end of summer: part one (medieval times + cne)

One quote to summarize the end of summer? "The tans will fade but the memories will last forever." It is so true! Though it is hard to believe, we are nearing the very end of the summer season. School is back in session, the morning temperatures are dropping, and before long, there will be fallen leaves covering every inch of ground. With each passing year, the summer months seem to go by faster and faster. Thankfully, they are always full of special moments and memories. This summer was no different. It was loaded with trips to the zoo, concerts, and more recently, a fantastic day at the CNE and Medieval Times.

The Canadian National Exhibition (aka the CNE)

Typically, the CNE is high on my list of end-of-summer activities. (In fact, I have written about my experience there year after year after year.) The annual festivities are always of excitement. There are games, delicious foods to try, shows, presentations, shopping, and more. My mom and I like to spend a full day there each year but my parents actually went away on a cruise this summer. Luckily, my friend and I managed to spend a bit of time at The Ex. We had tickets to Medieval Times (more on that in a moment) and that gained us free access into the exhibition. For a few hours, we played some games, wandered around, checked out the sights, and did a bit of shopping. Though it wasn't the full day experience I was used to....it was fun. Despite the heavy crowds!

The best part was when we were heading to Medieval Times. We came across a reptile exhibit that had lots of frogs, snakes, and turtles. Then, there was a display with fake snowballs and Santa and Mrs Claus dressed in summertime garb. (The holiday display was there to promote a new Christmas event that would be happening there in November.) So of course, we snapped lots of fun pictures and met Santa. It was a lot of fun but there was even more fun ahead.

Medieval Times

Hard to believe, but this was my first time ever going to Medieval Times. I know, crazy! All of my friends and family have visited at one point or another....but not me. Finally, that changed. My friend and I went straight from the CNE to Medieval Times and it was such a blast. Everything was perfectly themed. Before the show, there were horses to look at, a gift shop, a themed bar, and even a dungeon to walk through. Even before we sat down to watch the show, I was amazed by everything. And the fact that they gave us a paper crown to wear only added to the excitement. 

The show itself was a lot of fun. We had a great server (totally in character the entire time), there were horses, action, and lots of adventure. Sadly, our blue team didn't win that night...but we still had a really good time. The entire night, I was positively giddy with excitement. It was like being a kid again. Something that definitely took some getting used to was the actual dinner part. In keeping with the medieval theme, there was no cutlery. So you had to eat your chicken, corn, and potato with your hands. Not easy to do! Nonetheless, it was a really wonderful way to finish off the day.

There is something special about celebrating the end of summer. Whether you have a full day of activities or decide to spend quality time with friends....the whole point is to make the most of the last days of the summer season.

How are you celebrating the end of summer?