Despite Canada’s preoccupation with the war effort and the mobilization of troops at Valcartier, Canadian culture continued to thrive. Although it was suggested that the Canadian National Exhibition might be cancelled due to the war, the Exhibition was held as planned in Toronto at Exhibition Place. It concluded on Labour Day (7 September) after running for eighteen days. The Exhibition included big attractions such as the Water Carnival featuring the ‘Indian’ canoe races, celebrations for one hundred years of peace with the United States through song, and a performance called ‘Babylon’ that featured over a thousand performers. The large fair provided an entertaining distraction from the European war for thousands of Canadians.
(“Nothing Can Stop It!,” Hespeler Herald, 20 August 1914; Visual: http://torontoist.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/2011_08_27_f1244_it0877_6401.jpg)
