The Last Days Of Super Ex

(click to view larger images)

The Central Canada Exhibition, better known as Super Ex, has operated at Lansdowne Park in Ottawa since 1888. Over the last 20 years or so, there has been local pressure to move it from its central location to the outskirts of town, particularly as attendance has dwindled in the last decade. With the proposed redevelopment of the fairgrounds at Lansdowne, the Ex recently celebrated its final year of operations at Lansdowne Park.

Organizers speak of returning the fair to its agricultural roots. However, competition in the agricultural fair business will likely be stiff, as smaller fairs in surrounding towns and villages have adeptly filled that niche. In all likelihood, the Ex will last a few more years in a new location, but the move from Lansdowne Park represents an end of the golden era.

As such, I thought it would be appropriate to capture some images on a vintage camera - my 1945 Voigtlander Bessa.

Spacing Ottawa has also featured this series on their website.

Camera: Voigtlander Bessa I, f3.5 105mm Skopar lens.

Comments

[bawgaj]

superb

[sherri]

You fit so many spinning rides in this one. Quite nice.

[david]

c'mon mister...get with the posting of paris already!

[rhys]

excellent work here, In all the years I've never got round to shooting a fairground, I MUST do it soon!

[rhys]

excellent work here, In all the years I've never got round to shooting a fairground, I MUST do it soon!

[rhys]

excellent work here, In all the years I've never got round to shooting a fairground, I MUST do it soon!

[SD (Aspherical)]

I like the presentation of this. I'm definitely digging your choice of a classic camera and B&W, it works supremely well with the subject matter to give a timeless feel.

[Erinn Cunningham]

Thanks, Otto. I think Ill be using that camera more. Didnt use the Holga shots.

Sent from my iPhone

[Otto K.]

congrats on the feature. good job at capturing the movement of the rides.