Stretchy pants may need to be added to the office dress code.

From now until Sept. 3, people who live or work in Liberty Village can visit the CNE for lunch without paying admission.

Called EXcelunch, the unadvertised pass gives fair foodies a few hours to feast, whether lunch is Curly Q Fries, 99¢ spaghetti, Daytona Wings, Angel Garden chow mein, Anoush chicken shawarma or Bouchard’s poutine — or all of the above.

The deal is available on weekdays between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. You must exit and enter via the same gate. You’ll have to leave the price of admission — $16 each for adults — as a deposit, which will be returned if you depart by 2 p.m.

Canadian National Exhibition general manager David Bednar sees it as a friendly way to involve the community that is Exhibition Place’s neighbour to the north.

"It's a great way for our neighbours in Liberty Village to experience the CNE over the lunch hour — have lunch, see the grounds and take in the sights," he says.

This is the second year for the program, which has been promoted mostly by word of mouth.

"The Liberty Village BIA does a great job spreading the news, but sharing news about EXcelunch through other sources is appreciated," Bednar says.

Liberty Village already sees plenty of action with annual events such as Caribana and the Honda Indy. But few neighbourhoods can boast of having an 18-day street party at their doorstep, with 1.3 million visitors and an entire building dedicated to food.

Mike Brown, office manager of Forge Media, has worked in Liberty Village for the past four years. He has noticed that having the fair nearby has created buzz among staff at his office.

"It's interesting and nice that it's so close, the proximity," he says.

A few coworkers plan to visit the Ex and Brown says he might tag along. "My gluttonous indulgence is funnel cake."

What's your favourite food at the Ex? Tell us in the comments below.