In 2013, Edmonton's biggest summer fair will have a new name...and a new brand.
"We want Edmontonians to be engaged in what our summer fair is and this is Edmonton's biggest and greatest and hottest summer fair,” says Jennifer Sheehan with Northlands.
In 2005, the name of the city's summer exhibition changed from Klondike Days to Capital Ex. There was much debate over the name change, and for many, the new name lacked identity.
"Northlands is listening to the community,” explains Sheehan. “What we've heard is that this doesn't necessarily resonate with them, they want something they can engage in and participate in and Capital Ex didn't do that, so that's why we've created this contest so they can have their say.”
Now Edmontonians have the chance to come up with a new moniker for the event.
“I'd just go back to Klondike Days, I miss that, I miss K-Days,” says Sara Braun.
“I think it could be... a really good thing,” adds Oliver Prophet. “I mean, get a new name for it, get people more excited about it... change is always good.”
Anton Buro thinks getting the public involved is a great idea. “We're the ones living here, we're the ones going to Capital Ex, it should have something to do with us, our heritage, and I think it's a really good idea.” His suggestion is a familiar one. “I really like Klondike Days. I was kind of mad when they took it away,” Buro admits.
Some aspects of the fair won't change including tasty treats, exciting rides, great concerts and one-of-a-kind shopping experiences. But there will lots new as Northlands continues to grow and expand the Fair to meet the needs of the community and create the ultimate fair experience.
“It has to be something that we can theme every year, that this year the first year we themed it music, and next year's theme will be something else,” explains Sheehan.
The “Name Your Fair” contest is put on by Global Edmonton, the Edmonton Journal and Northlands.
“July 10th we'll announce these top six names,” says Sheehan, “and then right up until the end of the fair the public will get to vote on what they think their summer fair should be.”
Public Relations experts say engaging the public in coming up with the name is a good move.
“ They are actually asking for them for their opinion, they're involving them in the process to do this, so it really shows they're interested in their public and want to involve them in the process,” says Colin Babiuk from Grant MacEwan University.
"When you have that type of input, it becomes more of a two way dialogue,” he adds. “You're getting multiple perspectives as well, so people are bringing their ideas into it about what the city really is, and what the fair is, what it means to people."
So, get your creative juices flowing and help us shape the future by giving us your suggestions on what the future name of the Fair should be.
If your suggestion is one of the top six finalists, you will win two lifetime fair passes* (approx. value of $7,000).
Grand prize winner - If your suggestion becomes the new name for Edmonton's Fair, you will win an additional pair of lifetime fair passes and a pair of tickets to 12 concerts at Rexall place* (approx. value of $9,400).
Enter at nameyourfair.ca
Deadline for submissions is June 29th.
© Global News. A division of Shaw Media Inc., 2012.