2023 QCX wraps with lower attendance, fewer security incidents

After days of concerts, rides and deep-fried everything, the Queen City Ex (QCX) has concluded for another year.

Tim Reid, the president and CEO of Regina Exhibition Association Limited (REAL), told the Greg Morgan Morning Show on Thursday 259,530 people visited the QCX this year, about a seven per cent decrease compared to last year.

“There (were) some incredible results, including sold-out concerts, incredible food sales. It really was a great fair,” Reid said, adding that the way the August long weekend falls each year impacts attendance because many cottage-goers already have plans.

Despite the decreased attendance, Reid added he doesn’t feel pricing is the issue.

“Coming out of COVID, every fair in North America saw this massive growth last year. It’s starting to settle a bit,” he said.

“But no, the feedback we had, there was lots of great programming. I don’t know where else you can go to have dog shows and have motorcycle shows, and concerts all included in a 20-dollar ticket.”

Reid said he believes the Flo Rida concert at Confederation Park last Thursday was the first sold-out concert in history at the QCX.

The venue reached capacity and had to close the gates after 8,500 spectators arrived.

“For those (who) attended Flo Rida, it might have been the most extraordinary concert (they’ve) ever seen,” Reid said. “Like, he was out in the audience. He was climbing the scaffolding racks. Like, he was such an extraordinary performer, so that Thursday night was something to remember.”

Even though the economic impact hasn’t been calculated yet, Reid said he estimates an increase of $12.8 million over the economic wind generated by last year’s fair.

REAL said in a news release Thursday that security incidents were down significantly over 2022 and 2021 due to its partnership with the Regina Police Service and enhanced gate screening.