New and traditional rides back at Queen City Ex

The Queen City Ex is back and so too are the usual rides and entertainment people look forward too.

This year’s festival will feature 55 total rides for fair goers to enjoy. Those who attended the fair last year might remember that they had to deal with a downsized version because some rides were unavailable because of Canadian border restrictions.

Scooter Korek is the vice president of client services for North American Midway Entertainment and says with the fair being back at full capacity, that means all of your favourite rides are returning.

Korek said they have brought back many other fan favourites as well.

“We have brought back all of our favourites like the Crazy Mouse, and no midway could be complete without The Zipper, and of course the Polar Express is here,” he mentioned.

Korek remembers the outrage from not long ago when they attempted to retire The Zipper.

“There was so much public outcry! We refurbished the entire thing and then brought it back for our line-up,” said Korek.

While the Queen City Ex will continue to have its traditional rides people are used to, there is a new dino-themed ride will be at the centre of attention for kids.

“We brought a brand new Raptor Run with us which is made for the young and the young at heart,” said Korek.

The Raptor Run can be described as a large, green, spinning machine, which takes riders in a two-person spinning carriage, all while swirling on a rotating track.

Korek says so far the ride has been incredibly popular since it debuted in Winnipeg. He mentions it was also a popular draw at the most recent edition of the Calgary Stampede.

Since he’s around the rides all of the time, Korek has indulged in them and noted the traditional swings are his favourite.

The swings you could be riding on this week were originally purchased from a German manufacturer in 1977. According to Korek, the machine has only hit its half life span.

Regina is the fifth stop so far for the travelling fair. Korek suggests people are excited to be back and enjoying all aspects of it.

“The fairs we have been too this year have been nothing less than spectacular,” said Korek. “I think the community wants to just get going again, put this pandemic behind us and go have some fun.”

REAL president and CEO Tim Reid says there are also entertainment options for fair goers like the Canine Circus for those that don’t want to go on rides.

“Last year we had a squirrel that water skis, this year we have a squirrel that drives a jeep, and people love it,” he explained.

Reid said they have also expanded The Extreme Zone, which is now a fully licensed opportunity. There are new bleachers so people can watch motorcycles stunts and pogo stick tricks.

“It is just truly crazy superhuman acts as well as just some crazy fun experiences,” Reid said.

“The whole idea of the fair is that it is accessible to all ages,” he added. “Once your gate admission gets you in, all the entertainment is included.”

Jason Derulo and Street Heart will be headlining at Confederation Park on the QCX grounds later Friday night.