Wrapping up its 126th year, the Saskatoon Exhibition continues to be a summer-staple for the city of Saskatoon.

The event saw high attendance numbers with roughly 220,000 people attending over the last five days at Prairieland Park.

“This year we had a very good entertainment package—very diversified,” said Carl Schlosser, director of events for Prairieland Park. “We always try to add some new components every year and by adding that new component, it keeps the fair fresh.”

Schlosser also noted although the Ex has grown substantially from its beginnings as an agricultural-centric event with rural roots, the purpose of the event remains the same.

“Back in the day, the Ex used to be a time for the whole community to come together and I don’t think that’s changed,” he said. “I think people plan their summer around the Exhibition because for some of them this is part of their holidays.”

Expanding demographic
Schlosser explained although the majority of Ex-goers are of a younger demographic, he hopes to include more senior orientated events for the next year.

“Last year we had the Reba show, which attracted a lot of seniors and they were very pleased with that, but we are looking at areas where we can add that kind of a component, because we know they’re part of our fair as well,” he said.