The Manitoba Summer Fair gets underway at the Provincial Exhibition tomorrow in Brandon, and runs through June 7th. From food trucks and vendors to entertainment, there will be something for everyone to enjoy.
Tim Rowan, President of the Provincial Exhibition of Manitoba, said they've been hard at work getting everything ready, and it's just about set.
"Prep's been going good, we had North American Midway land in last week, they started setting up Thursday, we're just going through safety checks to make sure all the equipment's up and running, and it's gonna be a safe fair...we do have some really really good entertainment coming in on our main stage in the Manitoba room," said Rowan.
Some of their performers include Wayne Lee, back by popular demand after the Winter Fair, a Summer Fair staple in Doodles the Clown, and several Ukrainian and El Salvadorian dance groups.
One fun bonus of this year's fair is North American Midway brought a couple of rides to the Great White North for the first time: The Downdraft and the Super Miami. Rowan said he's excited to see them in action.
"We have 2 brand new rides to the fair this year, and they're actually making their Canadian debut here in Brandon. We're the first stop for North American Midway before they go to Winnipeg and off to Calgary Stampede, so we have the Downdraft, that's a new ride, and we have the Super Miami, so those are both brand new to Canada, and again making their debut here in Canada...I haven't got on them yet, we're doing some runs tonight just to make sure things are working, but I'll give them a try, but I'm sure they'll be great," said Rowan.
In his 7 years of experience with the Provincial Exhibition, Rowan's been able to see first-hand a lot of the inner workings of the fair, and has helped with some key decisions to improve the fair. One major improvement this year is increased safety and security, including partnerships with the Brandon Police Service and other security groups. Considering the forecast as well, weather is a bit of a concern this year, but you can expect smiles whether it's rain or shine.
"As an organization, we've really put a focus on a safe family event...there's always a chance of rain in the forecast, but what we tell people, there's a hundred percent chance of fun if they come to the fair," said Rowan.
If you get tickets before midnight tonight, it's just $50 for entry and an unlimited ride pass. After tonight, tickets are $13 for anyone 13 and older on Wednesday and Thursday, and $15 Friday through Sunday. Kids 6 to 12 are $10 every day, and kids 5 and under are free.
For more details or to purchase tickets, click here to visit the Provincial Exhibition's website.
