Once again the Estevan Fair is going to be held in the parking lot for Spectra Place.
This separation from the exhibition grounds is absolutely no problem for the planners or fairgoers, said Rodney Dukart, past-president of the Exhibition Association.
"We were kind of worried last year (when the fair was first moved off the grounds into the parking lot), about how to handle it and how it would work," he said, adding that it turned out to work very well. "Everybody really enjoyed it on the gravel. It was kept off the grass. There will be less mosquitoes, which will be big this year."
A few new rides this year would have been in jeopardy if they had to deal with conditions on the exhibition grounds.
"Now they can come, setting up on the hard ground, and nobody has to walk in the mud."
The decision to abandon the bulk of the exhibition grounds for the parking lot was made last week. Because this had been done last year, the decision came with a lot of confidence. When Dukart approached the City and midway director with the proposal, neither had any problem with it.
He pointed there should be even more room than last year because trailers that were parked in the area for construction of Spectra Place will no longer be in the way.
While the midway is moved, many other events and booths will be in their usual place. Estevan Idol won't be moved unless there is rain, heading into the Civic Auditorium as a contingency. Dukart said the grounds are dry by the food booths so it doesn't need to move, and the Wylie-Mitchell Building will still be used for displays.
Parking will be the only complication, but Dukart isn't worried, saying most of the parking will be available on Arthur Avenue.
The security was increased last year, and Dukart said the safety will get the same treatment this year.
"We're going to have extra security like last year. It worked well last year. It's just meant to make it safer for everybody."
Both fair security and Estevan Police Service members will be tasked with keeping the peace.
The Exhibition Association met last night for a final briefing.
"We were just wrapping up a few things, getting everybody on the same page," said Dukart.
The transition from the exhibition grounds to the parking lot is seamless, especially since they've set up there already.
"It's very easy. The midway just pulls in its units and sets up."
Now all Dukart and the Exhibition Association need to do is hope that come the end of this weekend, the forecast is reading clear skies for a few days.
Gates open at 4 p.m. on Monday.
