Plenty of thrills at Manitoba Summer Fair

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 06/06/2018 (2918 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

“The Zipper” welcomed me.

It had bright shiny letters. It’s like a happy horror movie, cheerfully welcoming me to enter a place I’m not sure I’ll walk out of the same.

It’s a ride that spins you around your individual car, while at the same time spinning you around a larger track. Up, down, around.

The Zipper is one of the many attractions at the 136th Manitoba Summer Fair, which kicks off today, offering

food, rides and family entertainment.

Members of the media were invited to a special sneak preview of the fair last night, and I headed over to the grounds to check out some of the rides they had to offer.

But when the Zipper began, I strongly questioned my decision-making skills. My view was restricted as my eyes were closed the entire time, save a few times I squinted bravely out at the world in front of me. It’s upside down and spinning all around. I never saw Brandon from so many different angles before.

I clung on to my seatmates hand for dear life. Until five minutes ago we were strangers, but now here we were, and I was holding her hand like we knew each other forever.

I gripped it tightly, she was my lifeline in the unknown. Just me, her, and The Zipper. It was a great ride for those with strong stomachs and someone looking to make a fast friend. I guarantee once you walk in to The Zipper with someone, you’ll walk out closer than when you first got on.

I tested the Ferris wheel next. It gave an excellent view of the city and the fair grounds, gently rocking its riders back and forth. If you have a weak stomach, I recommend going on the Ferris wheel before trying The Zipper. That way, you can better enjoy the view that it had to offer. My eyes stayed open for this one, and it certainly offered a great Instagram worthy photo of the city.

The Rock-n-Cars, also known as bumper cars, were next on my list. It’s a plus for kids who can step into one of the colourful options and feel like they’re driving a real car. For me, it was great for other reasons. I could hit whoever I want, and I wouldn’t get a ticket. I couldn’t lose demerit points, and I didn’t have to pay insurance.

I stepped into a bright yellow one, my weapon of choice. It didn’t have a brake pedal that I was aware of. My kind of car. I zoomed around, and I was a kid again. Driving was a lot more fun with less rules.

There was an abundance of other rides that there was no time to try Tuesday, including the classic swings that take you up for a nice view of the city, while spinning you around.

Besides rides, there will be mini horse races, a fire eater, and yummy fair food to try during the week from June 6 until June 10.

The fair — rides and all — will be at the Keystone Centre grounds daily until Sunday.

» mverge@brandonsun.com

» Twitter: @Melverge5