REGINA — The Queen City EX is returning to Regina with a new look.
On Friday, the Regina Exhibition Association Ltd. (REAL) and partners presented details of the classic summer event, including new rides.
“We have a new one called F5. It's essentially a freak-out ride similar to the Star Dancer, but it doesn't go up over the top. It's a 120-degree spinning claw pendulum-type ride,” said West Coast Amusements president and CEO Rob Hauser.
Hauser also mentioned other rides, including the return of the zipper, a swinging pendulum ride called the 'Chaos’, a zero-gravity ride similar to the Gravitron and more.
This will be the first year West Coast Amusements has been the midway partner for the festival.
Queen City Ex event manager Cathleen Betker confirmed North American Midway Entertainment ended the agreement between the two groups on their terms, citing it as a business decision.
“We [then] reached out to West Coast Amusements in the fall of 2024. They were super excited to work with us,” she said.
“The opportunity kind of came out of the blue. We weren't really prepared for it, but I mean, we always love a challenge,” said Hauser.
Betker said the new partnership is expected to last for the foreseeable future.
Hauser confirmed the festival will see roughly 40 rides split between kiddie, families, major and spectacular.
Along with rides, there will also be a demolition derby, a full-send BMX show, and more.
Also announced during the event is an all-Canadian line-up for the Original 16 Stage.
Performing on stage include rock bands Blue Rodeo, The Glorious Sons, Sam Roberts Band, music duo The Reklaws, Canadian singer Bif Naked, and Canadian musician Kim Mitchell
“It's really important, especially right now, that we have a great sense of patriotism,” said Betker.
Betker also announced more affordable admissions for people.
In partnership with Sherwood Co-op, general admission tickets for the Queen City EX will go for $16, which includes taxes and fees. A family and friends pack with four passes is priced at $54. Meanwhile, a ride-all-day pass is priced at $55.
Betker said this move was in response to receiving feedback from families struggling with ticket prices.
The Queen City EX also plans to have more shade areas for families to cool off and relax.
More information about the event will be revealed over their social media in the coming weeks, said event organizers.
The Queen City EX will run from July 30 until Aug. 3.
