Food, Fun, and Finds: Experiencing the Saskatoon EX in Style
Everyone in Saskatoon knows that magic is in the air when August hits. Or is that just the smell of mini donuts? It’s hard to say, but I know the Saskatoon Exhibition is tons of fun! Every year, you can spin yourself silly, listen to stellar music, eat food until you need to be rolled home, and buy a few things you may not find elsewhere. Let’s review a few of my favourite things to do while attending the Saskatoon Ex!
The Food
Sorry, was I drooling? But with our first food item being Spudnuts, you must understand the need! Ironically, the first year I ever had a Spudnut was in 2023, and with the first bite, I knew I was addicted. While I do love both flavours they offer (chocolate and vanilla), the vanilla stands out to me. I could go to the Ex just to sit outside and eat Spudnuts. I know, I have a problem.
One of my earliest memories is of me sitting on the floor with a bucket of powdered mini donuts. To this day, I grab some every year at the Ex. I’ve tried the cinnamon ones, plain ones, and so many others, but my heart will always belong to the powdered variety. Plus, it can be some fun added make-up when you get really messy!
One of my favourite fair foods happens to be meat skewers. Now, you may think “really? That doesn’t scream going to the Ex?”, but I bet you’ve had a hot dog or a burger while there! Think of skewers just like that. This skewer was BBQ Pork, and the notes of sweetness hit just right for all the fun and flair around me.
The Fun
Have you ever felt so wound up that you could climb a wall? Well, that’s what I did on the Alien Abduction. This spaceship ride spins around so fast that you can climb around the walls using the force of gravity. Be warned: it is not for the faint of heart or the weak of stomach! After this ride, you might have to take a moment to sit down (much like I did).
I want to start this by saying I hate heights. But there was no way I couldn’t ride the Yo-Yo! The classic swing ride called my name the second I stepped on the Ex grounds. Plus, it is so much fun to view everything from the sky during the night! Feeling the wind in your hair and seeing the lights below made me giddy—or maybe that was because of my fear? Who knows! Either way, I’ll ride the Yo-Yo every single year.
The Century Wheel is a must, especially when the sun finally sets. Seeing the lights sparkle from the midway is magical, plus it makes for a cute photo moment. Despite my fear of heights, I love this Ferris wheel ride. Sometimes, I find that I see something on it that I didn’t see while walking around, which means more adventure for me!
The Finds
Something I’ve never seen done with my own eyes is freeze-dried candy. Have I seen them wherever I go? Yes! But Dragon’s Breath is an even more unique vendor. Dragon Breath is a frozen dessert made from freeze-dried cereal. Taking a bite of this made me look like a dragon as vapors from the freeze-drying process came out of my mouth! It was such a fun experience that I highly recommend it to everyone.
When I was growing up, my parents had a pinball machine. This means I obviously got excited seeing the pinball exhibit set up for people to use! Altogether, there must have been about 15 various pinball machines. My favourite ended up being the Hook themed one because who doesn’t love Peter Pan?
The Saskatoon Exhibition is at Prairieland Park from August 6th until August 11th. Make sure you also try out the Foot-long hot dogs, the various poutine flavours, chocolate-dipped cheesecake, and so much more. Plus, there are tons more entertainment, including Super Dogs, various kids shows, and a hypnotist.
Aris Night
Growing up on a farm taught Aris (they/them) a ton of life-lessons. For example: don't stand behind a horse. Moving to the big city to pursue their dream of... well, dreaming, Aris has used their chaotic ADHD for good (and sometimes mischief). You can catch them hanging out at Amazing Stories, sipping on a beer at Winston's, or most likely curled up at home with their two cats and a good book. Feel free to follow along their adventure on Instagram @styxxnite.