Outdoor Summer Fun Midway coming to city at end of month

It's not technically K-days, but Edmonton will still play host to the all-outdoor Summer Fun Midway at the Edmonton Expo Centre grounds from July 23 to Aug. 1.

Guests can still take a ride on fan favourites including the Zipper, Polar Express and the Crazy Mouse Rollercoaster, North American Midway Entertainment announced in a press release Friday. And of course the fair foods, to make your stomach rumble or roll, or both, will be on hand. Entertainment will include the beloved President's Choice Super Dogs! as well as the Ride the Vibe: Fresh Flips 2021 Motorcycle Show.

“The Summer Fun Midway is going to bring Edmonton a great event in a big way. We know that it's been a long year and a half for everyone and what better way to celebrate Alberta's reopening than with corn dogs and roller-coasters?” stated Scooter Korek, the company's vice-president of client relations.

The midway company also typically provides the amusement rides at K-days and other major festivals across Canada. K-days was cancelled by Northlands last month for the second straight year, credited to a lack of time and resources to organize a safe event.

Subsequently, the city and its tourism branch of Explore Edmonton Corp. took over operations of the popular Northlands festival with a new iteration expected in 2022.

In a statement to Postmedia, Explore Edmonton spokeswoman Quinn Phillips said there is no expense to the city and North American Midway is paying to use the Expo grounds, at the same time K-days was scheduled to take place, after reaching out about renting the space for a summer event.

“The COVID-19 situation has been changing rapidly within the last number of weeks and with decreasing case numbers, increased uptake in vaccines and the province lifting all health restrictions, we made the decision to support them as we do any other client,” she said in the statement.

With the Expo Centre site still being used for vaccines and testing, Phillips said there is sufficient on-site parking to accommodate all of the activities.

The summer fair will be open weekends starting at noon and on weekdays at 1 p.m. Advance rideall-day passes can be purchased online starting Monday for $38. Onsite and advance gate admission will be available for $9 for adults and $5 for children and seniors. Children six years and under will be admitted for free.