VIDEO: Go-karts, horses and cheerleaders, oh my! Spectators delighted at Saskatoon Ex parade

The Saskatoon Exhibition kicked off its annual parade in downtown Saskatoon on Wednesday morning, to the excitement of hundreds of people lining the streets along the parade route.

Around 10 a.m., with a Saskatoon Police Service vehicle in the lead, floats, trains, horses, vintage cars and tractors began the parade trek at 24th Street and Spadina Crescent East before turning onto Fourth Avenue.

Read more:

• Spud-nots: Popular snack to be absent from this year’s Saskatoon Ex

• ‘An explosion of creativity’: Five things to know about the 2026 Saskatoon Fringe Festival

• Plenty of new features offered at this year’s Saskatoon Ex

Clowns and go-karts thrill and interact with kids along the Fourth Avenue sidewalks as part of the Saskatoon Exhibition parade on July 29, 2026. (Libby Gray/650 CKOM)

Both sides of Fourth Ave were packed with children, parents, grandparents, friends, co-workers and anyone else who wanted to enjoy the parade during a sunny summer day.

Friends Oli, Jayla, Kylie, Gracie and Oakland stood together waving at floats and clowns passing by, excited to receive free candy and treats and taking in the various sights and displays in front of them.

The Wanuskewin float drives past spectators on Fourth Avenue as part of the Saskatoon Ex kick-off parade on July 29, 2026. (Libby Gray/650 CKOM)

“Look at the horses over there,” Oli said as the animals and their riders trotted up the street in formation.

“Horsies,” old cars, police and candy rounded out the list of top spectacles at this year’s parade for that group.

“I’m seeing at police and I’m seeing trains,” Kylie remarked as she looked down the street.

Kids, parents and other spectators lined Fourth Avenue along both sides of the street on Wednesday to catch a glimpse of the Saskatoon Ex kick-off parade on July 29, 2026. (Libby Gray/650 CKOM)

Seven year olds, Paizley and Jack, were surprised by some of what showed up in the parade.

“People coming in cars with even, like, dogs,” Paizley shared as something she didn’t expect to see on Wednesday.

For Jack, “I didn’t think there would be tractors all around!” he exclaimed.

Saskatoon Hilltops cheerleaders and football players, along with the team mascot, driving down Fourth Avenue as part of the Saskatoon Ex parade on July 29, 2026. (Libby Gray/650 CKOM)

Paizley reported that go-karts, cars and people in costumes were all part of the exciting event. Jack said he liked “seeing lots of things,” especially the go-karts.

Paizley (left) and Jack (right), both seven years old, highlighted the free candy, cool cars and go-karts as some of their favourite parts of the 2026 Saskatoon Exhibition parade on July 29. (Libby Gray/650 CKOM)

Lance was at the parade with his family. He said his mother’s husband was a Shriner participating in the parade and Lance named that float as one of their highlights of the day. His partner agreed that the horses were another fun piece of the day.

The Saskatoon Ex opens its gates – and midway – once again on Thurs, July 30.

Saskatoon Police Service chief Cam McBride hands out treats to kids along Fourth Avenue in Saskatoon as part of the Exhibition parade on July 29, 2026. (Libby Gray/650 CKOM)