TORONTO, Ont. – From the thrill of the Midway to the tasty treats in food building, the 134th edition of the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) opened Friday, signally the unofficial start to the end of summer.

About 1.3-million people are expected to take in the rides, games and food at the CNE, which runs until Sept. 3, 2012.

Among those in attendance for the opening ceremonies was Canadian gold medallist at London 2012, Rosie MacLennan, and Mississauga Mayor Hazel McCallion.

CNE general manager David Bednar told CityNews the big attraction this year is the new Sky Ride, a chairlift that travels over the Ex grounds.

Bednar said this ride has been in the works for a while.

“We’ve been wanting this for so long. We’ve been discussing this, literally, for years with North American Midway and we’re so glad that we’re able to actually happen this year for the first time,” Bednar explained.

Also new this year will be an interactive exhibit celebrating the 250th anniversary of the sandwich and a zip line.

As always, a big part of the CNE is the food, with some vendors offering a serious focus on bacon this year.

“Funnel cake, then we toss bacon bits on top, strips of bacon, caramel chocolate sauce and a scoop of ice-cream to top it off,” said one vendor.

That bacon funnel cake is loaded with 2,000 calories and contains 175 per cent of your recommended daily fat value.

As usual, the Krispy Kreme burger will be available, although its 946 calories pale in comparison to the bacon funnel cake.

Celebrity chefs also appearing at the CNE include David Rocco, Roger Mooking and Anna Olson.

Bednar said world champion ice dancers Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir will take part in a skating and acrobatic show. The CNE bandshell line up includes a variety of acts from Don McLean to Nick Carter to Arkells.