removal of the WILDMOUSE was a crime and who ever is ruining this park should be fired as to remove that piece of history saying they couldnt get parts (bull sh%t) as parks all over the world have this still of ride which many are way older
      what is the parks attendance? I know it is very low based on the population scale of the city size.PLEASE LEASE THE PARK THE CEDAR POINT OR 6 FLAGS NOW BEFORE YOU DESTORY A BIG PIECE OF VANCOUVERS HISTORY!!!!!!!!!! AS GOVERNMENT WORKERS ARE CLUELESS ON HOW TO RUN A PROPER BUSINESS.

    160. ryanTuesday, June 15th, 2010 — 1:48am PDT

      playland is so lame change is needed NEW COASTERS NOW!!!!!!!!

    161. HeatherThursday, August 12th, 2010 — 7:56am PDT

      Would LOVE to take the family to the PNE!! 🙂

    162. Lila WormsMonday, August 29th, 2011 — 3:43pm PDT

      My Grandma (Lily Curnew) wond second prize at the PNE in either 1940 or 1941. I think it was either $500.00 or $1500.00. I was only four at the time. I still remember seeing the poor Japanese people taken from their homes and imprisoned at the PNE. You would see the poor people loooking through the fence. It left a lasting impression on me as a child. I also remember the little dipper and giant dipper and the shoot the chutes. Too bad they had to tear these down for gamblers. Have not been for several years because of all the walking.

    163. Lila WormsMonday, August 29th, 2011 — 3:47pm PDT

      My Grandma (Lily Curnew) won second prize at the PNE in either 1940 or 1941. I think it was either $500.00 or $1500.00. I was only four at the time. I still remember seeing the poor Japanese people taken from their homes and imprisoned at the PNE. You would see the poor people loooking through the fence. It left a lasting impression on me as a child. I also remember the little dipper and giant dipper and the shoot the chutes. Too bad they had to demolish these for gambling. Have not been for several years because of all the walking.

    164. AmyThursday, September 1st, 2011 — 7:39pm PDT

      I have gone there alot and just recently my dad made me go on the wooden roller coaster and I LOVED IT!!! brings back so many memories from when i was rally young,thx for the history

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