Summer fun: Saskatoon Ex parade will return Aug. 6 after five-year break

Mark your calendars – after a five-year hiatus, the Saskatoon Ex’s parade will once again be taking over downtown streets this August.

The exhibition parade will kick off on Aug. 6 at 10 a.m., using the same downtown route as previous years. Applications are open for those who want to participate with floats, horses, vintage vehicles or performers, with no entry fees required. Marching bands will be paid a performance fee if they join the festivities.

“Let’s come together once again to celebrate summer, community, and the joy of tradition at the Saskatoon EX kick-off parade,” a statement from Prairieland Park read. “Don’t miss out on this opportunity to be a part of something truly special!”

The parade route starts at the intersection of Spadina Crescent East and 24th Street East, turning left onto Fourth Avenue then continuing until making a right onto 20th Street East. The parade then goes back onto Spadina to return to its starting point.

The Ex runs from Aug. 6 to Aug. 11, running from noon to midnight each day.

The 2023 parade was cancelled amid some controversy, with organizers blaming the cancellation on downtown construction and detours, while the city said the parade didn’t go ahead because permits weren’t in place, despite efforts to come up with an alternate arrangement.