Frex should stay in Fredericton's downtown, says official

The executive director of the Fredericton Exhibitionis dismissing suggestions thatthe annual event should be moved to a different part of the city.

There have been suggestions in the past that the Frex should be held outside the downtown area.

Mike Vokey says a major draw of the exhibition grounds is where it is.

"Location, location, location," Vokey said. "And here we are, part of the downtown Fredericton area with ample parking, a great facility.

"It is older, but definitely workable and we'll keep making improvements to it and is the perfect location and I think the people of Fredericton want it to stay here."

Vokey says the problem for many past attendees was that there was a lack of change from year to year. Hehopes to attract visitors by presenting new events and updating old ones.

Changes include nightly musical performances,a lumberjack championshipand a closing fireworks display.

Moving the 185-year-old Fredericton Exhibition to the outskirts of the city would likely have an effect on attendance, Vokey said.

"If we move the location, it becomes less desirable as a venue to host it," he said."Even if it was newer, with newer paint and new lights, it's all about location and where you draw the people. And we do. We've got a great location here and we're really happy to be a part of Fredericton and we want to stay involved in the downtown area."

The 2012 Frex started Sunday and runs until Friday night.