By Nigel Maxwell

Change could be coming to Prince Albert Exhibition

Nov 21, 2014 | 5:50 AM

The numbers are in from this past summer’s exhibition in Prince Albert.

Gate receipts were down almost $50,000 compared to 2013 — $270,388 in vs. $320,000 the year before. Midway receipts also took a hit, down $13,000 compared to last year  –$167,000 vs. $180,000.

These numbers concern the newly elected president of the Prince Albert Exhibition Association.

“We really have to stop and wonder, what was the problem; because weather wasn’t all that terribly bad, we’ve had worse weather,” said Jim Wilm.

Wilm said the board is currently in negotiations with West Coast Amusements, the company that provides the midway rides. The board is also taking a look at its feature attractions.

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“So we are going to take a look at those events and see if we can bring in some different attractions that may be different and unique for Prince Albert,” said Wilm.

Wilm said as president, he would also like to see some changes at the executive level. One big change would be to have a long-term plan.

“I’ve been on the board a number of years now and we seem to be just working year to year. My opinion, is we have to set some goals and objectives for where we want to be five years down the road,” he said.

In terms of his own long-term plan, Wilm said he would like to see an expanded use of the exhibition grounds. In the past some of the local car dealerships have used the grounds for car sales. The hall has also been a popular booking spot for weddings. Wilm would like to expand on those types of events.

Wilm wears a number of hats. He is also quite active with the Lions’ Club. Wilm said he feels this will be a benefit to both sides, as the Lions’ Club and the Exhibition Association have always had a close relationship.

“A good example is the monster trucks when they were in that was a big weekend. The Exhibition Association put it on but the Lions’ Club volunteered to look after all the concession,” said Wilm.

The summer fair takes place at the end of July.

nmaxwell@panow.com

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell