What an NCAA rule change might mean for junior hockey in Sask.
Nov 18, 2024
Previously, WHL players were declared ineligible to play NCAA hockey in the U.S.
A summer staple in Saskatoon saw a record-breaking number this year.
According to Prairieland, 39,008 people made their way to the Saskatoon Ex on Sunday, breaking the attendance record for that day for a second straight year.
This year, the fair’s numbers came in at 207,046 attendees, which is down slightly from last year, according to Susan Kuzma, event manager for Prairieland Park.
“I think the weather did hurt us slightly,” she said about the rainy forecast from earlier in the week.
This year’s new security measures, which included metal detectors, were very successful, Kuzma said.
“People did have to wait a little bit longer, but they commented that the wait was worth it, and that they really felt safe at the fair,” she said.
Kuzma said some prohibited items confiscated at security were alcohol, pocketknives and cannabis.
She said the metal detectors will be back for future fairs, but Prairieland Park will look at ways to get people through lines quicker.
Another safety measure at this year’s Ex was the Lost Kids Program, which provided wristbands with contact numbers for kids at the gate.
According to Saskatoon police, 139 kids were lost on the fairgrounds this year.
Generally, Kuzma said lost kids were returned to their parents within 10 to 15 minutes of getting lost.
Police said 32 arrests were made at the Ex, including 12 for public intoxication.
There were also three assault charges — two of which involved alleged assaults of officers — along with seven trespassing charges and eight warrants executed.
According to police, there was also a bear spray incident, but the suspects fled from the scene when officers arrived, and the victim did not make a statement.
Inflation also had an impact on the exhibition this year.
Taxes were added to ticket sales at the gate, which added about $1 in comparison to last year.
Kuzma said organizers are working towards adding ways to help people save money, such as free admission for seniors on Sundays or discounted admission on certain weekdays.
She added people were also able to purchase tickets earlier at a discounted price.
Due to rising food costs, some of the fair’s stands did raise prices, but they are on par with what other fairs are charging around the country, Kuzma explained.
Overall, Kuzma said she’s happy with this year’s attendance numbers and planning for next year’s exhibition is already in the works.
“It’ll be bigger and better than ever,” she said.
The 2024 Saskatoon Ex is scheduled for Aug 6-11.