Construction rains on Saskatoon EX Parade

There’s no show on the road this summer.

This year was supposed to be the comeback for the Saskatoon Ex Parade, which took a hiatus during the pandemic. But the event will have to wait another year according to Susan Kuzma, manager of signature events at Prairieland Park.

Due to extensive road construction happening in the city, Kuzma said there isn’t a way to accommodate the downtown route for the parade.

“We really kind of came up against a wall, and we just weren’t able to pull it off and find a suitable route for the parade this year,” Kuzma said.

Three routes were proposed to the city, but Kuzma said construction threw a wrench into each of those plans.

“Obviously we were extremely disappointed – I’m sure our parade participants are – and all of the people that come out to watch it,” she said, noting it’s one of the largest parades in the city.

Kuzma said the parade has been around for over 40 years, and not only does it kick off the exhibition, but it’s a great community event as well. A majority of the entries for the parade are local, featuring everything from community groups to sports teams, she explained.

“It’s really a great representation of the community in Saskatoon,” Kuzma said.

Although the main parade won’t be making an appearance this year, Kuzma said the daily Mardi Gras parade will still be held every day at the park, which features a brass band and bead throwing.

Planning for next year’s parade will start in January, and Kuzma said she hopes the city could accommodate the parade’s plans, even if there is major construction planned.

“Next year, we’re looking at bigger and better things, and we definitely want to bring it back,” she said.

The Saskatoon EX kicks off Aug. 8 at Prairieland.