I need someone to explain something to me. I've recently come upon some news and frankly it troubles me. Its the type of preposterous thing that seems to defy logic.

It has come to my attention, from an informed source, that the midway show for the Saskatoon Exhibition is being provided, in large part, by West Coast Amusements. You might be asking yourself, so? Let's put this in the proper context.

Saskatoon is a city of a quarter million people. Not on par with the New York's and Chicago's of the world but within the context of Canada, we're starting to get up there. We are in excess of the population of Regina, which also gets their amusement services provided from the same company. A few years ago a strategic decision was made to move the Saskatoon Ex to August so that we could get on the 'A' circuit, and have the good rides, and premium amusement services.

Everyone who's anyone gets their amusement services from a company called North American Midway. Getting a North American Midway show is to be on the premium circuit. Edmonton's fair has North American Midway. Regina's show is with North American Midway. The Toronto fair is a huge deal for North American Midway. Obviously Saskatoon wants to be at that tier.

My sources have discovered that North American Midway has sub-contracted the amusement services for the Saskatoon Ex to West Coast Amusements. We get our show from West Coast, with a few morsels thrown our way just to call it a North American show. In my opinion, and granted I'm nothing but a Joe Average, but this just seems wrong.

West Coast Amusements is the company that comes to the city and does a mini- midway in the mall parking lot. West Coast Amusements does the show in places like Estevan, Melfort, Nipawin or Yorkton. That's what you have to compare it to. Regina gets the 'A' circuit. Saskatoon gets the Yorkton circuit. Who in the HELL thinks that's justice.

My sources have inquired with the powers that be, to get a reason for this apparent travesty of justice. What follows is a snippet of their correspondence:

"We have to travel 1732 miles to Toronto after Saskatoon and open on Friday - therefore we have to present rides that move fast. Saskatoon is just in the wrong time period."

Oh nice. That's how important we are to you. Thanks for the contract to provide amusement services at your fair Saskatoon. We'll take your money but we're sending our good equipment to Toronto, completely bypassing you. Too bad, so sad, get used to West Coast Amusements.

I feel like organizing a boycott or something. Thus just seems wrong. We move our fair to August to fit into the 'A' circuit schedule, and we're repaid for our efforts with the same crap-ass show that we were trying to get away from in the first place. Is this what Saskatoon must come to accept? We're a permanent stop on the Yorkton circuit?

Comments, as always, are welcomed. Frankly I don't know what to think so anyone that can provide clarity, I would appreciate it.

--- Dedicated to Kevin Hills ---