96-year-old woman has fond memories of days at the Exhibition

The treats are still as delicious as Emma Bartel remembers.

“We are enjoying the doughnuts and some of us are enjoying the cheesecake,” said Bartel, one of 13 seniors from Parkside who spent the day at the Queen City Exhibition on Wednesday.

Now 96, Bartel still has lasting memories of when she first attended the fair.

Her aunt took her to Saskatoon to go to that city’s exhibition when Bartel was five years old. She remembered the beautiful dancing girls with pom poms who did flips in the air.

“(It was) such a wonderful experience,” said Bartel. “The grandstand hasn’t been as nice for me as it has been since I was five years old. Of course I was really impressed at that time.”

The fashion shows at the fair were also a showstopper for Bartel. She said she never bought anything, but it was nice to look.

Bartel attended the Ex on Wednesday for Seniors Day. She used to attend the Exhibition with her husband before his death four years ago, but she has such fond memories of him spending time there.

Her husband loved watching their kids ride the horses years ago. One of Bartel’s favourite rides was the ferris wheel.

On Wednesday, temperatures in the 30s C did not worry Bartel.

“We were given sunblock and hats, so we are OK for the sun, but I hope to get a suntan,” she said with a laugh.

The QCX runs through Sunday at the REAL District.