Barbara Jean Batten has never missed a trip to the Canadian National Exhibition for the last eight decades. And now, like a lucky child finding a golden ticket to visit Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory, the CNE is bestowing its first-ever golden ticket to Batten so she can continue to visit The Ex for as long as she would like. Batten has been going to the CNE ever since she was born in 1945, as her father frequently competed in music competitions at the fair. His harmonica playing earned him several medals, which have become cherished family heirlooms. In a news release on Thursday, the CNE said Batten is the oldest of four siblings and her love for The Ex created precious memories among them, particularly with her critically ill sister, Donna. Donna’s final wish was to visit the CNE one last time with her family, before her sudden passing. “We received so many moving stories from dedicated CNE fans over the years; and are always finding ways to thank and recognize some of the exceptional people who are the heartbeat of our fair, and why we do what we do,” Mark Holland, the CNE’s CEO, said in the release. The CNE said that it was so moved by Batten’s story that they decided to recognize her years of patronage with free admission for life. It is the first golden ticket handed out by the CNE but officials say they hope to make the initiative a yearly tradition going forward. The CNE is presenting the golden ticket to batten and her family in a ceremony on Friday. After receiving this keepsake, Batten plans to spend the day at the CNE, kicking things off by watching her favourite show: SuperDogs.
