The Regina Exhibition: A Century of Fun, Controversy, and Change

Regina Exhibition, c 1930’s. REM Photograph Collection

For over a century, the Regina Exhibition—commonly known as the Queen City Ex—has been a beloved tradition, drawing thousands of visitors each year for a celebration of agriculture, entertainment, and community spirit. But while it’s often remembered for its carnival rides, agricultural showcases, and lively events, the history of the Regina Exhibition is much more than just a summer fair. The Ex has been a focal point of fun, controversy, and change in Regina, reflecting the shifting values and identity of the Queen City itself.

Let’s take a look at the evolution of the Regina Exhibition, from its humble beginnings to the modern spectacle it is today.

The Origins: A Fair to Celebrate Agriculture and Industry (1908)

The Regina Exhibition had its humble beginnings in 1908, founded as a way to celebrate the province's agricultural achievements and promote Saskatchewan’s agricultural industry. The first Ex was held at the newly constructed Exhibition Grounds, and it was primarily focused on showcasing the best of the region's farm products, livestock, and machinery. It was a time of rapid growth in Saskatchewan’s agricultural sector, and the Ex provided a platform for farmers to display their hard work and innovations.

From the start, the Regina Exhibition combined two key themes: agriculture and community celebration. While it was initially a small, regional affair, it quickly gained popularity and began to draw in visitors from surrounding areas. The Ex became a chance for people from all walks of life to come together and share in the pride of Saskatchewan's farming heritage.

Prize sheep from 1930 Regina Exhibition, REM’s Photo Collection.

The Carnival Years: Fun and Games in the 1920s and 1930s

As the Ex grew in stature, it began to evolve beyond its agricultural roots, with carnival-like attractions and amusements becoming an increasingly important part of the event. The 1920s and 1930s marked the period when the Regina Exhibition really started to take on the characteristics we associate with it today. The introduction of carnival rides, midway games, and music brought an air of excitement and entertainment to the fairgrounds.

However, as the event grew, so did the controversy surrounding the inclusion of certain activities. With the rise of amusements and gambling booths, some members of the community began to question whether the Ex was maintaining its original agricultural focus. Critics voiced concerns over the perceived "decadence" of the carnival atmosphere, believing that it took away from the fair’s educational and agricultural purpose. This tension between tradition and modern entertainment would be a theme throughout the Ex’s evolution.

The Post-War Boom: Expanding the Fair (1940s-1960s)

After World War II, the Regina Exhibition entered a new phase of growth and expansion. The population of Regina was increasing, and the city was undergoing significant economic changes. The Ex responded to these changes by incorporating a wider variety of attractions, from musical performances to bigger and better rides. The 1950s and 1960s were marked by the introduction of more diverse entertainment offerings, including rock bands, country musicians, and even international performers. At the same time, agricultural displays continued to be an important part of the Ex, maintaining its roots in showcasing Saskatchewan’s farming industry.

The 1960s saw the construction of new exhibition halls and the expansion of the Exhibition Grounds to accommodate growing crowds. With this expansion came more space for new attractions and events, such as the popular “Midway” and larger agricultural displays. The Ex was rapidly becoming a cultural touchstone for the people of Regina, a place where families, friends, and neighbors could gather to celebrate the best of local agriculture, entertainment, and community spirit.

The Controversies: Changing Attitudes and Community Debate

Throughout its history, the Regina Exhibition has sparked debates and controversies, often tied to the changing cultural and social landscape of the city. For instance, the growing presence of gambling booths and the focus on entertainment rather than agriculture drew criticism from more conservative factions of the community. In the 1970s and 1980s, this debate became more pronounced, with some questioning the relevance of the fair in the modern era.

In the 1980s, calls for change began to emerge as the Ex faced pressure to remain relevant in a rapidly changing world. The fair’s organizers responded by shifting the focus of the event to include a wider array of attractions, such as larger concert stages, professional rodeos, and cultural showcases. The Ex was no longer just about agriculture—it was now a full-fledged entertainment event, with music, food, shopping, and more.

This shift, however, was not without its critics. Some argued that the fair was straying too far from its roots and was becoming more commercialized. The question of whether the Ex was still a "community fair" or had become a corporate-driven event remained a point of contention. Despite these controversies, the Ex’s popularity continued to grow, and it remained one of Saskatchewan’s largest and most important annual events.

The Modern Era: A Thriving, Evolving Festival (1990s-Present)

In recent decades, the Regina Exhibition, or Queen City Ex, has undergone even further transformations. The fair has become an increasingly large and diversified event, featuring everything from thrilling rides to international food vendors, arts and crafts markets, and big-name musical performances. It’s no longer just a fair—it’s a multifaceted celebration that brings together people from all walks of life to enjoy entertainment, cultural activities, and a sense of community.

The event continues to evolve to meet the tastes and expectations of a changing population. Modern Ex-goers can enjoy everything from top-tier musical performances to thrilling rides, and local food vendors offering an impressive range of tastes. The Ex’s agricultural roots remain important, but the fair has broadened its scope to appeal to a more diverse audience.

In 2009, the Saskatchewan Pavilion was built at the Exhibition Grounds, further enhancing the Ex’s role as an event that not only celebrates local culture but also promotes the province’s agriculture, art, and industries. Over time, the Ex has adapted to the digital age, incorporating online ticketing and social media to engage a broader audience, all while continuing to celebrate the rich agricultural heritage of Saskatchewan.

Conclusion: A Century of Change, Tradition, and Fun

The Regina Exhibition is a testament to the ever-changing nature of tradition. Over the past century, the fair has transformed from an agricultural showcase to a massive cultural festival that reflects the changing tastes, values, and identity of Regina and Saskatchewan. While it has faced its share of controversies—whether over its focus, its entertainment, or its commercialization—the Queen City Ex has remained a cornerstone of Regina’s cultural life.

As the Ex continues to evolve, it maintains a sense of nostalgia for longtime residents while adapting to the expectations of new generations. It’s a place where tradition meets modernity, where agriculture meets entertainment, and where people from all walks of life come together to celebrate the best of the Queen City. For over 100 years, the Regina Exhibition has been more than just a fair—it’s been a reflection of the spirit and resilience of a city, and it will undoubtedly continue to be a beloved tradition for years to come.