For the first time since 1999, the Saskatoon Exhibition is returning to an eight-day format, up from the usual six.
That isn’t all that’s new. Dan Kemppainen, Prairieland CEO, says this year, the 140th Saskatoon Ex has new dates. It will start on July 31st and run until August 7th, through the August long weekend.
For the thrill seekers, the Ex is getting a new midway format, meaning 85 per cent of the Calgary Stampede ride lineup will be brought to Saskatoon, increasing ridership by over 33 per cent.
With those rides comes a slew of new-to-Saskatoon food vendors, as well.
“We’ll definitely be getting some new ones. I haven’t seen the final lineup yet of what we’re getting for food vendors, but there will definitely be some interesting fair foods, no question.”
For music lovers, the entertainment lineup includes Smashmouth, Loverboy, TLC, Metric, High Valley, the Road Hammers, and Washboard Union to name a few.
The nightly firework show will be preceded by an illuminated drone show, also new, and the Super Dogs have promised a new routine, as well.
The pre-Ex downtown parade will be moving from the morning of opening day to the day prior.
“On Wednesday, July 30th, we invite the community to gather downtown for a kickoff parade featuring our new Saskatoon Ex float that we’re excited for everyone to see.”
An agriculture aspect will also be making its way back to the Ex. Kemppainen says a tent called the Agriculture Pavillion will be added to the midway, housing a petting zoo, pony rides, and trivia contests.
“Being that it’s our 140th, and we started as an ag. society, we want to introduce agriculture back into the fair…We want to get back a little bit to our roots.”
Kemppainen says admission prices will go up slightly this year, but those who participate in the advanced sales program can attend for a discounted price, and Super Passes are available at all Circle K locations.
Despite the significant increase of bear spray incidents in Saskatoon, organizers of the Ex say they’re confident in the security measures they’re putting forward this year.
Patrick Barbar, head of Prairieland Security Operations, says two years ago, the Ex had made a significant investment in security equipment and personnel, and those efforts are proving effective.
“Last year, we had zero bear spray incidents on the fairgrounds, and zero incidents involving edged weapons, knives, or any other type of weapons.”
In 2024, the Ex saw over 200,000 people, and this year, the team expects that total to approach 250,000 attendees.
