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One of the most popular food items at the Saskatoon Ex will be notably absent this summer.
On Wednesday, the exhibition announced that spudnuts – donuts made from potato starch, which are typically served either glazed or coated in sugar – won’t be available at the exhibition in 2026.
Read more:
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- Prairieland Park marks 140 years of history and entertainment in Saskatoon
No specific reason was shared, but the organization said it came to the decision “after careful consideration,” and noted that it will likely come as a disappointment to many.
“We understand the strong emotional connection and nostalgia many families have for this long-standing fair tradition,” the exhibition wrote on social media.
Spudnuts being made at the 2024 Saskatoon Ex. (650 CKOM file photo)
“This was an incredibly difficult decision, made after a thorough review of the operational requirements, facility needs, and staffing required to run the program sustainably.”
The exhibition said it is always trying to improve the experience for fair-goers, “balancing the traditions we love with thoughtful decisions for the future.”
No decisions around future years have been made, the exhibition noted, adding that plenty of other food options will be available for the 2026 event, which runs from July 30 to Aug. 3.
“Guests will continue to find a wide variety of long-standing fair favourites throughout the grounds, alongside exciting new food experiences like our new Bourbon Bacon,” the exhibition wrote.
In a 2024 interview with 650 CKOM, Sharon Odnokon, Prairieland Park’s food and beverage manager, said the park owns a special recipe for the treats.
“It is a patented spiced potato yeast that is patented to Prairieland Park. We own the rights to it, no one else in the world can purchase it from the supplier,” said Odnokon.
“A lot of people, they gear up for it and we have people when they come into the doors, they came straight up to the spudnut booth.”
On an average day during the exhibition, Odnokon said the park can expect to sell about 6,500 spudnuts.
