REGINA - It’s easy to forget, but life very much returned to a semblance of normal throughout 2022.
The evidence was in the number of major events that took place. In Regina alone, the city hosted several events including major national-scale gatherings attracting thousands of people this past year -- a sure sign that the pandemic restrictions are firmly in the rear view mirror.
Here is a rundown of a few of the interesting major events that took place in Regina.
FCM conference
Municipal leaders from across Canada converged on Regina June 2-5, as the city hosted the Federation of Canadian Municipalities Annual Conference and Trade Show. Among those who showed up for a keynote speech was Jagmeet Singh, leader of the federal NDP.
PBR Bull Riding
Regina hosted bull riding in 2022. The Professional Bull Riders’ PBR Canada tour was in Regina on June 22 for the first ever PBR Regina Classic, part of their Elite Cup Series. That event at Brandt Centre coincided with Canada’s Farm Show. The tour has announced plans to return to Regina in 2023.
Country Thunder
A major Saskatchewan event made its long awaited return in 2022. Country Thunder in Craven was back on July 14 to 17 after a two year pause due to the pandemic.
It was the most prominent of many music events held in 2022; others included the Saskatchewan Jazz Festival in Saskatoon as well as the much anticipated concert tour in November of Bryan Adams to Regina and Saskatoon.
WWE
2022 also marked a big year for Saskatchewan fans of World Wrestling Federation, as they hosted their Main Event in Regina Oct. 1 and WWE Sunday Stunner in Saskatoon Oct. 2.
Exhibitions a go
A big story in 2022 was a return to full strength of exhibitions and fair events throughout the province after years of pandemic struggles.
The Regina Queen City Ex had gone ahead in 2021, but was back in even more full force in 2022 attracting 278,306 people over Aug. 3 to 7, setting attendance records. For the midway, organizers reported 385,000 tickets sold.
Among the highlights of the week was champion hotdog eater Joey Chestnut coming to Regina to participate in a mini-donut eating contest to benefit the Regina Food Bank. As expected, Chestnut prevailed over the several other local personalities who participated.
The Saskatoon Ex also was back in 2022, running August 9-14 and attracting over 225,000 people, just short of the record.
Miyo-wîcîwitowin Day
Mosaic Stadium was the locale for a major reconciliation event on Sept. 29, the day before National Truth and Reconciliation Day. Miyo-wîcîwitowin Day brought 12,000 people to the venue, the vast majority from Regina area schools, to learn about Indigenous culture and issues and hear messages of reconciliation.
Grey Cup
Nov. 20 at Mosaic Stadium saw one of the more exciting Grey Cup games in history, won by Toronto Argonauts over Winnipeg Blue Bombers 24-23. The leadup to the game itself saw the Grey Cup Festival take place at the REAL District grounds, featuring plenty of entertainment at Riderville and lots of fun and games. Festivities included an opening night concert by Colin James and an emphasis on esports and digital experiences throughout the week.
Ag shows
It was also a big comeback year for the ag shows. Events such as Canada’s Farm Show, Ag in Motion outside of Saskatoon, and Canadian Western Agribition all operated at full strength in 2022.
