It only comes once a year, but the Saskatoon Exhibition is back with rides, shows and plenty of deep-fried treats.
“We’re ready to go,” said Bob Hauser, manager of West Coast Amusements. “The rain put a little bump in the road, but we got it done.”
Staff had a wet start to the set-up at Prairieland Park Monday afternoon, ahead of the exhibition’s official start Tuesday. Organizers said all the fan favourites for rides are back including The Zipper, Ring of Fire and the Fireball.
“We have the most rides ever this year,” said Hauser, who’s been working fairs for 40 years. He said seeing kids light up and smile never gets old.
“If I’m having a bad day, I sit in kiddy land and watch the kids faces,” he said. “It makes all your problems go away because of their pure joy.”
And it wouldn’t be the ex without all the grease food. The menu this year includes spudnuts, greasy poutine and some interesting options such as chocolate-dipped onions, deep-fried Oreos and a dill pickle dog.
“I wouldn’t take the week off from the gym with all that grease,” Hauser joked.
The Saskatoon Exhibitions kicks off with the parade at 10 a.m. Aug. 9; rides and festivities start at noon. The Ex runs until Aug. 14.