Setting a new world record in eight minutes, competitive eater Joey Chestnut scarfed down 343 mini donuts, beating out teams from the Saskatchewan Roughriders, Viterra, and more.
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A world record was broken, dill pickle cotton candy premiered and more than 220,000 mini donuts were sold at this year’s Queen City Exhibition (QCX).
Up by more than 3,000, attendance over the five days hit upwards of 262,720 people, according to a news release issued by Regina Exhibition Association Limited (REAL) on Wednesday.
The annual staple ran from July 31 to Aug. 4 and featured classic rides and attractions, but organizers also mixed it up a little with nearly 30 new foods and other first-time events, the release notes.
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Dill pickle cotton candy made a first appearance, and carrying on the pickle theme, the QCX “Best in Food” competition was awarded to Our Carnival-Kitchen for its triple pickle poutine.
“Enhanced gate screening,” including walk-through metal detectors, was also new and helped “significantly” reduce security incidents, as did a partnership with the Regina Police Service, said REAL.
Setting a new world record in eight minutes, competitive eater Joey Chestnut scarfed down 343 mini donuts, beating out teams from the Saskatchewan Roughriders, Viterra, and more.
“In the past three years, the eating challenge has raised enough donations from the community and partners to provide over 452,000 meals for the Regina and District Food Bank to support those in need,” stated the release.
More than 250 people took part in the first-ever QCX Midway 5k, navigating a course that weaved through the midway and Mosaic Stadium. Participants ranged from one to 74 years of age.
Another first for the QCX was the Saskatchewan’s Strongest Man Competition, which featured tire flipping, deadlifting a car, and other “feats of strength.” The title was awarded to 29-year-old Sam Rissling of Regina, who lifted more than 43,0000 pounds in the competition.
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Fan favourites returned, including the Regina Symphony Orchestra, which performed video game soundtracks in time with the opening-day fireworks and game footage, as well as the Pile O’ Bones rodeo.
More than 6,000 people attended the “unforgettable” Ludacris concert in Confederation Park. Our Lady Peace and Trooper also performed.
“Indoor programs were a huge hit this year,” the release also noted. “Memory Lane offered a trip back in time as visitors experienced a display of the evolution of the QCX over 140 years. Longtime volunteer Rollie Bourassa curated the display, which featured images and artifacts from Pemmican Pete, photographs, and more.”
REAL also thanks the North Central Community Association and Regina Optimist Dolphins for their partnership to improve the cleanliness of the grounds.
“The positive feedback I heard as I walked the midway and attended various events was amazing,” stated REAL acting president and CEO Roberta Engel in the release. “It was a great gathering of the community.”
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