PHOTOS: Hundreds gather for rainy return of Saskatoon Exhibition Parade

After a five-year hiatus, the Saskatoon Exhibition Parade is back and better then ever.

The Parade began on Tuesday morning at 24th Street and Spadina. Families and communities from all over Saskatoon gathered in the rain to watch the show.

Representatives from the Whitecap Dakota First Nation rode in the rain during Tuesday’s parade. (Payton Zillich/650CKOM)

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Many city officials and first responders also joined in on the fun, including the Saskatoon police officers, paramedics, firefighters and the city’s mayor, Charlie Clark.

Saskatoon Mayor Charlie Clark waves to the crowd. (Payton Zillich/650 CKOM)

Two petite entries in the parade were fan favourites this year. The miniature ponies and the Shriner’s Hospitals’ mini semi truck had the crowd giggling with joy.

Shriners Hospitals’ mini semi-truck was a favourite of the crowd at the parade. (Payton Zillich/650 CKOM)

New this year to the Ex is the Co-op Family Fun Zone, which will be open daily during the exhibition for kids of all ages to enjoy. One special guest at the Family Fun Zone, Gabby from Gabby’s Dollhouse, made an appearance at the parade.

Gabby from Gabby’s Dollhouse made an appearance at the parade on Tuesday morning. (Payton Zillich/650CKOM)

The Whitecap Dakota Nation and the Métis Nation–Saskatchewan also joined in the parade. On the Whitecap float, songs and dances were shared with the crowd.

(Payton Zillich/650 CKOM)

There were tons of pom poms to get the crowd pumped up, with students from Brenda’s School of Baton and Dance waving to the beat.

A cheerful clown also walked along the route to meet the children.

(Payton Zillich/650 CKOM)

The gates of the highly anticipated Saskatoon Ex officially opened at Prairieland Park at noon on Tuesday.

The exhibition runs until Sunday.