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The Exhibition is back!

Jul 26, 2015 | 11:52 AM

It’s that time of year again when residents in and around Prince Albert will be coming to the Exhibition grounds to enjoy carnival rides and fair food.

The Prince Albert Exhibition kicks off on Monday night with a parade at 7 p.m. followed by the fairgrounds opening up to the public on Tuesday.

Jim Wilm, president of the Prince Albert Exhibition said they have an exciting list of events coming to this year’s event.

He said at first they weren’t sure if they would be able to have a full schedule of events because of the wildfires in northern Saskatchewan.

“We’ve just been able to confirm at this point now everything is back in place, so we’re able to carry on with all of our schedule as we initially planned it. With the fires it kind of put a little challenge to us but everything is a go now,” Wilm said.

They were back and forth throughout the time that the evacuees and military were in the city, He said.

“When they initially showed up here we immediately sat down with them and said ok, this has a big impact on us and what’s possibly going to happen in the future,” Wilm explained.

“We continued to work with them on a daily basis and as things went on and once the rain hit and finally found out that the chance of getting under control and people to be able to go home then we could see the light at the end of the tunnel and we started making plans to move on.”

Wilm said during their conversations they did create a plan where if they needed to cancel events they would have.

The Prince Albert Armory has now been turned back to the PA Exhibition for the week of the fair.

The Optimart Trade Show will be held daily in the Armory building from 2 p.m. until 10 p.m.

“So that has actually turned right back into what we initially had planned but at the same time we were able to accommodate all the activities going on with the forest fires and addressing those needs.”

Wilm said it was iffy at times but fortunately when the rains came it made a huge difference and “everything seemed to turn around in the matter of a few days.”

“It was amazing to see how quickly they could pack up almost 700 people and all their equipment and be gone.”

Due to the wildfires in BC, the sheep show at this year’s PA EX has been cancelled because of traffic restrictions in that province.

Wilm encourages everyone to come and check out the PA EX as there is something for everyone, young and old.

Activities at the PA EX

One of the new acts this year is Safire, a world-renowned circus and fire entertainer who is known for her hoop dancing. She began her circus training in 2006.

Safire will have daily shows throughout the PA Exhibition at 2:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

The Dave Steuart Arena will host activities and entertainment throughout the PA EX.

On Tuesday the Roger Boucher Family Magic Show will perform three times at the arena at 2 p.m., 4 p.m. and 6 p.m.

There will also be a talent show auditions at 3 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday at the arena.

In the evening on Wednesday Donny Parenteau will be performing at the arena at 8 p.m.

On Thursday at 3 p.m. there will be the Elmer Lammadee Stompin’ Tom Tribute show.

“[Thursday] is senior’s day. Most of the seniors are quite taken with [Elmer’s] presentation so he’ll be Stompin’ Tom away there for a while and giving them a good show.”

Wilm said on Friday night at 8 p.m. they will have their main attraction which will be local band Constant Reminder.

He said on Saturday they will be having something a little different.

“At 4 p.m. in the afternoon we’re going to have a jigging contest in the Steuart Arena, which is something new. We thought we’d try something and maybe that would be an attraction for the people. Then on Saturday night we’ll wrap up with the talent show finals [at 8 p.m.].”

Some of the old classics will be back and include the demolition derby, chariot races and chuck wagon races.  

The West Coast Amusements Midway attractions will be open daily between Tuesday and Saturday from 1 p.m. until midnight.

For a list of events at this year’s Exhibition you can check out their website

The PA EX will finish on Saturday night at 11 p.m. with a fireworks display.

swallace@panow.com

Twitter @sarahthesquid