PNE drive-thru extended after huge demand for mini-donuts
Posted May 24, 2020 4:03 pm.
Last Updated May 24, 2020 4:04 pm.
VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) — This weekend’s mini donut drive-thru at the PNE was a huge success and the event has been extended for one more day.
Anyone who wants to savour the small, sugary treats can buy a ticket for Monday.
PNE spokesperson Laura Ballance says tickets over the weekend sold out fast, giving the families who run the businesses a financial boost while lifting their spirits.
“It’s all the concessionaires that really do make up the fair family. Many of them are multi-generational fair families and concessionaires and they make their living on the fair and event circuit. With COVID most of them, if not all of them, have lost what we believe to be most if not all of their 2020 year,” Ballance explains.
“For them, it was very much a blessing that we were able to get this going. For these families, it may represent the only income that they get for this year so I know everybody is thankful.”
Event extension! Due to demand, the PNE is pleased to announce that it has received approval from Vancouver Coastal Health to add 1 day to the Mini Donut Drive Thru event. A limited number of tickets will be available at https://t.co/aunKhTLD6r *no onsite tickets available. pic.twitter.com/pFNG650t1A
— PNE Fair / Playland (@PNE_Playland) May 24, 2020
She says people drove in from Chilliwack, Pemberton, and the Interior to get a taste of the traditional summertime treat.
“Our overwhelming message is: We just want to thank British Columbia for coming out and supporting these amazing families,” Ballance says.
“The love we have felt from the people of the Lower Mainland and much further beyond that has been touching for all of us.”
Four vendors participated: Those Little Donuts, Tin Lizzy Donuts, CinCity Donuts and the PNE Fundunkers.
Jason Au, of Tin Lizzy Concessions, was moved by the crowds.
“It was hard to hold back the tears at points as people said they drove hours to support us, and because they love the PNE Fair,” he said in a statement.
The Taste of the PNE: Mini Donut Edition will run from 1 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Anyone who hasn’t purchased a ticket online will be turned away.
Ballance hopes this weekend will be the kickoff for other events that will allow concessionaires to make some money, and furloughed staff to pick up shifts.
“We’re working on more to add to the series to try and spread the opportunity to more of our fair family.”
