Red River Ex, a history

The Red River Ex is an annual summer fair and exhibition that takes place in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. The event usually runs for 10 days in mid to late June and features a wide range of activities, entertainment, and attractions for visitors of all ages.

The Red River Ex has been a popular tradition in Manitoba for over 70 years.

The first Red River Exhibition, also known as the Red River Ex, was held in 1952 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. The event was created to showcase Manitoba’s agriculture industry and has since become an annual tradition, attracting visitors from all over the province and beyond.

Over the years, the Red River Ex has expanded to include a wider range of attractions and activities beyond agriculture, including live entertainment, carnival rides, food and drink vendors, and more. Despite the changes, the fair has remained a popular summer event in Manitoba for over 70 years, drawing crowds of all ages and backgrounds to the Red River Exhibition Park in Winnipeg.

The fairgrounds are located at the Red River Exhibition Park, which covers over 100 acres and includes a variety of indoor and outdoor venues.

The Red River Exhibition Park is a large outdoor event venue located in Winnipeg, Manitoba. It is home to the Red River Ex as well as other events and activities throughout the year.

The park covers over 400 acres, and features a wide range of facilities and amenities. There are numerous buildings and exhibition halls, which are used for trade shows, concerts, and other events. The park also has a large outdoor concert stage, which hosts performances by local and national musicians.

In addition to the indoor and outdoor event spaces, the Red River Exhibition Park is also home to a number of recreational facilities. There is a golf course, a go-kart track, and a mini golf course, as well as a large playground for children.

The park is also home to a number of permanent attractions, including the Manitoba Agricultural Museum, which showcases Manitoba’s farming heritage, and the Red River Co-op Speedway, a dirt track racing facility.

Overall, the Red River Exhibition Park is a vibrant and versatile event venue, offering a wide range of facilities and amenities for visitors to enjoy throughout the year.

The 2023 Red River Ex

The 2023 Red River Ex will take place from June 16-25.

The festival will feature music from The Northern Pikes on Sunday, June 18, Delaney Jane on June 22, as well as tributes to Elvis, Fleetwood Mac, ZZ Top, Tom Petty, Johnny Cash, Supertramp, Pink Floyd, The Beatles, The Headstones, The Tragically Hip, Motley Crue, Ac/DC, Kiss, Bon Jovi and Elton John/Billy Joel.

Midway rides

The midway rides at the Red River Ex include a variety of carnival favorites like roller coasters, Ferris wheels, bumper cars, and spinning rides. There are also classic carnival games like balloon darts and ring toss. Some of the rides are geared towards younger children, while others are more thrilling for teenagers and adults. In addition to the traditional carnival rides, there may also be some newer attractions or interactive experiences added each year to keep things fresh and exciting for visitors. Overall, the midway rides at the Red River Ex offer a fun and thrilling way to enjoy the summer fair experience.

Concerts and entertainment

The Red River Ex is known for its live concerts and entertainment options, which are held throughout the 10-day run of the event. The main stage at the fairgrounds hosts a variety of musical performances by both local and international artists across a range of genres, including country, rock, pop, and hip hop.

In addition to the main stage, there may also be smaller stages or performance areas scattered throughout the fairgrounds, featuring live music, comedy shows, acrobatics, and other forms of entertainment. Some of the performers at the Red River Ex have included big names like Shania Twain, Aerosmith, and Bob Dylan, among others.

Aside from music and live performances, there are also a range of other entertainment options at the Red River Ex. For example, there may be magic shows, circus acts, and other performers wandering around the fairgrounds, providing entertainment for visitors of all ages. Additionally, there may be special events or shows geared towards specific audiences, such as family-friendly shows or adults-only comedy nights.

Agriculture and livestock exhibits

The Red River Ex has a long history of showcasing Manitoba’s agricultural heritage through its agriculture and livestock exhibits. Visitors can experience a wide range of displays and demonstrations that highlight different aspects of farming and rural life in Manitoba.

One of the main attractions is the livestock exhibit, where visitors can see a variety of farm animals up close, including cows, horses, pigs, and chickens. There may also be demonstrations of animal husbandry techniques, such as milking cows or shearing sheep. Visitors can also learn about different breeds of animals, and the role they play in Manitoba’s agriculture industry.

In addition to the livestock exhibit, there may be displays of farm machinery and equipment, as well as interactive exhibits that showcase different crops and farming practices. Visitors can learn about different types of grains and vegetables, and how they are grown and harvested in Manitoba.

Overall, the agriculture and livestock exhibits at the Red River Ex offer visitors a chance to learn about Manitoba’s rich agricultural heritage, and the important role that farming plays in the province’s economy and culture.

Food and drink

The Red River Ex is known for its wide range of food and drink options, offering visitors a chance to indulge in a variety of tasty treats and refreshments. From classic carnival fare to more upscale dining options, there’s something for everyone at the fair.

One of the most popular food options at the Red River Ex is the classic carnival fare, such as corn dogs, funnel cakes, and cotton candy. There may also be vendors selling other carnival favorites like popcorn, candy apples, and kettle corn.

In addition to the traditional carnival food, there may also be food trucks and vendors offering a range of more gourmet options. Visitors can sample everything from local specialties like perogies and bison burgers to international cuisines like Thai food and sushi.

For those looking for something to quench their thirst, there are also plenty of drink options available at the Red River Ex. Along with classic carnival beverages like soda and lemonade, there may be vendors selling craft beer, wine, and other alcoholic beverages.

Exhibits and displays

The Red River Ex features a wide variety of exhibits and displays that showcase different aspects of Manitoba’s culture, history, and natural resources. Visitors can explore everything from local art and crafts to interactive displays about science and technology.

One of the main attractions is the “Discover the Farm” exhibit, which gives visitors a hands-on experience of Manitoba’s agricultural heritage. There may be demonstrations of animal husbandry, displays of farm machinery, and interactive exhibits about different crops and farming techniques.

Another popular exhibit is the Indigenous Circle, which showcases Indigenous art, music, and dance. Visitors can learn about different Indigenous cultures in Manitoba and watch traditional performances by Indigenous artists and musicians.

There may also be exhibits showcasing Manitoba’s natural resources and wildlife, with interactive displays about the province’s forests, lakes, and rivers. Visitors can learn about different animals and plants that are native to Manitoba, as well as the importance of conservation efforts to protect the province’s natural resources.