The wrist bands this year can be used for rides, games and food. (Nigel Maxwell/paNOW Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

Community events

New payment option creates confusion for fair goers

Jul 31, 2024 | 4:30 PM

The President of West Coast Amusements says a new payment option this year makes life easier for staff and will help get people on the rides and games faster.

The idea of a cashless Midway has in recent days created some online controversy and when interviewed by paNOW on Wednesday, Rob Hauser explained they are not entirely cashless, as people can still use cash to pay for tickets or wristbands.

The difference this year is that wristbands and tickets can now be used on the rides, and to pay for games and food. And unless people are buying a “ride-all-day” band, one wristband can be used by multiple family members.

“So basically you just load your cash on your wrist band,” Hauser said, noting how in the past when people bought $20 in tickets for rides, and only used $10, they could not use it for anything else and would just have to take them home and use them the following year.

To help get people on the rides faster, West Coast Amusements has provided over 30 kiosks which are situated throughout the Midway area and there are staff members nearby, in case someone needs help.

Great Cause

Parkland Ambulance crowned champions of annual Terry Fox Relay Race

Sep 07, 2024

Banjo Bowl Blues

Riders winless streak increases to 7, late INT seals loss to Bombers

Sep 07, 2024

Sask Rivers - What's on Your Mind

Sep 07, 2024

The new system is designed to decrease wait times getting tickets. (Nigel Maxwell/paNOW Staff)

Acknowledging the confusion created by something new, Hauser said the system has been tried in 66 centers and has proven to be very effective. In addition to the desired goal of helping guests, the wrist bands are also designed to help fair organizers, as they provide a more accurate record of how many people were on a given ride, how many repeat riders there were, and if those repeat riders came back twice or 10 times.

“So it really gives us an idea what’s going on,” Hauser said.

Another reason for a new system is that cash, according to Hauser, creates more work. Not only with respect to daily counting but also with respect to collecting from and paying the various sub-contractors on site.

“We wanna be out doing maintenance on our rides, be on our Midway, making sure our customer service is good,” he said, adding people who don’t want to go on any rides or play any games, can still used debit or credit at the food vendors.

The Hanglider ride remains one of the more popular. (Nigel Maxwell/paNOW Staff)

It should also be noted that the system only applies to West Coast Amusements, so if someone wants to explore the various other vendors and attractions on the exhibition grounds, cash will be welcomed. With respect to the online pushback, Hauser said he’s heard it before.

“A lot of our cities when we returned the next year and did this for the second time, there was no feedback at all,” he said.

When the Midway opened at 1 p.m. there were long lines at the ticket kiosks. The families paNOW spoke to said they were not entirely sure how the new system worked, but liked the idea of the convenience.

—

nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @nigelmaxwell