EDMONTON — A popular exhibition in Edmonton won’t be going ahead this year.
Officials with Northlands say in a news release that K-Days will not take place this summer, despite Alberta’s plan to safely reduce and ultimately remove public health restrictions due to COVID-19.
They say they took a hard look at whether they could deliver a high-quality event given limited timelines and resources.
Officials say they will work to relaunch K-Days in 2022.
The festival has taken a different approach than the Calgary Stampede, which is expected to go ahead with a modified version of the event.
The world-renowned rodeo and fair in Calgary is to open July 9.
“We want to acknowledge all the hard work our colleagues at the Calgary Stampede have put into reimagining their event for this year,” said a news release Tuesday from Northlands.
“We wish them the very best and we know they will deliver a top-tier event, setting the standard for how to deliver a major event under our current circumstances.”
The Stampede has become synonymous for some Albertans with a return to normal life. Premier Jason Kenney has often pointed to the event as a symbol of the province’s victory over COVID-19.
Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi has said there would still be distancing rules and other changes to keep the Stampede safe for everyone.
Nenshi, who is on the Stampede’s board, has said it would be easier if it took place in August, but added “the reward outweighs the risk.”
This report by The Canadian Press was first published on June 1, 2021.