Ashley Messier builds hockey legacy with sights on PWHL, Olympics
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It’s a summertime tradition loved by many: Going to the fair.
Tim Reid, the CEO of Regina Exhibition Association Limited (REAL), shared more about the 2022 Queen City Ex at a news conference on Wednesday.
He said one of the big focuses this year is keeping things affordable as inflation makes life harder for everyone.
“We recognize that things are a little bit tougher right now, and we don’t anticipate that by August they’re going to be any easier,” he said.
So what will REAL be doing to help? For one, it’ll be offering tickets for just $5 on the first day of the fair, Aug. 3.
It also will give out free tickets with 24 packs of Original 16 beer, and to anyone who’s going to the international soccer game scheduled for Aug. 3.
“I think it’s about our social responsibility and being a good neighbour, but also making sure that price isn’t always a barrier to participate,” Reid said.
“We know that things at the fair can be expensive, but we also know that for $5 to be able to watch kids shows and live music and listen to entertainers, that’s just the best value you can get.
“I don’t know that you can buy a good coffee for $5 anymore.”
REAL is also using the event as an opportunity to bring in food donations for the Regina Food Bank.
“We’ve always been trying to do the right thing for our community. We’re owned by the City of Regina, which means that we’re owned by the community, and we’re a non-profit organization,” Reid said.
But while it’s tougher for the average person to afford the fair, it’s also more expensive for REAL to put on the Ex.
Still, Reid thinks the organization can definitely afford it if it gets enough support.
“All of our costs have gone up this year,” he said. “The affordability of artists and the accessibility to artists is like nothing it’s ever been before, but I think what we’re banking on is volume. As long as people come out and support the fair, honestly, we can afford to do a lot.”
Outside of the money talk, what is there to do?
Reid’s favourite part of the Ex is pretty simple.
“I just love walking through it. I walk through the fair about 20 times a day … We’ve got this great tradition … where the last rides of the fair is a mandatory staff meeting,” he said with a grin.
“I love seeing five days of fun, five days of celebration and then getting to recognize our team for making that happen … It is about the smiles for me.”
The Ex is scheduled for Aug. 3 through Aug. 7.
It’s to feature events like the Pile O’Bones Rodeo, a mechanical bull riding challenge, rides, concerts from Streetheart, Tenille Arts and more, and lots of food to indulge in.
The Saskatoon Ex is to start a couple days later on Aug. 9 and is to wrap up Aug. 14.