Capital Ex: Edmonton, July 20-29

Mini donuts, bells ringing, cotton candy, music playing, and the ‘woosh’ sounds from nearby rides – it’s Capital Ex time!

From July 20-29, Edmonton will be filled with excitement as thousands take in the annual fair and exhibition, Capital Ex.

My family and I are so excited to take a trip into ‘the city’, to experience a day of thrills and chills {bring on the snow cones}. It’s been a few years since my oldest went, so she KNOWS what she’s in for, and can hardly wait. The twins? It’ll be their first and I’m sure they’ll be amazed.

So, what incredible things are in store for Capital Ex 2012?

RIDES: Capital Ex offers a full midway and even a kids midway for the younger crowd. New this year is the rollercoaster called Nitro. It has a 335 meter track and includes twists, hairpin turns – Weeeeee! Classics like the Zipper will be there, my fave!

MUSIC: If live music is your thing, check out the TELUS Stage, featuring tributes and kids shows each day, headliners {including Matthew Good Band, George Canyon, Theory of a Deadman, Sebastian Bach and Simple Plan}.  To finish off the night {11pm}, catch a fireworks show that is set to music. The display will reflect the musical decades from the 60’s and 70’s, 80’s and 90’s to the current music of the 2000’s.

FOOD: What is a fair without that irresistible fair food line-up. There will be traditional favourites and adventurous options, as well I noticed a fair selection of healthier options in years past. New this year: Rib Fest!

SHOPPING: The Edmonton EXPO Centre has 100,000 square feet of unique products from clothing, home decor, car accessories, jewelry, shoes, kitchen supplies and all kinds of select items to purchase. Great to get your shopping on, but also when taking a break from the midway.

For kids there’s Family Fun Town, with children’s activities geared towards kids aged 3-12. It’ll have a farm to teach kids about agriculture, a construction zone, inflatable rain forest and story book lane. This is where you’ll want to take the wee ones to see family entertainer Fred Penner and meet and greets with Caillou, Strawberry Shortcake, Thomas the Train and more!

I’m very excited to take in The Aluminum Show; “uses recovered materials from industrial factories that are re-used to build the set, dress the cast and interact with the audience. All senses are on high alert as industrial materials are given new and surprising contexts and combined with visual effects, lighting manipulations and enchanting music.”

Capital Ex runs from July 20^th –July 29^th.  New this year is the multi day “pumped up fun pass” (for all 10 days) and the front of the line access pass {this would be great, right?} For more information on the Capital Exhibition, visit www.capitalex.ca.

Have you ever been to Capital Ex? Who’s going this year?

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