A Romantic Re-Union at the CNE

In a heartwarming turn of events, a Toronto woman and her partner from Ottawa are renewing their vows at the iconic Canadian National Exhibition (CNE), marking a beautiful new chapter in their lives.

A Love Story Like No Other

Both in their 60s, Jacqueline and Patrick spent an impressive 25 years in a long-distance relationship before finally saying 'I do' this past May. Their recent vow renewal, part of a CNE contest, saw them triumph out of over 400 entries from across Ontario.

Capturing the Spirit of the CNE

CNE officials noted the initiative sparked a myriad of touching stories from couples from all walks of life, but Jacqueline and Patrick’s journey resonated deeply, reflecting the fair’s essence of tradition, joy, and community.

Mark Holland, the CEO of the CNE, expressed the difficulty in selecting a winner, emphasizing how their story embodies the spirit of connection and family that the fair represents.

A Lifelong Love for the Fair

Jacqueline, who grew up in Toronto, shared that the CNE has been a cherished part of her life since childhood. With fond memories of attending the fair every summer with her family, her first job involved serving food at the Bandshell Stage.

"The CNE is very dear to me... our parents took us since the 60s, and we've continued this tradition year after year," Jacqueline remarked in an interview.

Building New Memories Together

When she met Patrick, one of her first joys was introducing him to the magic of the CNE. They established their own tradition of riding the GO Train to the fair every summer, creating lasting memories together.

The couple reflected, "What better way to celebrate our next chapter together than at a place that holds so many special moments for us?"

Inspiring a New Generation of Love

For Jacqueline and Patrick, renewing their vows on the lively Midway transcends mere nostalgia—it serves as a powerful message of love and hope.

Organizers revealed that the couple aims to inspire others to "never give up on love, no matter what age," illustrating that the key to happiness lies in cherishing the moment, as if every day were a day at the CNE.