Long-standing western P.E.I. exhibition bouncing back after carnival company pulls out
'We're definitely going to be having a great year this year with the inflatables'
The Prince County Exhibition in Alberton, P.E.I., is swapping mechanical rides for inflatable amusements this year after the midway company they had been partnering with pulled out because of a shortage of workers.
The exhibition's board decided to cut the event down to two days from three in order to jam-pack both days with excitement for attendees.
"We have things going on… in the rink just about 24/7 both days," said volunteer board member Jacob Gamble.
In a statement from the exhibition's board, it said the carnival company it normally uses, Nova Scotia-based Hincheys Rides and Amusements, is in a staffing crunch. It said it secured P.E.I. Inflatables to provide attractions for the event instead.
"This is a significant investment for us — we are allocating funds originally designated for building repairs to ensure that we can still provide a fun and festive experience for all ages," the statement said.
"We hope our community understands that this shift in direction was neither planned nor desired, but rather a necessary response to circumstances beyond our control."
Gamble said the board is hopeful that this year will bring the same thrill that people have come to expect from one of the province's longest-running exhibitions.
I would love to see the rides come back. They were always a big hit here in Alberton.— Jacob Gamble
"It's a really big learning curve for us this year. We're not sure quite how it's going go. We're hoping it's going to go terrific," Gamle said.
"We're hoping we're going to do just as good if not better than the last couple of years, but it's just a waiting game."
The exhibition will feature a game run by a family from the community that will raise funds for their child's medical expenses.
"We're hoping that's going to be a big hit for them," Gamble said. "They get a lot of travel costs and a lot of medical costs."
While Gamble said he was disappointed they won't be able to offer all the rides and games that they have in the past, he is hopeful the rides will return in the years to come.
"We're definitely going to be having a great year this year with the inflatables," he said. "I would love to see the rides come back. They were always a big hit here in Alberton."
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With files from Stacey Janzer