The Moose Jaw Hometown Fair is back for another thrilling weekend of food, games, and entertainment. The fair is an annual tradition in Moose Jaw that dates back to 1884. This year the fair will be held today, Saturday, June 22 and Sunday, June 23. As always, it was preceded by the Hometown Parade.
“Our number one focus is to make this a family-friendly fair, where both adults and young people can enjoy it,” said George Fowler, general manager of the Moose Jaw Exhibition Company.
This week we are highlighting five facts about this year’s fair.
Getting In
As of today, advance bracelets are no longer available. Instead, you will have to pay at the gate. You can purchase a one-day ride ticket for $45. Admission is extra. On Sunday you can get unlimited access to the rides at Kiddie Land for $25.
If you just want to wander the fairgrounds but don’t feel like trying out any of the rides, admission is $12 for adults or $8 for students and seniors. Kids six and under get in free.
If, however, you change your mind after entering the gate and decide you want to try one of the rides, you will be able to purchase individual ride tickets. According to the West Coast Amusements website, each ride will take anywhere between three to seven tickets each. A single ticket is $1.25. You can also purchase a red book of 20 tickets for $23 or a blue book of 40 for $45.
Lots to See and Do
When most people think of the fair they likely think of the rides or the carnival games. There is, however, a great deal of supplementary entertainment to thrill crowds this weekend.
The Canine Stars dog show will be performing several times throughout the weekend. This group made it all the way to the Top 5 on America’s Got Talent back in 2017.
Toy maker Hasbro will come in with a toy testing station. You can try out Nerf and Beyblade toys. Hasbro is hosting these stations in just 10 locations around Canada, with Moose Jaw being one of the selected stops this year.
Safari Jeff will do three shows a day. He will bring along a wide variety of reptiles.
You can also try your hand at paintless paint ball — the game uses chalk, rather than paint.
A mounted shooting competition will be held, as well as a light horse show and the 4-H show and sale.
Other acts include:
- Professional stiltwalkers;
- Ride the Vibe, a motorcycle stunt show;
- Mango and Dango, a circus act.
All entertainment is free and included with the price of admission. A full schedule is available on Facebook.
In addition to performances, you may want to check out the various vendors that will be on hand for the event.
Need to Know
Kids under the age of two are not permitted to go on any of the rides, for safety reasons. As well, riders cannot be shorter than three feet in height.
Every ride will have different height restrictions, so be sure to pay attention to signs.
The West Coast Amusements website says that pregnant women are not allowed on rides.
All riders must have a ticket, which includes parents accompanying children.
The midway will be open from 3 p.m. to midnight on Friday, from noon until midnight on Saturday, and from noon until 10 p.m. on Sunday.
Parking and Transportation
The parking situation at the fair will be familiar to anyone who has gone to the event in the past. While there is a limited amount of parking on the north side of the Exhibition Grounds, there will be plenty of paid parking available in the Superstore lot. These spots will be easily identified. Proceeds will support a local ball team.
“The proceeds go 100 per cent to the ball team,” said Fowler. “We really appreciate Superstore for allowing that.”
You can also park for free in the ditch along Thatcher Drive, although Fowler says you do so at your own risk.
Don’t feel like driving? You can always take the bus; public transportation will picking up and dropping off riders at the Superstore parking lot. This is a regular city bus stop and will operate normal hours.
West Coast Amusements
Once again, the fair will be operated by West Coast Amusements. The company has over 80 years of experience and is based in British Columbia. The business has been in the family for four generations. They operate in over 100 locations across the country each year. A total of 125 rides and 300 staff members are divided into three touring groups. After the fair in Moose Jaw, WCA will be in Swift Current from June 26-29.
