By Dominic Abassi

‘Sweet’ musical headliners, classic attractions on tap for 122nd VIEx

Aug 19, 2016 | 10:59 AM

NANAIMO — From barnyard animals to mini doughnuts and fair rides, the VIEx has something for everyone.
 
As of nine o’clock Friday morning, gates will be open for the 122nd edition of the iconic Nanaimo summer event at Beban Park.
 
Director of mainstage Don Boyd says more than 20,000 people are expected to come through the gates to check out attractions like professional wrestling, horse shows, remote control car racing, logger sports and a haunted house.

There’s even a goat milking demonstration.

Boyd says there will be all of the classic food trucks, including the perennial favourite mini doughnuts, and the midway carnival rides.

With big crowds expected, there are some things to keep in mind according to Boyd, who notes you won’t be able to access Beban Park off of Bowen road.
 
“Usually when it opens up, there’s a slow trickle and then around 11 o’clock it gets fairly busy. We have a few different areas to come in, gate one near the south-end of Beban Park is usually better because gate two by the mainstage is busier because that’s where all the parking is,” says Boyd.

Boyd, who is in charge of rounding up the music, is particularly excited about the line-up assembled this year.

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Friday night will be headlined by Wide Mouth Mason, while Saturday puts 90’s rockers Age of Electric in the spotlight.

“He’s (Age of Electric frontman Todd Kerns) been playing with Slash for the last few years so picking up his band is sweet. And then having Michelle Wright (Sunday’s headliner), she’s a country superstar.”

He also says all of the opening acts are all local, promoting the talent around the mid-island.
 
For full details, schedules and the music line-up, check out viex.ca.