Prairieland is thrilled to announce a spectacular Oktoberfest event coinciding with its 140th anniversary. This grand celebration will take place on October 3 & 4, 2025, at Prairieland. The event promises to be a vibrant celebration of culture, community, and, of course, beer!

Attendees can look forward to a weekend filled with Bavarian-prairie fusion, delicious food, fantastic entertainment, and a wide variety of local and international beers. “We are excited to mark our 140th anniversary milestone with an event that brings our community together,” said Dan Kemppainen, Chief Executive Officer at Prairieland. “Our first fair happened on October 13, 1886. So this a great time to celebrate that milestone while raising a glass to the future of Prairieland and to the communities we serve.” Kemppainen went on to say, “With Prairieland’s deep roots in the agricultural community, Oktoberfest is the perfect way to celebrate our rich history and the vibrant culture of Saskatchewan.”

Tickets will be available mid-August 2025 and can be purchased online or at the gate.

Join us for a memorable weekend as we celebrate an unforgettable, Prairieland-style Oktoberfest experience!

As Prairieland enters its historic 140th year of operation and the 140th annual Saskatoon EX approaches, we are excited to unveil our new logo, a vibrant symbol that reflects our evolving community and rich history. The new “spark” logo is a testament to our commitment to growth, diversity, and inclusion.

Designed to capture the essence of our fair’s legacy, the logo features 14 province-shaped spokes, each representing a decade of our operation. These spokes radiate outward, symbolizing the impact and reach of the Saskatoon EX over the years. The logo’s eight vibrant colors not only signify our new eight-day format but also celebrate the diversity and inclusivity of our community. We are proud to acknowledge and incorporate the colours of Indigenous communities, paying homage to the rich cultural heritage that has shaped our region.

“Our new logo is more than just a visual update; it’s a reflection of our past, present, and future,” says Dan Kemppainen, Chief Executive Officer at Prairieland. “As we celebrate 140 years, we are committed to honouring our history while embracing the changes that make our community stronger and more vibrant.”

As previously announced, the Saskatoon EX introduced significant updates for 2025. The fair will extend its duration to an eight-day format for the first time since 1999, running from Thursday, July 31, to Thursday, August 7. Additionally, a new five-year contract with North American Midway Entertainment (NAME) will bring a full A-circuit midway with a 33% increase in ride capacity, ensuring shorter lineups for attendees. These enhancements are part of a broader plan to improve the overall experience for fairgoers and year-round patrons alike.

Join us as we celebrate this milestone and look ahead to the exciting future of the Saskatoon EX. The fair will run from July
31 to August 7, 2025, offering a variety of attractions, entertainment, and activities for all ages.

42nd Western Canadian Crop Production Show: Showcasing Cutting-Edge Technology, Essential Networking, and Future-Focused Agricultural Excellence

The 42nd annual Western Canadian Crop Production Show, presented by Farm Credit Canada, successfully took place from January 14-16, 2025, at the World Trade Center Saskatoon at Prairieland.

The event hosted 340 exhibitors providing a unique platform for industry professionals to network and explore the latest advancements in crop science, cutting-edge technology, and innovative solutions. This remarkable gathering welcomed more than 16,000 attendees over three days, an increase of almost 4% from 2024, underscoring its significance in the grain industry. Attendees experienced the newest products and services tailored to the specific needs and preferences of prairie farmers as they prepare for the upcoming growing season.

The 2025 event continued its tradition of excellence by welcoming Nufarm as the sponsor of the Information Theatre. Nufarm’s Technical Services Manager, Tyler Gullen, captivated audiences by showcasing their new technology and its effectiveness in managing tough weeds. Other engaging sessions featured topics such as spray drones, spot sprayers, planning for an intergenerational business transfer, tax and succession planning, and updates on the Westside Irrigation Rehabilitation Project.

On Tuesday, January 14, at 12:30pm, the 2nd annual Innovation Award finalists presented their ground-breaking innovations at the Nufarm Information Theatre. The highly anticipated winner, ATP Nutrition Ltd., was announced at the Barley Bash Exhibitor Mixer later that evening.
Furthermore, the Saskatchewan Agricultural Hall of Fame proudly revealed the names of the six individuals who will be inducted in 2025, with a formal induction ceremony scheduled for Saturday, April 26, 2025 at Prairieland. For more information regarding the inductees, visit Sahf.ca/inductees

A highlight of the event was the new and enlightening seminar, “The Business of Farming,” held on Thursday, January 16. This seminar provided expert insights and practical advice to transform farming operations for small-to-medium-sized farms. Attendees benefited from invaluable knowledge imparted by RealAgristudies on farm diversification, enjoyed a complimentary lunch, and received admission to the Western Canadian Crop Production Show on the same day.

Each year, the show enhances the overall experience by providing the convenience of complimentary and ample parking at Prairieland, coupled with a shuttle service that transports attendees seamlessly to and from the main entrance. Additionally, a diverse array of on-site food and beverage options further elevates the enjoyment for all participants.

A progressive 50/50 lottery was held during the show by members of 4-H Saskatchewan. The draw, held on Thursday at 3:30PM, saw a lucky winner claiming over $5,000 in winnings. The remainder of the proceeds will benefit Saskatchewan 4-H and Prairieland Agriculture youth-in-ag programs.

For over 40 years, the show has solidified its status as the must-attend event for prairie grain-producers. As farmers seek the latest information and products to help enhance yields and crop value, exhibitors from Western Canada and the United States provide solutions, enabling producers to make informed decisions for the upcoming growing season.

Prairieland’s commitment to agriculture and the grain sector remains steadfast. Organizers extend heartfelt thanks to sponsors, presenters, exhibitors, attendees, volunteers, media partners, and dedicated staff, all of whom contributed to the success of the 42nd annual show. Anticipation is high for next year’s event, scheduled for January 13-15, 2026, as we look forward to a promising future in crop production.

The Saskatoon Prairieland Park Corporation is excited to announce transformative updates to the flagship event, the Saskatoon EX. As the summer fair gears up to celebrate its 140th anniversary in 2025, it will mark this significant milestone with a historic change in scheduling. For the first time in decades, the festival will extend its duration, returning to an eight-day format. The 2025 Saskatoon EX will take place from Thursday, July 31, to Thursday, August 7, offering an expanded celebration for attendees.

The good news doesn’t stop there; Prairieland CEO Dan Kemppainen has another big announcement to make. “Prairieland has signed an exciting new five-year contract with North American Midway Entertainment (NAME). This means the Saskatoon EX will now get a full A-circuit midway with increased ridership capacity. Fairgoers that love the rides will see the benefits of this with an increase of over 33% capacity compared to the previous years,” says Kemppainen. Ultimately, this means guests of the Saskatoon EX will be able to go on more rides with shorter lineups
and enjoy larger thrill rides. “Over the next few years, Prairieland will be making improvements to the park to enhance the experience of fairgoers and year-round patrons alike, as we develop a master plan for the development of our property.”

The enthusiasm is mutual. “North American Midway Entertainment is proud to celebrate 20 incredible years with the Saskatoon EX, during which we’ve had the pleasure of entertaining over 4 million guests,” says Gregg “Scooter” Korek, Vice President – Client Relations at NAME. “We are excited about this new five-year contract and we look forward to bringing even more thrilling rides, exciting games, and unforgettable entertainment to the Saskatoon EX for many years to come.”

Longtime Signature Events Manager Susan Kuzma sees these changes as opportunities for everyone involved. “We are excited about the new exhibitors and food concessionaires that will become part of the Saskatoon EX as a result of this shift,” says Kuzma. “We are thrilled to welcome fans of the EX, loyal vendors, and dedicated staff to join us for ‘the 8 best days of summer’ in Saskatoon.”

Over the last several years, the Saskatoon EX has invested in upgraded security protocols to ensure safety for everyone. “Patrons are already familiar with the safety measures we’ve implemented in recent years to ensure a secure environment for everyone,” says Funmi Oyatogun, Director of Signature Events. “As we celebrate our 140th anniversary in 2025, we’re excited to enhance these efforts even further, ensuring a family-friendly experience where you can enjoy the event safely while navigating lines quickly and efficiently.”

Saskatoon, get ready to sparkle and shine this holiday season! Prairieland is excited to unveil the dates and theme for the much-anticipated 2024 Glow Saskatoon Holiday Light Festival, Merry Makers Market & Food Fair. From November 28 to December 28, 2024, Halls D & E at Prairieland will transform into a magical winter wonderland, inviting attendees to experience the enchantment of “Santa’s Lost Presents.”

This year’s theme promises a captivating adventure as guests help Santa save Christmas by uncovering the mystery of his missing presents amidst the dazzling light gardens. With endless  Instagrammable moments, families can enjoy a variety of attractions, including LED swings, colour-changing hopscotch, and an indoor playground for the little ones. Don’t miss the chance to ride  Glen the Glow-comotive, snap photos with roaming princesses, and meet the jolly man himself – Santa Claus!

Special theme nights add an extra dash of excitement and live holiday music by local artists will set the festive mood at the Dakota Dunes Entertainment Stage. The Merry Maker’s Market is the perfect place to browse for unique gifts from local artisans while the food fair offers a selection of delicious treats. Adults can indulge in festive cocktails at the Mistletoe Mini Bar, served in souvenir Glow Cups, perfect for sipping and strolling through the light gardens.

Glow Saskatoon offers Flex Tickets, ideal for gifting, allowing entry on any show date and time, providing ultimate flexibility for a personalized festive experience. The Family Pass offers a discounted rate for up to 2 adults and a combination of 3 children (4-12 yrs) or seniors (65+), with kids 3 and under admitted free. Take advantage of admission promotions for
family passes!

A portion of our tickets sales will be donated to the Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation. Tickets are sold online by date and time or at the door. Once guests arrive, they can stay as long as they like to enjoy the festival. For tickets and more details, visit www.GlowYXE.com.

Saskatchewan Equine Expo to Return in 2026 with New Format and Focus on Community and Training

Prairieland Agriculture is thrilled to announce the return of the Saskatchewan Equine Expo. Set to take place over the Family Day weekend in February 2026, the expo will offer a unique three-day experience dedicated to equine skills development and training.

Building on the success of previous years, the 2026 show will introduce a fresh format that reflects the feedback from over 400 members of Saskatchewan’s equine community. The committee-supported event has listened to the voices of horse enthusiasts across the province and is excited to bring back the expo as a social and gathering time for all horse lovers.

With a focus on youth, the expo will offer a variety of activities and workshops designed to engage and educate the next generation of equestrians. However, the event will not overlook the needs of seasoned professionals. There will be ample professional development opportunities for all ages, ensuring that everyone from beginners to experienced riders and
horse owners can benefit from the wealth of knowledge on display.

The new format will feature an industry marketplace, providing a one-stop-shop for equine-related products, boutiques, and services. Visitors can expect to find everything from the latest in equine health and nutrition to innovative equipment and gear. Details will roll out in early-2025.

“We are excited to make this announcement and to bring the Saskatchewan Equine Expo back in a format that truly reflects the desires of our community,” said Leigh Ann Hurlburt, Ag Manager at Prairieland. “Our goal is to create an inclusive and educational environment where horse lovers of all ages can come together, share their passion, and learn from each other.”

The Saskatchewan Equine Expo is more than just a showcase of equine talent; it’s a celebration
of the equestrian culture and a testament to the strength and vibrancy of the equine
community in Saskatchewan.

About Prairieland Agriculture:
Prairieland Agriculture is a leading organization dedicated to promoting and supporting the
agricultural industry in Saskatchewan. Through events like the Saskatchewan Equine Expo,
Prairieland Agriculture aims to foster education, community, and innovation within the equine
sector.

The 2024 Prairieland Junior Ag Showcase was a huge success for 4-H members of the North West region of Saskatchewan

The Prairieland Ag Center was host to over 200 participants and spectators as the Prairieland Junior Ag Showcase was held for five full days.

This year’s event categories featured Light Horse, Dairy, Sheep, Beef Female, Team Grooming, Showmanship and Finished Beef competitions. The Showcase of Arts, where youth had the option to showcase their artistic skills outside of the show ring, was another great success!

The event concluded on Monday, July 8, with lots of excitement surrounding the annual 4-H Steer Sale.

Overall, the Junior Ag Showcase provides an opportunity to acknowledge the achievements and the successes of the 4-H Saskatchewan members, while commemorating their hard work and commitment to the program.

Prairieland remains committed to participating in the agricultural education of today’s youth.

Steer Sale Results:

Price: $6.00
Purchased By: Simplot

Reserve Grand Champion Steer: Haydyn. W, Monarch Multiple 4-H Club

Price: $4.25
Purchased By: FMC Canada
Sale Average: $4.37

A new era of entertainment unveiled

Saskatoon’s beloved entertainment extravaganza, the Saskatoon Entertainment Expo, has transformed into Pop Con YXE. This exciting change comes as part of a strategic rebranding effort led by Prairieland, the show’s owner and producer.

In 2020, Prairieland acquired the Saskatoon stop of the Saskatchewan Entertainment Expo, orchestrating a successful debut in the spring of 2022. As the owner, Prairieland is proudly committed to the growth of the con community and has sustained the show post-pandemic. Now, as we approach the 2025 season, the show is set to captivate audiences under its fresh identity, Pop Con YXE.

Retaining ownership, Prairieland’s Signature Events department will continue to spearhead the production, ensuring a seamless transition into this exhilarating new chapter of entertainment. Pop Con YXE promises to deliver the same magic and excitement that fans have come to expect, this time with a renewed spirit and energy. Stay tuned for bigger, better, and an unforgettable experience as we unveil a whole new world of entertainment at Pop Con YXE.

We look forward to welcoming you to the inaugural Pop Con YXE event!

The 10th Annual Saskatchewan Beef Expo is set to take place at the Prairieland Ag Center from April 2 – 4, 2024. This milestone event continues to uphold Prairieland’s commitment to supporting the growth and development of youth in agriculture. The Saskatchewan Beef Expo offers a unique opportunity for young cattle producers to enhance their knowledge and skills in various aspects of the industry.

Kirk Stierwalt, a long-time cattle operator and clinician from Leedey, Oklahoma, is this year’s featured clinician. Stierwalt will kick off the event with a series of demonstrations: Basics and Equipment, Clipping, and Grooming. On day two, he’s back to lead the hands-on clinic, where participants take what they learned from the demonstrations and put it into practice with Stierwalt’s guidance. Following the clinic, there will be a showmanship demonstration and show. These activities provide exhibitors with the opportunity to enhance their ability to present
an animal in the show ring.

Day Three features the Heifer and Steer Shows, where participants showcase their 2023 born heifer and market steer. The event will conclude by awarding the Grand Champion and Reserve
Grand Champion of each show. New this year, both Grand Champions will each receive a $250 scholarship that will go towards their post-secondary education.

Prairieland is proud to host this family-friendly event, shaping the future of the cattle industry and fostering a passion for agriculture among the next generation.

The annual Prairieland Youth Leadership Conference, held on February 3 and 4, 2024, was a huge success, with over 30 aspiring young leaders in agriculture competing for scholarships and developing their leadership skills throughout the weekend.

The conference was held at the World Trade Center Saskatoon at Prairieland and was packed with interactive activities, competitions, and workshops. The event started on Saturday, February 3, and came to an end on Sunday, February 4, with an awards banquet, where parents joined for dinner and scholarship presentation. The conference included a presentation from Jolene Watson of Clarity Coaching & Development. She provided participants with valuable insight on charismatic leadership focusing on communication style, leadership strategies, and effective listening.

Participants were divided into groups and tasked with formulating a debate on topics relevant to their lives, including voting age in Canada and grass-fed versus grain-fed beef. On Sunday morning, the groups went head-to-head while presenting their supporting evidence on their appointed topic and displayed rebuttals that exemplified the effective listening skills discussed
in their Saturday presentation.

Four judges were challenged to mark participants’ assignments and activities by observing them in a team situation as they worked. Here are the results:

First place and a $4,500 scholarship: Katelynn T., West PA 4-H Beef Club
Second place and a $3,000 scholarship: Shelby P., Saskatoon 4-H Beef Club
Third place and a $2,500 scholarship: Mara V., Springside 4-H Beef Club
Fourth place and a $1000 scholarship: Nicole W., Old Bone Trail Multiple 4-H Club
Fifth place and a $1,000 scholarhsip: Aiva B., Candiac 4-H Beef Club

Prairieland is proud to support youth in agriculture, and we extend our thanks to volunteers, staff, and sponsors who made the event possible.