REGINA — The 2025 Queen City Ex (QCX) saw lower attendance compared to last year.
In a media release from the Regina Exhibition Association Limited (REAL), the 2025 event had 74,655 attendees. In 2024, the event saw 102,182 attendees.
These numbers were tracked via scanned attendance.
“Contributing factors to this year’s attendance included the Saskatchewan Roughriders playing an away game, the timing of the Saskatchewan Day holiday, the pause of several community activations like Kidway Morning, Newcomers Day, the 5k Midway Run, the pancake breakfast with free admission, and a delayed start to ticket sales,” said REAL CEO and president Rick Bennett.
This year’s QCX wasn’t announced until early June, leaving only a little more than two months for people to prepare and purchase their tickets.
Event organizers had their hands full as their previous midway partner, North American Midway Entertainment, did not renew its contract after the 2024 event.
For this year’s event, West Coast Amusements (WCA) was brought on as QCX’s new long-term midway partner, bringing in 40 rides.
WCA had done previous smaller fairs in Saskatchewan, including Moose Jaw and Yorkton.
“Their team brought kindness, excitement, and a genuine desire to make every guest feel welcome,” said QCX event manager Cat Betker. “That’s the kind of partner that builds trust in an event like this.”
A big part of the QCX was also the presence of the Regina Police Service (RPS).
The RPS dealt with nearly 100 matters, including 76 missing children and five altercations.
“The relatively small number of incidents is a testament to police presence as a deterrent, excellent work by REAL Security, and the positive choices made by those attending the fair,” said the RPS in a released statement. Walk-through metal detectors were once again implemented along with enhanced screening and proactive planning, resulting in a safe Queen City Ex.“
“Families deserve to feel safe while they have fun,” said Bennett. “We’re grateful to the Regina Police Service and our community partners who helped make this a secure and welcoming environment.”
Along with reflecting on the 2025 QCX, REAL announced the 2026 event will take place from July 29 to Aug. 2, 2026.
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