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It’s set to be eight days of midways, Ferris wheels and summer festivities in Saskatoon.
The Prairieland Exhibition is back today, ready to welcome fairgoers through next week.
“We do have a great midway this year and we have eight full days of it,” Prairieland Park marketing manager Kristy Rempel told Brent Loucks Friday morning on 650 CKOM.
Rempel said nearly all the regular favourites of the Ex will be returning this year, with just a bit more space and solely outdoors.
“We’re all outdoors … this year, including our vendors,” Rempel said. No buildings will be available to walk through and all vendors with market square have been moved outdoors into tents.
The midway, Rempel said, has been spaced a bit further apart to make room for people lining up for food, games and rides.
These precautions have been taken for public safety, Rempel said. A mobile vaccine clinic is still on the Prairieland Park grounds, as well, for those who are not vaccinated but wishing to get their COVID-19 shot.
Two midways filled with 42 rides should be enough to satisfy thrill-seekers, with a few new ones not typically part of the midway route making an appearance in Saskatoon this year.
These include the Megadrop — a fair favourite, but supersized — and a rollercoaster.
“You fall further, which is, of course, way more fun,” Rempel said of the enhanced rides added to this year’s fairgrounds. Spudnuts and fireworks (scheduled every night for 11 p.m.) are also sure to bring smiles to attendees.
One thing that won’t be returning to the Ex this year, however, is the parade.
“We got up and running really quick since (the) July 11 announcement, so a few things had to give, unfortunately,” Rempel explained.
The entertainment lineups are sure to please all ages. Free with entry, Rempel said everything from animal tricks to country music and more is planned for the stage.
“You can sit and watch the super dogs during the day and we have a daredevil bike ride thing, Ride The Vibe, that you’ll want to catch.”
The Hunter Brothers will be part of the kick-off lineup tonight. Two demolition derbies — which Rempel said are always very well attended — are also scheduled for this Sunday and next.
Speaking of Sunday’s, they’re family days at the Ex. Kids under the age of 10 can ride both midways all day for $20 and seniors are free.
Until midnight tonight, surpasses to the Ex, which include admission to the park and rides, are being offered for the reduced price of $47 each.
Tickets to the Ex are available online and at the gate. Passes also serve as your transit ticket — showing your superpass when you board the bus will get you to the Ex free of charge. The return trip is also free when you show your wristband.
For those hoping to drive, the best advice for parking is patience, Rempel said. Saskatoon police will be helping out at the park throughout the event.
The Prairieland Ex will run Friday through Sunday, Aug. 8, take a two-day break for staff and cleaning, and return Wed., Aug. 11 through Sun., Aug. 15, 2021.
