The Saskatoon Ex is hitting Prairieland Park this afternoon, with a variety of new features and old favourites.

Susan Kuzma, the manager of signature events at Prairieland Park, says the classics include spud nuts, elephant ears, and Dale K the hypnotists. New this year, there will be a ride on the midway called The Yo-Yo, several entertaining shows, and also some added security measures at the gates.

There will be both a bag check and a walk-through metal detector. These precautions come after three separate bear spray incidents that occurred last year. Kuzma says these measures check will eliminate any similar event and ensure everyone attending the Ex is safe.

Kuzma adds that throughout the six-day event, there will be entertainment for all ages including The FireGuy Show, Aces Flying Pig Races, SuperDogs, West Coast Lumberjack Show, and a Mardi Gras Parade every night at 6:00pm.

In the evenings, musicians such as The Arkells, Mariana’s Trench, Collective Soul, Dallas Smith and Burton Cummings will take the stage at the grandstand, free with the general admission charge.