Hot weather, cool rides at Summer Fair

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This article was published 07/06/2023 (979 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Fairgoers can expect hot weather and a handful of new rides at the 2023 Manitoba Summer Fair, which is set to kick off this afternoon.

The fair will feature close to 40 rides this year, including new rides for kids, while bringing back staples like the Saloon to the Keystone Centre grounds this week.

The annual fair will run today through Sunday.

“It’s still a fantastic value, and no travel, of course — it’s right on your doorstep,” Provincial Exhibition of Manitoba general manger Mark Humphries said in an interview.

Gates will open 4 p.m. and fireworks will mark the opening night. On Thursday, western Manitobans with physical and intellectual disabilities will attend a luncheon and have exclusive access to the midway from 1 to 3 p.m. Humphries said that the more than 800 participants this year is an increase from last year.

Also on Thursday, the Dome building will host a seniors tea, which will run from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. and feature entertainment provided by the Brandon Ukelele Group. Admission is $10.

On Sunday, attendees can enjoy the popular Breakfast Under the Dome. Admission is $8, and the event will run from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

The Saloon will be returning to the Keystone Centre’s Manitoba Room this year as well for adults. Attendees can listen the Geezer band on Thursday night and a tribute to Patsy Cline on Friday. Meanwhile, kids can be entertained with numerous events under the big tent that’s located north of the Dome Building on the 13th Street side of the Keystone Centre grounds. Pony and wagon rides for kids will be back again this year, while “Dr. Von Houligan’s Family Extravaganza,” featuring music and magic, will offer something new for fairgoers.

Most of the new rides this year will be for the kids, Humphries said. He said that young fairgoers can try out the new “Lollipop Swings,” carousel elephants, teacups and a tugboat ride. Humphries said that popular mainstays of the rides, like the haunted mansion, the “Cliff Hanger” and the “Megadrop” are back.

Tickets can be purchased online throughout the week and at the gate, although Humphries encourages people to buy tickets before arriving to keep lines running smoothly. Entrance lineups could be longer this week because of the mandatory bag checks at all entrance gates that is part of the increased security measures.

Still, Humphries emphasized that the Provincial Ex is trying to keep the fair as affordable as possible, noting that tickets had been on sale with offers, like free kids tickets, up until Tuesday. He added that ticket sales both online and at Co-op stores are up from last year.

“We’re trying to keep everything on the rails and keep everybody as happy as we can and also provide the entertainment that Brandon needs,” Humphries said.

The entertainment, of course, will depend on the weather this week, which is expected to stay hot.

“The heat and humidity that we’re experiencing right now are unseasonably warm,” Environment and Climate Change Canada meteorologist Stephen Berg told the Sun. Berg said that the highs and lows this year are 10 degrees above average.

He says the high temps will continue for the Summer Fair. While the mercury may drop slightly on Thursday, it will rise again by Sunday.

“Another concern will be showers and thunderstorms possible for the next three days,” Berg said, explaining that high temperatures and humidity create instability, which is a key ingredient for thunderstorms.

Berg suggested that those spending time outdoors at the fair in the coming days ensure they stay hydrated and take cover in a vehicle if thunderstorms start. Humphries also recommended fairgoers have adequate supplies of water and sunscreen for the events.

» gmortfield@brandonsun.com

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