REAL announces lineup for 2021 Queen City Ex

Tickets are now on sale for the 2021 Queen City Ex.

The Regina Exhibition Association Limited announced their full concert lineup, and provided further details on what the QCX will look like post-pandemic. The concert schedule goes as follows:

Friday, Aug. 20: Reklaws, Jojo Mason.
Saturday, Aug. 21: 54-40, Ottawa REDBLACKS vs. Saskatchewan Roughriders, The Watchmen,
Sunday, Aug. 22: The Halluci Nation (formerly known as “Tribe Called Red”).
Monday/Tuesday, Aug. 23/24: Two-day sanitation break.
Wednesday, Aug. 25: Scott Helman.
Thursday, Aug. 26: Hunter Brothers, The Washboard Union.
Friday, Aug. 27: Sam Roberts Band, K-OS.
Saturday, Aug. 28: The Trews, Wide Mouth Mason.
Sunday, Aug. 29: Regina Symphony Orchestra, Fireworks.

Pile O’Bones Rodeo will also be taking place in the Brandt Centre on Aug. 27 and 28.

Family Day pancakes will be available Aug. 22 and 29, with $5.00 gate admission for those who bring a Regina Food Bank donation. Guests can also get a free pancake breakfast before noon each day, or until supplies last.

When it comes to the rides themselves, REAL President and CEO Tim Reid says North American Midway Entertainment is working with the Saskatchewan Health Authority to ensure health and safety protocols are in place.

“Their role is to make sure that the rides are being cleaned, the Midway is being cleaned, that sanitation is happening thee way it’s supposed to,” Reid said. “In advance to the fair, they developed the plan, and then they audit throughout the fair — as well does our safety officer here at REAL — just to make sure that we’re compliant with all process and procedures and provide the most safe experience possible.”

While the province will be open with very few COVID restrictions in place, Reid says the QCX will look differently compared to a pre-pandemic normal.

“You will see a greater level of cleanliness, you’ll see rides wiped down pre-and-post ride, you’ll see foggers and sprayers being used,” Reid said. “That’s really the focus we have, right now wee don’t anticipate that those will be required, but the plan is to implement them regardless.”

However, Reid says masks and proof of vaccination will not be part of the QCX experience.

“We believe that those are personal choices and we want to respect those choices,” Reid said. “At the end of the day, we’re encouraging everybody to get a vaccination because we think it’s the right approach, but we’re not going to be asking about it.

“We are going to be doing our best to make sure that sanitization is elevated, physical distancing occurs, and that people are always welcome to wear masks on our campus if that’s what makes them feel safe,” Reid adds.

Tickets are being limited to 5,000 per day at this time, with Reid saying it could expand within the next two months, depending on public health orders. Tickets acquired during last year’s mini-donut drive will be honoured this year.

Tickets are available for purchase at Sherwood Co-op locations around Regina, and online. 

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