There’s a way to eat at the CNE without paying admission. Here’s what you need to know

Jessica Smith speaks with attendees about what excites them most about the exhibition.

There is a way to stop by The Ex to eat all the zany carnival food this year, without having to pay admission.

Those looking for a way to cut down on costs at the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) can considering dropping by for lunch at the start of the week and opt for the EXcelunch Special.

From 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. from Mondays to Wednesdays, fairgoers can swing by the Saskatchewan, Princes’ or TTC and GO gates to buy an EXcelunch ticket to the park. The ticket cost $30, inclusive of HST, and is only available for purchase at the gates.

Now, yes, a ticket must be purchased at the get go, but there is a way to get that $30 back after.

“The concept was created to encourage visitors to come for lunch, but they don’t need to purchase food to get a refunded ticket,” Tran Nguyen, spokesperson for the CNE, said in an email.

After heading into the park and filling up on all of the new menu items this year, visitors must return to the same gate they purchased the EXcelunch Special and request a refund there.

• IN PICTURES: Here is a look at some of the strangest food you can try at the CNE

Refunds are issued only if visitors leave by 2 p.m.

The CNE first introduced this program in the early ‘00s, Nguyen says, as a way to encourage locals to “take advantage of the Fair’s limitless lunch offerings right in their own backyard.”

The Ex started up on Aug. 21 and continues on through Labour Day weekend, ending on Sept. 7.