Regina's Queen City Ex launches sensory-friendly Kidway Morning

Kidway Morning returned for a second day at the Queen City Ex fair in Regina, Saskatchewan, offering children with diverse sensory needs a quieter, more comfortable experience. About 100 kids participated while rides ran without the usual lights and sounds, and the program featured performances by SuperDogs, the Farmer’s Daughter and a Skye from Paw Tra­il appearance.

Cat Betker, director of events and guest experience at the REAL District, said the reduced crowds and sensory triggers make the fairgrounds feel safer, noting, “Not having as much stimulation with the lights and the sounds definitely makes it a bit more comfortable.” The Joshua Tree Learning Centre sponsored a quiet zone where families could step away and return when ready. Kidway Morning, a longstanding part of the fair, had been paused in 2025 during a transition to a new midway operator and was restored this year.