Queen City Ex returns with food, music and rides

The smell of deep-fried food, screams of joy from thrilling rides and live music performances were absent from Regina last summer. But they’re all set to make a grand comeback Friday.

The Queen City Ex (QCX) is back at Evraz Place after missing a year because of COVID restrictions.

The gates open for the first time at noon. The fair is set to run from Friday to Sunday, then taking a two-day break before starting again from Wednesday until Aug. 29.

Operating hours are from noon until midnight.

Thrill-seekers will have plenty of options as usual, with classic rides like The Zipper and the Ring of Fire. There’s also a roller coaster this year.

There are 14 kid-friendly rides to choose from.

Animal lovers can head to the petting zoo, complete with goats, sheep, donkeys and more.

There will be rowdy cowboys at the rodeo Friday and Saturday, competing in roughstock events like saddle bronc, and timed events like steer wrestling.

It’s unlikely that many will go hungry at QCX, considering the many food booths. This year, there’s a special focus on local ingredients, like the Northern Saskatchewan Bison Mac & Cheese.

Some well-known musicians will also hit the stage:

Friday, Aug. 20

• Reklaws
• JoJo Mason

Saturday, Aug. 21

• 54-40
• The Watchman

Sunday, Aug. 22

• The Halluci Nation formerly known as A Tribe Called Red

Wednesday, Aug. 25

• Scott Helman

Thursday, Aug. 26

• Hunter Brothers
• The Washboard Union

Friday, Aug. 27

• Sam Roberts Band
• K-OS

Saturday, Aug. 28

• The Trews
• Wide Mouth Mason

Sunday, Aug. 28

• Regina Symphony Orchestra & Fireworks

For people who may not feel like trying to find a parking spot, there’s another option: city buses are free for people who have a ticket to the fair.

There will be two free admission days for certain visitors.

On Saturday, anyone who goes to the Roughriders game can attend the fair for free. On Wednesday, essential workers like police, firefighters and healthcare workers will be allowed in for free.