"Disorganized transition,' builders note, as exhibit transfers from Stampede to KDays
The annual KDays Midway in Edmonton is gearing up for another thrilling 10 days of rides, food, games, and live shows, with the setup process already underway. This year, North American Midway Entertainment (NAME) is bringing in a variety of attractions, including the much-anticipated roller coasters, the "Crazy Mouse" and "Outlaw."
The setup involves a well-oiled machine of multiple teams working collaboratively to efficiently erect rides and booths before the event opens. With KDays including 10 epic summer days, the midway infrastructure must be robust and capable of supporting a wide range of attractions, from thrill rides to food stalls. Sensory-friendly and accessibility considerations are also part of the overall setup, as spaces for sensory breaks are created to accommodate guests with special needs.
Roller coasters such as the "Crazy Mouse" and "Outlaw" are complex mechanical structures that require careful assembly, safety inspections, and testing to ensure rider safety. The "Crazy Mouse," known for its tight turns and sudden drops, presents challenges due to its compact but intricate design. Its setup requires precise alignment of tracks and secure fastening of all components.
The "Outlaw" roller coaster, which may have more intense elements, demands even more rigorous structural integrity checks and coordinated assembly, balancing ride thrill with safety. Logistical challenges include transporting large ride parts, coordinating crane operations for assembly of tall components, and adhering to timeline constraints to be ready before opening day. Weather conditions during setup can also introduce difficulties, as rain or high winds delay construction and pose safety hazards to workers.
North American Midway Entertainment, which has been in operation for 21 years, is no stranger to these challenges. Scooter Korek, vice-president of client services, stated that the company moves 19 locations in a year, starting its season in Miami every year in March. Workers at NAME become very proficient in their tasks by the time they arrive at KDays, with many staff working for the company year-round and travelling for the exhibition season year after year.
Bennett Kavals, in charge of personnel for NAME, noted that the staff looks forward to the opening of KDays. About 300 semis are needed to transport the rides from city to city. The exhibition grounds are bustling with workers and vehicles like cranes, forklifts, semis, and people on a stationary ferris wheel.
Scooter Korek also mentioned that the "Crazy Mouse" and "Outlaw" roller coasters are two of the most difficult rides to set up. However, he emphasised that the work pays off when the gates open and the rides are ready for operation. The KDays Midway is being put in place on Thursday, with construction and inspections scheduled to be completed by Friday's 11:00 am opening.
The KDays Midway is a testament to the dedication and skill of the NAME team, who work tirelessly to bring excitement and joy to thousands of visitors each year. As the rides come to life and the midway buzzes with activity, it's clear that the hard work and challenges faced during setup are worth it for the thrill and fun that awaits.
The efficient assembly and testing of roller coasters such as the "Crazy Mouse" and "Outlaw" are crucial steps in the setup process for KDays Midway, as they require careful alignment and secure fastening of all components to ensure rider safety. With more than 300 semis transporting rides from city to city, North American Midway Entertainment (NAME) prioritizes safety and logistics in order to deliver a successful entertainment experience at the event.
