Red River Ex nixed

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This article was published 28/04/2020 (2149 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

SAY goodbye to roller-coasters, carnival games and corndogs. The 2020 Red River Ex has been cancelled.

The COVID-19 pandemic, which has forced the cancellation or postponement of virtually all summer festivals, concerts and sporting events in Manitoba, led to today’s decision, said Garth Rogerson, the Ex’s chief executive officer.

The Ex, which has been held for 71 years without a cancellation, was scheduled for June 12-23.

The annual fair includes midway rides, carnival games, agricultural displays and a mainstage of music and entertainment acts, which this year included actor-singer Kiefer Sutherland, Canadian rock group the Trews and Winnipeg singers Don Amero and Olivia Lunny in the lineup.

Last year’s Ex drew 203,000 people and Rogerson said the 10-day event brings $16 million of economic activity to Winnipeg and Manitoba.

The Ex was the last holdout among major Manitoba festivals to cancel or postpone, but like all other festivals, uncertainty caused by the pandemic forced organizers to look to 2021. Last week, the Calgary Stampede and the Edmonton K-Days cancelled, and both are part of North America Midway Entertainment’s Canadian tour, which makes its annual start every June in Winnipeg.

Beyond the health concerns — the province’s state of emergency prohibiting public gatherings of more than 10 people remains in effect until May 1 — there remains no word on when the U.S-Canada border would open again, allowing the Indiana-based midway company to come to Canada.

For those who have already bought tickets for the Red River Ex, the tickets will be valid for the 2021 edition, set for June 18-27, 2021. Refunds are also available with an email to info@redriverex.com.

alan.small@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter:@AlanDSmall