On of the big items for discussion in Edmonton in this summer of 2012, is what to call the annual summer fair. For years it was “Klondike Days” or K-days. Five years ago Northlands, who run the show, arbitrarily decided to rename the 10-day event to Capital Ex. Although not everyone liked the name Klondike Days, I’ve yet to hear anyone who really likes the current name. To Northlands credit, they have heard the people and finally relented. They have asked for public opinion/voting on 6 proposed names. These names are:
- EdFest
- The Edmonton Exhibition
- Edmonton Summer Exhibition
- K-Days
- River City Festival
- River City Summer Fair
My thoughts?
EdFest – “Who’s Ed?” – it’s bound to be asked – often! Isn’t there already a music festival using this name? This one just leaves me cold.
Edmonton Exhibition – Too 1940’s; not looking forward. When I was a kid, it was “The Exhibition” that we were going to. The actual exhibiting of things is not what it used to be and is a very small part of the activities.
Edmonton Summer Exhibition – Pretty generic and implies there are other seasonal exhibitions. Same general criticisms of using “Exhibition”.
K-Days – Note that it is not “Klondike” Days. I always liked the Klondike theme, although critics pointed out that Edmonton was not in the Klondike, nor was it on a popular route to the Klondike. The City was however born in that era and for that reason I thought the title appropriate (and it was a fun theme while it lasted and great while people and businesses bought into it). Just using K-days does allow us to harken back to the Klondike theme, but it also leaves the door open to find something new that the “K” can stand for.
River City Festival – While I absolutely love our river valley and believe it to be an absolute jewel for this city, the fact is that virtually every community is built up around a river (stream etc.). No one outside of Edmonton will think of Edmonton as THE river city.
River City Summer Fair – same criticism of use of “River” in the title , plus “Fair” is just so small town.
Of these six, I support K-Days. I somehow sense that we don’t have the ideal name amongst these six, but don’t have a better one either. Any of these will be an improvement over Capital Ex. Lets choose one, stick with it and make it work!
Do you have your own opinion? You can vote (until 2012 July 28th at 6 PM) for your favorite name at: http://nameyourfair.ca/
YEGmonton 