Ah, good ol’ KDays, the only place on Earth that can make the combined smell of sunscreen, sweat and mini doughnuts smell good. It’s a summer ritual at this point, and this year it’s back at the Expo Centre from July 19 to 28. I’m going to be honest, I go for one reason — mini doughnuts. Oh, and shaved ice. And The Zipper. Okay, so maybe more than one reason, and I am not mad about it. This is why KDays is so fun — there’s so much to love.
As a self-proclaimed foodie with a penchant for the bizarre, KDays’ new foods competition is one of my favourite parts of the festival. Last year, I dared to try mustard ice cream. Spoiler alert: it’s as weird as it sounds. But the pink lemonade ice cream and falafel perogies more than made up for it. It’s not just food; it’s an experience. And of course, you can’t forget the mini doughnuts — or as I call them, the breakfast of champions. Those sugary halos of happiness that are worth every single calorie. Whether you’re a regular or a first-timer, a bag of these delights is a rite of passage.
As a 21-year-old, I’m in that awkward phase between teenager and adult. KDays lets me feel like a kid again — until I try to ride The Zipper right after breakfast. Nothing says “good morning” like being spun around until you forget which way is up. If you’re feeling adventurous, the Crazy Mouse is a must-try. It’s like a regular roller coaster, but with a twist — literally.
If you’re not one to hang upside down or plummet from great heights, the Polar Express ride is also a fun time. Growing up, my favourite ride at the fair was the teacups. It still is, but fair warning if you get into my teacup, brace yourself: I show no mercy.
After you’re tuckered out from the rides, nothing cools you down like some shaved ice and a walk around the trade show. Think of the KDays trade show as a quirky marketplace where you can find things from the practical to the downright bizarre. Need a new phone case? Got it. Curious about pseudoscience medical devices? Got those too. I like to keep a healthy dose of skepticism and sarcastic commentary in my back pocket when I’m at the trade show.
And if you have a soul, don’t miss the Superdogs show. It’s pure, unadulterated puppy power that will leave you grinning like an idiot. Who doesn’t love watching dogs do tricks and run obstacle courses? This year’s theme is “Hollywoof: A night at the Pawscars.” It’s a wholesome break from the chaos of the midway.
Picture this: you’ve been on every ride, eaten every weird food, and now you just want to chill. The beer gardens are the perfect place to take a breather, people-watch, and soak in the festivities.
I like to dedicate one day to the rides and food, and one day to the concerts and more food. I’m already looking forward to dancing to Ludacris and swaying to K’naan this year. The music, the energy, and the crowd create an electric atmosphere that’s hard to beat. Plus, with two stages and so many headliners, there’s plenty to keep you entertained. And what better way to cap off the night than with a dazzling display of fireworks?
While the festival is a lot of fun, in my experience it’s the morning after that haunts you. My advice? Avoid the spinny rides after drinking, and keep your liquor-to-greasy-food-to-electrolyte ratio even. It’s a wild few days, but with a bit of planning, you can make the most of it without regretting it the next day.
Concerts, fireworks, and roller coasters — what more could you ask for? More mini doughnuts, that’s what.
KDays runs July 19 – 28, 2024, at Edmonton Expo Centre.
