Explore Moose Jaw 2024

Message from Mayor Clive Tolley

On behalf of the citizens of Moose Jaw and members of City Council, I extend to you a sincere and warm welcome.

Moose Jaw is known throughout North America for its fascinating attractions, vibrant downtown, and rich history.

Whether you’re here to shop in our beautiful historic downtown, relax at one of our unique spas, participate in our community events, or take a relaxing walk through one of our many parks, Moose Jaw has something for you! We also have many ne hotels, motels and restaurants that cater to the varied tastes of all our visitors.

Whether you plan to stay for a day, or a lifetime, we’re glad to have you here in Canada’s Most Notorious City – Moose Jaw!

468 High St W Moose Jaw, SK. S6H 1T3 306-694-1322 Fax: 888-241-5291

joan@moosejawexpress.com

Special Thanks to all who contributed their time, effort and knowledge to this project:

Editorial: Joan Ritchie, Jason Antonio, Randy Palmer, Fox Klein, April Meersman, Chris Istace

Sales: Wanda Hallborg, Gladys Baigent-Therens, Kevin Ogle, David Klatt, Steve Seida, Rob Ritchie

Design: Sandra Stewart

The contents of this publication are the property of Moose Jaw Express. Reproduction of any of the contents of this publication including, but without limiting the generality of the following: photographs, artwork and graphic designs, is strictly prohibited. There shall be no reproduction without the Express written consent of the publisher. (rob@mjvexpress.com) All ads are published in good faith without verification, and the Moose Jaw Express does not under any circumstances accept responsibility for the accuracy or otherwise of any ads or messages in any of the publications editions. The Moose Jaw Express specifically disclaims all and any liability to advertisers and readers of any kind for loss or damages of any nature what so ever and however arising, whether due to inaccuracy, error, omission of any other cause.

TO ADVERTISE IN THE NEXT ISSUE

EMAIL: SALES@MJVEXPRESS.COM

Editor’s Note

Another year and another edition – the 14th annual Explore Moose Jaw magazine full of wonderful ideas of things to do to fill your days this summer and fall!

This edition focuses more on the great community of Moose Jaw and some nearby events; something for every age and interest as you flip through the pages within. You won’t have a minute to spare if you want to see and do all there is to offer.

The charm that this community exudes is amazing; there’s historic value to take in, good food to eat and great people to meet, no lack of public venues and parks to meander, and much more.

Besides the tourist draws of the Tunnels of Moose Jaw, our great spas and the casino, you need to dig a little deeper into the heartbeat of the community to find more jewels to explore.

For the avid golfer, you could take in a week of golfing at a different course every day and be back in Moose Jaw within a short distance drive or play each of our community’s three golf courses within less than a ten minute in-town drive, with more day left to spare to do whatever your heart desires. The courses are kid-friendly too and offer opportunities for families to try-out or partake in the sport of golf, something that many large cities don’t encourage thinking that kids clog up the play. But how else can a kid become a golf-lover or pro if they are never exposed to the sport? Golfing is not only a sport, it’s both recreational and social, building camaraderie.

If you are a classic or sports car enthusiast, this community offers car shows of show cars, more than you could imagine. Just wandering through rows and rows of shiny classics with some sporty special editions thrown-in offers eye candy for the young and old alike, enough to get your motors revved up. The nostalgia of yesteryear’s models gives males of all ages something to dream about too, because we all know that men love their toys, and I guess some women do too!

Moose Jaw is a special place that is close to the heart of the province, as well as to the heart of the people that live here. If you are a visitor, Moose Javians will welcome you with open arms and give you a special embrace you won’t soon forget. Happy exploring!

Joan Ritchie

Joan Ritchie

MURALS OF MOOSE JAW

12. Moose Jaw Downtown & Murals Map

13. Tourist Guide Murals Locations

17. Grand murals depict early life of community

18. Meet Mac, “The World’s Largest Moose”

19. Buffalo Statue, a tribute to region’s rich history

ORGANIZATIONS

What’sinside?

20. Visit Moose Jaw marketing partnership bringing events to Moose Jaw

21. Downtown Moose Jaw Association helps keep Moose Jaw’s historic downtown growing

22. A record-breaking year for the books for Tourism Moose Jaw

23. Local tech-company to help city better tell stories about historic buildings locations

24. The Salvation Army: A Bastion of Hope

PARKS

26. Wakamow Valley invites you to enjoy summer down in the valley

28. The Trans Canada Trail Care Grant will help to spruce up the Trans-Canada Trail in Wakamow Valley

29. Bob’s Auto Body provides professional service

30. Renamed Tatawaw Park shows long history of Moose Jaw’s River Valley

31. Pools, Playground and Spray Parks

32. Dog Park for dogs to romp and bark, Bike Park to challenge riders of all skill levels and a multipurpose Skate Park for skateboarders, inline and BMX enthusiasts

33. Buffalo Pound Provincial Park, a prairie oasis of scenic rolling hills overlooking Buffalo Pound Lake with lots to see and do

SPECIAL PLACES TO VISIT

34. The Public Library offers year-round programs in downtown Moose Jaw

35. Inspire yourself at the Moose Jaw Museum and Art Gallery this summer

36. MJ Exhibition Company: Where Sask’s agricultural roots shine brightest

37. The Saskatchewan Burrowing Owl Interpretive Centre is a great place to visit to learn about these endangered species and much more

38. Explore Saskatchewan’s unique history at The Western Development Museum

39. Famous ship and pioneer lifestyle featured at Sukanen Village and Museum

40. A summer of fun with the Moose Jaw Cultural Centre

42. The Mae Wilson Theatre is jam-packed full of events

44. From bootlegging to immigration to war, Moose Jaw’s history showcased under ground

EAT IN MOOSE JAW

BEVIES MOOSE JAW

SPECIAL EVENTS

50. Farmer’s Markets and Non-profit Seasonal Growing Organizations provide garden produce and much more

52. Sidewalk Days Festival a treat for all five senses

54. Car Shows During Summer Months

56. Action in the sky when Snowbirds’ team appears

58. St. Victor Boogie celebrating 45th anniversary

60. St. Victor Petroglyphs a window into the province’s past

62. 15th Annual Mortlach Berry Festival with musical act DETOURcountry to perform

64. “Meet Me in Mortlach”: Village of Mortlach prepares to host summer-long prairie draw project

65. “Meet Me in Mortlach”: 15’ Don Cherry wood carving now greets villages’ guests

66. Angie Belsher has been a Registered Dental Hygenist for over 18 years

67. The 28th Annual Festival of Words: A Literary Extravaganza

68. Many fun activities to be found at the Festival of Words

71. Boh’s Cycle and Sporting Goods and Alternate Roots Organics provide healthy options to optimal wellness

72. Ogema train tours a popular activity for lovers of Harry Potter, wine, food, music and fun

SPORTS & RELATED FACILITIES

74. Moose Jaw sports facilities offer all sorts of options for things to do year-round

76. Moose Jaw Miller Express offering must-see baseball every summer

78. A banner season: Moose Jaw Warriors cap incredible year with WHL Championship

79. Moose Jaw golf courses offer a little bit of everything for players of all abilities

80. Hit the Links Course Locations

84. Get ready for family fun this summer at Battle Creek Adventure Park

STAY IN MOOSE JAW

EXPLORE

SOME MORE

88. Tunnel Vision Optical here to offer eyewear options

90. Hopkins Dining Parlour - where history, charm and great food abound

92. History and art come together

94. Top Gun Trailers: Your premiere solution for trailer and equipment needs since 2011

Visitors Information

Many people in Moose Jaw belong to various service clubs and offer up their time to make Moose Jaw a great place to live. Consider joining one of the many clubs and get involved in your community.

Army, Navy, & Air Force Veterans (306) 692-4412

Beta Sigma Phi (306) 631-4583

Citizens All (306) 693-6066

Elks Lodge No. 7 (306) 692-7474

Fraternal Order of Eagles (306) 693-1496

Moose Jaw Kinette Club moosejawkinetteclub@gmail.com

Moose Jaw Kinsmen Club mjkinsmen@outlook.com

Knights of Columbus mjknights.ca

Lions International (Early Bird) e-clubhouse.org

Moose Jaw Masonic Temple (306) 692-3924

Moose Jaw Shrine Club (306) 693-5788

The Friendly City Optimist Club (306) 694-4121

Rotary Club of Moose Jaw portal.clubrunner.ca/1005

Rotary Club of Moose Jaw Wakamow portal.clubrunner.ca/997

Royal Canadian Legion Branch 59 (306) 692-5453

Moose Jaw Trap And Skeet Club (306) 631-1152

THE MOOSE JAW Exhibition Company

offers one of the City’s largest convention facilities

Convention Facilities

The MJ Ex Co has several different options for your event, the buildings ranging in capacity up to 1000 people. Please contact the MJ Ex Co Office for more information.

MJ Hometown Fair

One of the City’s largest events, this year’s dates June 21, 22, & 23rd, 2024 with the Parade down Main Street on June 20th. Non-stop entertainment for all ages!

Equine Facilities

Permanent and temporary stabling available. Arena with almost all weekend shows free to the public.

Burrowing Owl Centre

The Saskatchewan Burrowing Owl Interpretive Centre was created to help promote conservation of the burrowing owl and its native prairie habitat through education, eco-tourism and stewardship. SBOIC is a non-profit organiza tion, run by the MJ Ex Co, and relies entirely on grants and donations to operate.

For Burrowing Owl information Call 306-692-8710

For event listings, updates and information, please visit our website and “like” us on Facebook!

Tourist Guide Murals Locations

1. CRUISING MAIN STREET: Behind the Mae Wilson Theatre at 217 Main Street North. By Grant McLaughlin, Moose Jaw, 2011. A lively scene of Moose Jaw’s Main Street in the 1920s. since the mural is painted on the back of the Old Capital Theatre Building, some elements from the theatre are incorporated in the design.

2. OPENING DAY PARADE: 82 Manitoba Street, west wall. By Gus Froese, Moose Jaw, 1990. The opening day parade of the 1910 baseball season from railway station up Main Street.

3. BREAKING NEW GROUND: 80 High Street West, north wall. By Paul Geraghty, Avonlea, 1990. Representing the pioneer’s hopes of a golden future by “proving his land” five acres per year for five years to obtain title of ownership.

4. SUNDAY SCHOOL: 60 Hochelaga Street West. By Marsha Wade Charlebois, Welland, Ont., 1991. This mural pays tribute to Eva Hasell and Winifred Tricehurst, who did missionary work in the district in the 1920s.

6. A TRIBUTE TO LEWIS RICE: 70 Stadacona Street West (McMaster Studio Building). By Grant McLaughlin, Moose Jaw, 2011. The mural is a tribute to Lewis Rice, an early resident and photographer. Using the equipment of the time, he created valuable historic records of rural and city life, especially the scenery and buildings.

7. FIRST WATCH: 100 Fairford Street West, east wall. By Grant McLaughlin, Moose Jaw, 2009. The mural celebrates the history of the Moose Jaw Fire Department. Moose Jaw’s past, and other communities, contain stories of devastating fires and the effort of firefighters to protect life and property. The gradual changes in equipment and methods are illustrated along with the awareness that the dedication and courage remain the same.

8. SUNDAY OUTING: 105 Ominica Street West, east wall. By Wee Lee, Regina, 1991. A delicately painted view of an engagement party boating on the Moose Jaw River.

9. ALL IN A DAY’S WORK: 80 Stadacona Street West, west wall. By Stefan Csiszar, Santa Fe, N.M., USA., 1991. This unique art form depicts three successful businesses of early Moose Jaw.

10. THE FIRST RUN: 125 Main Street North, north wall. By Brian Volke, Regina, 1991. On Aug. 19, 1911 Moose Jaw’s streetcar took its first run.

11. HOPES AND DREAMS: 21 Fairford Street West, west wall. By Grant McLaughlin, Moose Jaw, 1991. This bas-relief shows a pioneer wagon loaded with all they need to homestead around 1882.

5. THE LADY AND THE COW: 602 Main Street North, west wall. By Ernie Bereti, McLean, Sask., 1991. For pioneer women on the prairies a cow was a prized possession. The lady is Mrs. Elizabeth Elliot.

12. LIVING WITH THE LAND: 55 Ominica Street West. By Grant McLaughlin, Moose Jaw, 2013. This mural honours the Lakota Sioux, Cree, Assiniboine, Metis, and other Aboriginal people who camped in the Moose Jaw Valley, a natural oasis that provided shelter, wood, water and food, and was mainly used in the winter. The hide painting in the background ties the design together

and shows the importance of the horse and buffalo. The Sioux quote is another recognition of traditional Aboriginal connection to nature and their world.

13. THE SISTERS OF SION: 1236 3rd Avenue Northwest, north wall. By Ernie Bereti, McLean, Sask., 1992. Celebrating the centennial of the founding order, the mural is an open-book format.

14. LEST WE FORGET: 268 High Street West. By Dale Cline, Moose Jaw, 1992. Sponsored by the Royal Canadian Legion, this mural is dedicated to the men who fought in two World Wars and beyond.

15. FOR THE VETERANS: 32 Manitoba Street West, west wall. By David Paul, Moose Jaw, 2006. The mural was created to honour all veterans who fought and are still fighting for the freedoms we enjoy and take for granted. The work depicts the profile of a warera female nurse, a sailor, a soldier, and an airman. Paul based it on old war recruiting posters and meant it to acknowledge all generations of people from Moose Jaw who have been affected by war.

16. OLD TIME THRESTHING BEE: 32 River Street East. By Paul Geraghty, Avonlea, Sask., 1992. A tribute to the farmers who made the prairies the breadbasket of the world.

17. WINTER CARNIVAL: 35 High Street East. By Grant McLaughlin, Moose Jaw, 1992. This mural shows winter carnival events that were popular during the long prairie winters.

18. NATIONAL LIGHT AND POWER CO.: 821 Main Street North. By Gus Froese, Moose Jaw, 1993. This mural sponsored by the Moose Jaw Asphalt Co. and depicts the change that electric lights made to the community.

19. MARCH TO THE PIPES FOREVER: 500 First Avenue N.W., north wall. By Gus Froese, Moose Jaw, 1993. A tribute to the Springs O’Heather All Girls Pipe Band and the Heather Highlanders Dancers.

20. DRIVING THROUGH THE YEARS: 80 Caribou Street West, west wall. By Nikki Howell and Bobbi Romanuk, Moose Jaw, 1994. This ceramic tile mosaic depicts the history of the CAA Saskatchewan Motor

Club from 1905 to the present.

21. TEMPLE GARDENS 1921: 24 Fairford Street East, inside spa. By Violet Bechtold, Jo-Anne Dusel, Dale Cline, Moose Jaw, 1994. This mural of a popular local nightspot was made from about 9,000 pieces of broken china.

22. AIR FORCE BLUE: 112 First Avenue N.E., west wall. By Dale Cline, Moose Jaw, 1994. Sponsored by 15 Wing Moose Jaw and members of Course 9401. It is a tribute to the training of pilots at the base since 1940 to date.

23. DISCOVERY: 83 Ominica Street West. By

24. PEACOCK PRESENTS: 145 Ross Street East. By Grant McLaughlin, Moose Jaw, 1994. A bas-relief of Peacock Collegiate aspects, such as academics, art, drama, choral and sports.

25. COLLAGE OF LOST MURALS: 88 Second Avenue N.W. Completed 2017. Remembering our lost murals that were loved and are missed. Remember Old 80 was Moose Jaw’s first mural and was lost when the building was demolished. Another favourite, River Street Red, was destroyed by fire. Lost to demolition were The Incorporation of the City of Moose Jaw and Moose Jaw Union Hospital Mural. Our Ukrainian Heritage was lost to remodelling, while Summer Games was lost to deterioration. Since 2007 murals have been painted on panels, so hopefully no more will be lost.

26. THE JEWELS AND THE ROYALS: 145 Ross Street East, east wall. By Kelly Friesen, Grant McLaughlin, and Michelle Wheatley, Moose Jaw, 1996. A tribute to the excellent women’s baseball teams in Moose Jaw in the ’30s,’40s and ’50s.

27. CLARKE BROS. CIRCA 1902: 37 Main Street north, west wall. By Ruth Hamilton, Moose Jaw, 1999. This mural shows the artist’s father and uncle’s interior of their store operated from 1902-50.

28. ROSS WELLS TRIBUTE TO BASEBALL:

Rob Froese, Moose Jaw, 1994. Sponsored by SaskTel, it consists of 750 handmade clay tiles, depicting images of advancements in communication.

Ross Wells Diamond at corner of Ross Crescent and Caribou Street East. By Gus Froese, Moose Jaw, 1999. A tribute to the long history of world-class baseball played in Moose Jaw over the years.

29. TRIBUTE TO VICTORIA SCHOOL: 175 First Avenue N.E. By Joanne Dusel, Moose Jaw, 2000. Whimsical look at Victoria School on opening day featuring long-time teacher Faye Baker.

30. HISTORY CPR STATION: Free-standing wall, Five Manitoba Street East. Design by Dale Cline, Moose Jaw, 1999. Painted by students in tribute to their teacher Dale Cline, who died in 1999.

31. DANCING ON RIVER STREET: 21 Fairford Street East, north wall. By Brian Romagnoli, Lincoln, Ont., 2002. This mural offers a romantic retrospective glimpse of the exciting nightlife of River Street in the 1920s.

32. TRIBUTE TO THE AGE OF THEATRE: 21 Fairford Street East, west wall. By Brian Romagnoli, Lincoln, Ont., 2002. This mural celebrates the theatres that made Moose Jaw the cultural centre of southern Saskatchewan in the 1920s.

33. FAMILY GATHERING INDOORS: Inside Mosaic Place, 110 First Avenue N.W. McCaig Mezzanine view from the front stairs. By Wei Luan, Edmonton, Alta., 2002. A life-size bronze sculpture of a family of moose.

34. CENTENNIAL MURAL: Crescent Park Band Shell near the library. By Grant McLaughlin, Moose Jaw, 2003. A pictorial history of Moose Jaw from 1902 to 2003 on the band shell in Crescent Park.

35. TRIBUTE TO GARY HYLAND: Corner of Home Street and Fourth Avenue SE. By Grant McLaughlin, Moose Jaw, 2012. A tribute to Gary Hyland, a teacher, poet, and arts

advocate; was commissioned by the South Hill Community Association and The Riverview Alumni association. The images depict his poetic memories of growing up in the South Hill area in the ’40s and ’50s.

36. HISTORY OF THE MOOSE JAW EXHIBITION COMPANY: 250 Thatcher Drive, south wall. Shows the many facets of the exhibition company over the years.

37. BATTLE OF THE BOOZE: Tourism Centre

on Thatcher Drive East. By Joe Dombowsky. Prohibition played a major role in the early years of our province. This is particularly true for Moose Jaw, the central point where “The Battle for the Booze” was fought and finally decided. As Saskatchewan’s Chief Prohibition Officer, A.J. Hawke was one of the leading characters in this great cat-andmouse game known as the prohibition era.

38. VETERINARIAN MURAL: 0 block of Hochelaga Street West on the back wall of Patterson Plaza/Rogers/Shoppers Drug Mart. By Noella Cotnam. A tribute to all the veterinarians who served in Moose Jaw over the years and helped keep pets and animals healthy.

39. A TRIBUTE TO THE METIS COMMUNI-

TY: 0 block of Hochelaga Street West on the back wall of Patterson Plaza/Rogers/Shoppers Drug Mart. By Ray Renooy Winnipeg, Man., 2007. A mural of Louis Riel, the leader of the Metis and founder of Manitoba.

40. THE LAST DAMBUSTER: South wall of 212 Main Street North (view from High Street). By Jon (Bushie) Butterworth, Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia 2007. Ken Brown was a Moose Jaw native who flew with the famous Dambuster Squadron during the Second World War and was awarded the Conspicuous Gallantry Medal.

The Dambusters bombed dams in Germany. The operation was one of great difficulty, demanding very low flying and a high degree of skill, courage, and close co-operation with the crews of the aircraft engaged. Flying Officer Robert Alexander Urquhart, DFC, another Moose Jaw native, was also part of the Dambuster mission, but his plane was damaged in the bomb drop, and then shot down on the return to base, killing all on board.

41. CAPITAL THEATRE MURAL: North wall of the cultural centre (view from Fairford Street). By David Butler. A ticket for the theatre in its heyday with a bevy of beauties to grace the stage.

42. RIDING FOR THE BRAND: East wall of Ashdown’s Furniture on 38 High Street West. By Grant McLaughlin. Commissioned by Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association on its 100th anniversary and dedicated past and current cattlemen and women of Saskatchewan. Riding for the Brand is an Old West term for a loyal and dedicated ranch hand, while the mural shows an early scene of driving cattle to the rail yard, with a photo of the original Saskatchewan Stock Growers’ founders in the centre.

43. STORMIN’ MAIN STREET, 1883: Fairford Street West, east wall of the former TimesHerald building. By Dale Cline, Moose Jaw, 1991. An awesome perspective of Main Street looking north, as a Prairie storm heads for town.

44. CANADA MOSAIC 150: On the wall of Moose Jaw Tourism facing Tim Hortons at 450 Diefenbaker Drive. September 2016. Nearly 200 communities and thousands of participants across Canada created community murals that reflected the history and culture of Canada. Moose Jaw’s unique

mural is composed of 828 tiles painted by residents and honour the Snowbirds flying team. The mural is a historic legacy that celebrates Canada’s sesquicentennial (150th birthday).

45. POSTCARDS FROM MOOSE JAW: On Kiwanis Lodge in River Park. By Grant McLaughlin, 2016. A mosaic of pictures that honours Paxton Lake, market gardens, greenhouses, a brick plant, the aquatic club, the River Park Campground, and Wakamow Valley’s many activities.

46. SOUTH HILL MURAL: On the wall of Palliser Regional Library at 366 Coteau Street West, painted by Carly Jaye in October 2021. The colourful mural features scenes from across South Hill in a design that incorporates a shelf of books — a nod to the building on which it is painted.

Grand murals depict early life of community

Moose Jaw is the mural capital of North America, featuring 46 giant outdoor murals. This classic collection is painted on the exterior walls of downtown buildings and depict the challenges and excitement of the city’s early years.

The first of Moose Jaw’s murals was painted in grant scale in 1990. Scenes depicting the community’s early history can be found on the sides and fronts of buildings throughout the downtown core.

Painting, glassworks and a bas-relief all provide insight into the development of the community. Tributes abound to early pioneers, historic occasions and buildings, activities, and achievements. Self-guided walking tours are suggested.

A group of Moose Javians wanted to replicate the murals of Chemainus, B.C., so they asked the creator of the idea there, Karl Schutz, to teach them how to develop a similar concept. The first mural painted here was “Remember Old 80,” which was promptly followed by “Opening Day Parade.” Several local artists have contributed murals over the years, such as Grant McLaughlin, the late Gus Froese, and Dale Cline. Cline was instrumental in

establishing murals in Moose Jaw, while he also served as president of the murals committee. Froese painted several murals, such as “National Lights and Power Co.,” “March to the Pipes Forever,” “Ross Wells Tribute to Baseball,” and others. McLaughlin painted “Cruising Main Street,” “Postcards from Moose Jaw,” “Hopes and Dreams,” “Living with the land,” “Winter Carnival,” the centennial mural on the Crescent Park amphitheatre, “Tribute to Gary Hyland,” and others.

Sadly, Moose Jaw has lost several murals due to fire, demolition, or deterioration. This list includes two beloved murals “Remember Old 80” (demolished in 2009) and “River Street Red” (destroyed by fire in 2014).

Not all is lost, though, as you can find a display honouring the city’s lost murals on the McKarr’s Furniture building at 88 Second Avenue Northwest. Meanwhile, the original version of “Town’s Afire” — initially located where “Fire Watch” is now — was re-created by Gus Froese on the third floor of the Hammond Building in 2015. The newest murals have been painted onto panels so they can be saved if the building is scheduled for demolition. For more information about the murals, contact city hall at 306-694-4426.

Meet Mac, “The World’s Largest Moose”

Mac the Moose stands proudly at the Tourism Moose Jaw office (450 Diefenbaker Dr, just off Thacher Dr. NE) and can be seen from Hwy #1 greeting visitors every day of the year. The mascot moose is a testament to Moose Jaw’s pride, ingenuity, and creativity.

Mac the Moose has been a prominent part of Moose Jaw since it was constructed in 1984. When Mac was first built, he stood proudly at a towering 9.8 meters or 32 feet. The brainchild of Marge Gudmundson and the Boost the Moose Committee, Mac was created to be more than a sculpture, he was built to be a beacon to draw tourists, hopefully pulling them from the highway into the welcoming arms of Moose Jaw. The first pitch for Mac was endorsed as “the biggest tourist attraction between here and Timbuktu.”

The talented artist behind Mac was a man named Don Foulds from Saskatoon. Using a steel frame, metal mesh, and four coats of cement, Foulds brought Mac to life. His portfolio includes other notable city sculptures such as the turtle in Turtleford, Saskatchewan, and Wally the Woolly Mammoth in Kyle.

However, the building of Mac did not come without controversy as it was revealed that Dryden, Ontario, already had a moose sculpture named Max, who was already dubbed “the world’s largest moose”. Eventually, Dryden’s mayor admitted defeat and re-billed his moose as “the largest Moose in Northern Ontario.”

A naming contest was held following Mac’s completion. The winning name was, of course, Mac, which was chosen to honor the late Les “Mac” MacKenzie. The ribbon-cutting ceremony took place on May 23rd, 1984, which marked the begin-

Mac’s story took an unexpected turn in 2018 when comedian YouTubers Justin and Greg uncovered that Mac had lost his “world’s largest” title to another moose. The competitor was from StorElvdal, Norway, standing 30 centimeters taller than Mac. After worldwide media attention, it was decided that Mac’s antlers would be replaced with bigger and better ones.

The lack of antlers caused many jabs and jokes, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert couldn’t resist poking fun at Mac’s transformation, likening him to a “Papier-Mâché Dog.” Mac received his new antlers in October 2019, finally cementing his spot as “the world’s largest Moose” with a new height of 10.36 meters or 33 feet, just barely beating out Norway’s moose.

Complete line of fth wheel, travel trailer campers, shing boats, pontoon boats, sales and service and much more!

The majestic Mac the Moose located at the Tourism Moose Jaw location - 450 Diefenbaker Drive, just off Thatcher Drive NE.

A fairly recent addition to Moose Jaw at the Tourism office location is the magnificent Buffalo Statue that was erected in July 2023.

Bill and Laurette Keen proposed an idea in 2021 to create a life-sized bison to the City Hall Public Art Committee, driven by a deep desire to share our region’s rich history.

With approval from the City Council, the Public Art Committee covered the materials’ cost totaling $8,295.00, and secured the procurement of the sculpture in the fall of 2022. Bill and Laurette Keen donated all the many hours of work put into finishing this structure.

The finished statue stands roughly six feet tall and eight feet long and took over 500 hours to complete.

After deliberation on the bison’s placement, it was decided that it would join Mac the Moose at the tourist center. The buffalo was officially installed in the latter half of July 2023, with landscaping and pathway work completed in August 2023. A commemorative plaque was installed in October 2023, marking the official completion.

The buffalo was chosen as the sculpture due to its

symbolism of strength, unity, and protection, and to acknowledge the importance and cultural significance this animal played in the lives of the early people of North America.

If you wish to read the plaque, take photos, and witness the beautiful buffalo sculpture, you can visit the Moose Jaw Tourism Center at 450 Diefenbaker Dr, Moose Jaw.

The beautiful bison sculpture created by Bill Keen.

Visit Moose Jaw marketing partnership bringing events to Moose Jaw

Visit Moose Jaw is a destination marketing and funding partnership comprising the Comfort Inn, Quality Inn, Grant Hall, Temple Gardens Hotel and Spa, the Moose Jaw Events Centre, and the Moose Jaw Exhibition Company. These six businesses donate money to put towards organizations that hope to hold an event in Moose Jaw.

Visit Moose Jaw usually funds anywhere from 20 to 30 events a year. Some of these events originated in Moose Jaw, but others are brought in from around Saskatchewan thanks to the generous funding provided by Visit Moose Jaw.

The application process is very straightforward and works slightly differently from other funders, as

that attract participants or attendees who will stay in Moose Jaw.

The events currently confirmed by Visit Moose Jaw from May to August include:

*More events could be added*

• May 25 to May 26, 2024: SEVA Saskatchewan Equestrian Vaulting Association

• June 5 to June 7, 2024: Canadian Association of Literary Festivals (CALF)

• June 14 to June 16, 2024: U15 AAA Canucks Baseball Tournament

• July 11 to June 14, 2024: YEEHA: Youth Equestrian Vaulting Association

• July 11 to June 14, 2024: U18 AAA Canucks - Moose Jaw Minor Baseball

• August 19, 2024: Fem Sport Challenge

Moose Jaw is well known for its historic downtown. To keep the downtown district beautiful, innovative, and vibrant, the Downtown Moose Jaw Association (DMJA) was founded in 2019 to provide a unified voice for Moose Jaw’s downtown business community to promote economic growth.

Following the DMJA’s recent AGM on March 27 this year, the organization’s board now consists of Alex Carleton as chair and John Iatridis as vicechair. Michaela Turner is the secretary and Yvette Moore is now the associations treasurer. The board consists of elected members who each serve a twoyear term.

The primary objective of the DMJA is to keep downtown storefronts filled with vibrant new businesses, to help existing businesses thrive, and to give entrepreneurs mentorship opportunities and other support as they seek out new local initiatives.

Earlier this year, a few of the association’s projects included a walking art program hosted by the Kinsmen Club of Moose Jaw and a downtown clean-up project. Each year the DMJA hosts the ‘Snowtorious’ family event day in February and the Greek Night gala to raise funds in support of Moose Jaw’s downtown district in May.

Little Chicago Show & Shine

This year’s Little Chicago Car Show & Shine is one of the DMJA’s highlights and is set to take place Saturday, Sept. 14.

Last year in 2023, the second annual Show & Shine event drew in twice the number of guests as its

inaugural event one year prior, and thousands lined Main Street to view more than 400 show cars ranging from vintage ‘50s autos to film-inspired recreations and modern supercars.

Guests are always treated to a few live musical acts during the show, and everyone can do a little souvenir shopping or take lunch in Moose Jaw’s novel downtown shops throughout the day.

To enter the car show, email the association at dmja2021@gmail.com

Christmas in October

Later this year, the association hosts a Christmas in October event with details to follow where shoppers can find some early Christmas gifts – usually taking advantage of several storespecific promotions and discounts – and visitors can utilize the yearly Christmas Wish Book for more deals as they help support small local businesses in the historic prairie town.

A record-breaking year for the books for Tourism Moose Jaw

On May 28, 2024, Tourism Moose Jaw held its Annual General Meeting and President’s Rick McKeown announced that 2023 was a record-breaking year for the members, trolley tours, and merchandise sales.

McKeown then acknowledged the executive director, Jacki L’Heureux-Mason and her team’s hard work in raising funds for the new trolley. He said they were able to raise all the necessary funds without relying on a loan from another organization.

L’Heureux-Mason, opened her report by speaking about the increase in revenues. She said that 2023 was a year for the books on the heels of a slow but steady comeback (after the pandemic). Tourism Moose Jaw saw a dramatic 39% increase in trolley revenues, as well as a 2% increase in merchandise sales and a 9% increase in memberships.

L’Heureux-Mason explained that they had multiple promotions last year that were a huge success. They held a Father’s Day promotion at Battle Creek, two hot dog sale fundraisers for the Moose Jaw Humane Society, and the Greek Night, which raised just shy of $30,000 that was split with the Downtown Moose Jaw Association. Prohibition Days proved to be a complete sell-out too. Halloween Tours were also held last year, as well as the first annual Christmas season Twinkle Tours, with each tour completely sold out. The annual tradition of Sidewalk Days in 2023 was Tourism Moose Jaw’s highest revenue-generating Sidewalk Days ever, and their second-largest vendor turnout. To top it off, it was their third-largest in attendance.

The Annual General Meeting concluded with a financial report presented by the Accounting & Operations assistant reporting that as a non-profit organization, the financial on-goings are very transparent and they were happy to report they had a very profitable 2023, with the hope that 2024

will continue on that trajectory.

Tourism Moose Jaw has more than 210 members that continue to put effort into operating the small businesses that keep Moose Jaw vibrant.

L’Heureux-Mason commented that every one of these businesses helps keep Moose Jaw a destination of choice for approximately more than 350,000 visitors each year!

If you want to learn more about Tourism Moose Jaw and what they have going on, you can visit its new website at https://www.tourismmoosejaw. com/.

Tourism Moose Jaw’s President, Rick McKeown, and the Executive Director Jacki L’Heureux-Mason. Photo Credits: Fox Klein.

Moose Jaw is a city filled with history and heritage, so to better communicate those stories, the municipality is participating in a pilot project run by a local tech company.

Jessica McNaughton, CEO and co-founder of memoryKPR (memory keeper), a digital asset management solution that helps individuals, businesses and communities save, store, protect and tell their stories — like a digital time capsule — through pictures, videos and audio, gave a presentation about her company’s services during the recent city council meeting.

The Moose Jaw-owned business won an MJBEX innovation award two years ago and won a people’s choice award through Startup Global Canada last year.

The company is teaming with the heritage advisory committee, which has been working to update and install heritage plaques throughout the city. These plaques will include QR codes — a project 15 years in the making — that, when scanned, provide information about the building or property.

City hall has gathered information about 66 sites that are either designated or non-designated heritage locations, while 20 locations currently have plaques and would be ready for a QR code.

The intent of the pilot is to help communities bring together content and grow economic development through storytelling.

The pilot project runs until Saturday, Nov. 30, and includes a one-year, subsidized subscription of $544, with a second year costing the same; a normal one-year cost is $1,200. Furthermore, the business will provide the heritage committee and city hall with six training sessions about connecting with audiences.

with expert storytellers, such as Doug Griffiths, who wrote “13 Ways to Kill Your Community;” Andrew Hiltz, the current Saskatchewanderer; a former Saskatchewanderer, who will talk about shining a light on hidden gems; and a businessman who operates a TV show about connecting global communities.

Moose Jaw will participate with 50 other Saskatchewan communities, allowing each to learn from and collaborate with others, and will also receive direct customer service.

This “incredible storytelling training” will happen

While memoryKPR’s No. 1 goal is storytelling, where the program really shines is in the collection of stories. For example, while a QR code can tell the story of a building, residents and tourists can also contribute their experiences about that structure or location.

The Salvation Army: A Bastion of Hope

The Salvation Army has played a major supporting role within the community of Moose Jaw for over 135 years. The church is well-known and beloved for its community outreach and family services that aid many members of our community.

The thrift stores that the Salvation Army operates are one of their largest sources of revenue. They run two separate thrift stores, one in Moose Jaw and the other in Assiniboia. They operate completely off donations from the community. These donations are received and sorted at the Donation and Sorting Center in Moose Jaw. All proceeds brought to the Salvation Army are circulated back into their programs.

The Salvation Army mission statement says, “The Salvation Army exists to share the love of Jesus Christ, meet human needs, and be a transforming influence in the communities of our world.”

They accomplish this with their vital programs, directed by Major Clarence and Karen Ingram. These programs include a breakfast program operating Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 11:00 am, a school backpack program, a financial trustee program for adults who struggle with money, emergency family services, and many more programs that aid a variety of people within the community. If you are looking for volunteering opportunities, there are many presented by the Salvation Army. They seek volunteers to assist at the thrift store, aid with sorting clothes and toys, support the breakfast program, and many other opportunities. The Salvation Army is very grateful for all the support from their roughly 25 employees and their many volunteers.

If you wish to speak with the folks at the Salvation Army, you can reach them at 1(306)-692-8858. If you wish to donate any clothes or toys, you can drop them off at the Donation and Sorting Center at 670 High St W. If you are interested in supporting the Thrift Store, you can visit them at 175 1st Ave NE. You can also learn more on their website at https://www.salvationarmymoosejaw.ca/.

The Salvation Army in Moose Jaw

The Salvation Army has been at work in Moose Jaw for more than 135 years and is known for its work through the church, community and family services in the city. The Salvation Army exists to share hope wherever there is hardship, building communities, and know the love of Jesus. Important program priorities include disaster and relief services, Community Care Ministry in personal care homes, financial trustee services for vulnerable adults, and emergency family services. These programs, operated in Moose Jaw and Assiniboia, are directed by Majors Clarence and Karen Ingram, who are the pastors appointed by The Salvation Army. They are supported by roughly 25 employees and countless volunteers who work tirelessly to ensure that the Army is committed to “Giving Hope Today”!

The Army has been best known for the operation of its Thrift Stores in Moose Jaw and Assiniboia. This is associated with the Donation and Sorting Centre, where donations of good used items are received from generous citizens of the city and surrounding areas. Profits from the sale of these goods go toward developing and maintaining programs within the Moose Jaw and Assiniboia region. These funds provide food, clothing and practical assistance to individuals who may require assistance. In addition, hundreds of children are sponsored to attend vacation camps at Beaver Creek Camp each year near Saskatoon.

Within the church, there are opportunities for Christian worship weekly through Sunday worship services, weekly Bible study programs, children and youth ministries and community service opportunities.

Contact us:

Community and Family Services; Emergency and Disaster Services:

175 – 1st Ave. NE, Moose Jaw, S6H 0Y9

Telephone 306-692-5899

Director of Community and Family Services / Corps Officer

Hours: Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

(Closed statutory holidays)

The Salvation Army Thrift Store

175 – 1st Ave. NE, Moose Jaw, S6H 0Y9

Telephone 306-692-8858

Hours: Monday thru Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

(Closed statutory holidays)

The Salvation Army Community Church Sunday services: 11 a.m.

2 Wintergreen Drive, Moose Jaw, S6J 1M9

Telephone 306-694-0045

Corps Officer / Community and Family Services Officer

www.salvationarmymoosejaw.ca or www.facebook.com/TheSalvationArmyInMooseJaw

The Donation & Sorting Centre

670 High Street West, Moose Jaw, S6H 1T6

Telephone 306-693-0814

Donations of good used items accepted Monday thru Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Assiniboia Thrift Store / Food Bank

204 Centre Street, S0H 0B0

Telephone 306-642-3833

Hours: Tuesday thru Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Closed statutory holidays)

Wakamow Valley is an amazing location that offers many activities to visitors, as well as our local population. This 500-acre land stretches a considerable length along the Moose Jaw River and is completely filled with campgrounds, parks, and walking and biking trails that are sure to keep you busy.

This year is looking to be an exciting summer at Wakamow Valley. They have many events happening in conjunction with the annual Farmers Market, held every Saturday from May 25th until September 14th.

On June 8th, there will be the second annual TreePlanting event to ensure the reforestation of our beautiful park. Volunteers will meet at the Kiwanis Pavilion at 11am, and refreshments will be provided.

Another exciting, free-to-attend event is the Children’s Festival, brought to you by a partnership between the Wakamow Valley Authority and the Moose Jaw Shrine Club. Last year, they had a petting zoo, a magic show, the Sask Reptiles Show, and many more fun activities for you and your kids to enjoy, and this year’s activities will be equally as fun and entertaining.

Many different parks can be found scattered around Wakamow Valley. You could visit the pirate-themed Kiwanis River Park. If your child is looking to challenge themselves, look no further than Connor Park, which holds the exciting Challenge Course. The Rotary and Kinsmen-Wellesley Park are both all-inclusive, wheelchair-accessible playgrounds. In addition to the parks, Wakamow Valley has various pavilions with briquette BBQs available to the public, making Wakamow Valley a perfect spot for a picnic; just bring your own food. There are many activities available dotted around the valley. One of the most popular activities would be the walking and biking trails. You will

rarely go long without seeing someone walking or biking the same path. Wakamow Valley has over 20 km of trails, including its largest trail, the Trans Canada Trail (TCT), at 6.4 km. Some other trails and bike paths you can explore include:

· Berkshire Hathaway Energy Canada Trail (Greenway, 1.7 km)

• Connor Park (Asphalt and Greenway, 2.2 km)

• Devonian Trail (Mixed Terrain, 1.6 km; Asphalt and Greenway, 2.1 km)

• Kingsway Eco Zone (Mixed Terrain, 2.2 km)

• Paashkwow Trail (Greenway, 1.8 km)

• Plaxton’s Lake & Lion’s Park (Asphalt and Greenway, 2.1 km)

• River Park (Asphalt and Greenway, 2.4 km)

If you are looking for a new sport to try, look no further than the Wakamow Valley Disc Golf course. This course boasts 18 holes at a variety of distances in one of the prettiest parts of the park. You can get discs from the Wakamow Valley Authority office for a small donation, and with the donation, you get a set of discs with a map and QR code for the holes.

If you are a lover of bird-watching or feeding, Wakamow Valley is a perfect place to adventure. Wakamow is home to around 190 species of birds, so bring your bird seed. Some of the birds are even brave enough to eat straight from your hand, like the chickadees and nuthatches. The whole park can be used to view birds, though the best spot is the

Bird Sanctuary. It can be located with a short drive down to the Kinsmen-Wellesley Pavilion and take the Maryland-Kinsmen Trail north. Bird checklists and trail maps are accessible from the main office. Another fun activity at Wakamow is canoeing or kayaking down the Moose Jaw River. Canoes and kayaks can be rented from Moose Jaw River and Adventure Tours by calling 306-313-2212. If you are interested in regular canoe or kayaking trips, contact the Moose Jaw Canoe and Kayak Club. If you feel as though you need more time to explore the 500 acres, you can always stay the night. The Lorne Calvert Campground is available for reservations and has all the camping amenities you may need. Some of these amenities include picnic tables at your campsite, newly renovated free onsite showers, flush toilets, concession at the campground office, and many more useful resources. For more information, contact the Lorne Calvert Campground office at 306-692-2285. If you want to learn more about Wakamow Valley, its activities, or its events, you can visit their website at https://www.wakamow.ca/. If you wish to speak to someone about the ongoings at Wakamow, you can call the Wakamow Valley Authority office at 306-692-2717.

Landscaping Services

• Irrigation System Supply & Install

• Paving Stone

• Retaining Walls

• Brick Boarders

• Turf Supply & Install

• Design/Build Landscaping

• Plant Installation Services

• Skid Steer Services

• Trenching Services

• Water Features

Yard Maintenance

• Yard Clean Up

• Spring Irrigation Start Up Services

• Monthly or Occasional Lawn Care Service

• Aerating/Dehatching/Vac (Spring Only)

• Fertilizing Service

• Weed & Insect Control Services

• Winterizing Irrigation Systems

• Fall Clean Up

The Trans Canada Trail Care Grant will help to spruce up the Trans-Canada Trail in Wakamow Valley

As a recipient of the Trans Canada Trail Care Grant Program, The Wakamow Valley Authority in Moose Jaw has been chosen in this year’s annual initiative. For five years funds have been provided to improve various sections of the Trans Canada Trail, with the grant allowing trail care groups to apply for funds to support maintenance activities or support volunteer efforts.

This grant was announced back in January, with applications closing in February. In this year’s application, Wakamow Valley stated their project would include tree trimming, general trail cleanup, and installation of safety rails at a low-level crossing.

The groups that received funding were announced in April awarding 221 grants across Canada totaling $269,250 in trail care. Saskatchewan alone received 20 grants, totaling $25,000, approximately $1,250 per site.

This grant has aided in many aspects of the trail, including cleaning debris, painting signposts, picking up litter, filling potholes, cutting back brush, raking leaves, and opening seasonal bathrooms. Another aspect of this grant is to show appreciation to the invaluable volunteers.

June 1st was recognized as Canada’s Trail Care Day, coinciding with International Trails Day, and the Trail Care Grant Program hoped that groups would hold their activities on this day in appreciation of the trails.

“On June 1st, we decided to commemorate Trail Care Day,” explained Kristen Gabora, the Director of Trail Development and Volunteers. This was expected to be a nationwide celebration of Canada’s collective trail care efforts.

Last year, Wakamow used its funds to hold a Trail Clean-up and Community Gathering on June 3rd,

2023. Approximately 15 volunteers, board members, and representatives from the Mosaic Potash Company met at Wakamow Valley to clean up the trail by picking up trash and cleaning debris. After the clean-up, the volunteers and attendees celebrated with a barbecue.

The Trans Canada Trail is the longest recreational trail in the world, spanning over 28,000 km on land and water. It links the three oceans and connects 15,000 rural, urban, and Indigenous communities across every province and territory.

“I love the trail so much; I’ve been with the trail since 2013, and I truly believe in it,” explained Gabora. “I just want everyone to embrace it and get out there, feel that connection with the rest of Canada.”

To learn more about the Trans Canada Trail Care Grant Program or to see what has been done with this grant in the past, you can visit their website at https://tctrail.ca/trans-canada-trails-trail-caregrant-program/.

To learn more about the Trans Canada Trail in general, you can visit their website at https://tctrail.ca/.

The Trans-Canada trail runs through beautiful Wakamow Valley in Moose Jaw. Fox Klein photo.

Bob’s Auto Body and Paint Shop has been dedicated to the city of Moose Jaw for 66 years, celebrating their 65th anniversary last year. Customers should take comfort in knowing this auto body

shop is a well-established, friendly, and professional business.

Kelly Engler has been running Bob’s Auto Body since 2001, although he has been with the shop since the 1980s. He utilizes his 45 years of experience to provide vital services such as paintless dent repairs, glass installation, clear coat painting, color matching, frame straightening, and all aspects of the auto body trade.

Additionally, Bob’s Auto Body is a certified facility for SGI Accredited Collision Repair. This means you can bring your vehicle and damage assessment to them, and they will provide you with the required repairs as per SGI approval. Not only this, but they will provide you with SGI-accredited integrity inspections regardless of the vehicle’s make, model, or damage. This should allow you to have a better idea of what needs repairs and how much it should cost.

They also offer various ways to make their customers’ lives just a little easier. One way they do this is by offering to pick up and deliver an in-

dividual’s vehicle if they cannot make it to the shop. Another way they aid their customers is by offering hem a courtesy car, which is a vehicle the customer can use while their car is being repaired.

Bob’s Auto Body is located at 1205 Athabasca St. E, Moose Jaw and their operating hours are from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm, with an hour break for lunch, then returning from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm. If you have an SGI or a private claim or want to book an appointment, contact Bob’s Auto Body and Paint Shop at 306-692-1242. For more information, you can visit their website at https://bobsautobody.ca/ index.php.

Bob’s Auto Body and Paint Shop, located at 1205 Athabasca St. E, Moose Jaw.

Renamed TatawÂw Park shows long history of Moose Jaw’s River Valley

In the summer of 2019, community organizations finally cut the ribbon announcing the new name for the Moose Jaw Wild Animal Park, located south of the city on 9th Ave Southwest. The park’s renaming to Tatawâw Park, which in Cree means “welcome, there is room for everyone,” was an initiative put together by the Wakamow Aboriginal Community Association and the South Hill Community Association to recognize the land’s long history as a gathering place for many people.

Tatawâw Park is part of the Moose Jaw River Valley, which means it is located within Treaty 4 territory and the traditional lands of the Métis. Archaeological evidence covers nearly every part of the surrounding area. As explorers from the Hudson’s Bay Company began mapping the western frontier of Canada, they gave the Moose Jaw River plenty of names — Moose Jaw Forks, Moose Jaw Creek, Moose Jaw Bone Creek, and the Turn — and described many partnerships they built with the local Indigenous population.

In the 1800s, the park was where Lakota Chief Black Bull settled with his band as early as 1883, following the historic defeat of General Custer at the Battle of the Little Bighorn — better known as Custer’s Last Stand.

The Lakota lived in what is now Tatawâw Park until the early 1910s, when the reservation at Wood Mountain was created and many moved there.

Tatawâw Park was also home to many other people, at this time. Before settlers came down the CP rail line in 1882 to settle and homestead what is now the city of Moose Jaw, many Métis people owned land in the area.

An HBC servant named Xavier Denomie, of Métis heritage, offered lodging to travellers on the Moose Jaw River, and the first census in the settlement of Moose Jaw in 1884 recorded over 220 individuals of Métis heritage in the area.

Photographs from the era suggest that as the settlement grew, Métis people began working as freighters with their Red River carts to deliver goods all over the countryside.

Moose Jaw became a city in 1901, and the population then boomed. Over 500 acres of the

Moose Jaw River Valley became the Wild Animal Park, which opened in 1929 and featured bears, bison, wolves, and eventually more exotic animals like lions.

This postcard shows the park entrance in the 1960s, with writing on the back that declares it a popular destination for Moose Jaw and district that attracts more than 80,000 visitors annually. (Moose Jaw Public Library Archives Department)

The Wild Animal Park was a beloved Moose Jaw destination for decades, with a postcard in the Moose Jaw Public Library Archives from the early 1960s boasting that the park saw 80,000 visitors annually.

Financial roadblocks saw the park close in 1995. The buildings and animal enclosures were removed, and people began using the land as walking trails. Now, the Wild Animal Park has become Tatawâw Park, as a nod to the land’s past as a home to numerous Aboriginal people but also as a message of welcoming for the community to continue enjoying the green space together.

An image taken in what is now Tatawâw Park, featuring Lakota chief Black Bull (front) alongside a group of Moose Jaw military and other Lakota people in 1885.

The old bridges from the Wild Animal Park are still standing and can be walked across, but are blocked to vehicles for safety.

The sign was unveiled by South Hill Community Association chair Crystal Froese (R) and Wakamow Aboriginal Community Association chair Lori Deets (L) in 2019.

An image of three lions in the wire enclosure at the Moose Jaw Wild Animal Park, circa 1950s. (Moose Jaw Public Library Archives Department)

Pools, Playground and Spray Parks

Moose Jaw is full of summer fun from pools, and playgrounds with spray parks. Moose Jaw is the place to play and cool off this summer.

Pools

• The Kinsmen Sportsplex offers an indoor 10lane, 25-metre swimming pool. A zero-beach leisure pool, 200-foot waterslide, hot tub and steam room, waterslide and spray toys. Kinsmen Sportsplex is located at 855 MacDonald St W. Please call the Kinsmen Sportsplex at 306 694-4483 to book your swim.

• The Phyllis Dewar Outdoor Pool is located in historic Crescent Park. Located at 200 Fairford St E. Amenities include a 50-metre pool, a 1 & 3 metre diving boards, and a 7 & 10 metre diving platform and a sunbathing area. The facility is home to the Moose Jaw Kinsmen Flying Fins. The Outdoor Pool is named after Olympian Phyllis Dewar who was born in Moose Jaw. This facility is wheelchair accessible. For more information on schedule, pricing and bookings, please call (306) 6944496

Playgrounds and Spray Parks

Parks that have a spray park are marked with an asterisk (*)

Downtown

• Crescent Park Spray Park: 200 Block of Fairford St. E (*)

South Hill

• 1996 Summer Games Playground: 16th Ave SW (*)

• Bradley Street Park: 10th Ave SW & Bradley St

• Keith Crescent: Keith Crescent

• Kinfield Park: 100 block Grandview St W

• New Rock Park: Bradley St and 10th Ave SW

• Optimist Park: 5th Ave SW & Lillooet St W

• Parkhill Park: 10th Ave SW & Duffield St W

• Kinette Peter Pan Park: 265 Coteau St W

• Smith Park: 1200 block Hastings St

• Westheath Park: Wellington Dr and Spadina Dr East Side

• Clark Gillies Park: Ross Crescent

• Crescent Park: 200 block Fairford St E(*)

• East End Park: 9th Ave. N.E. & Ominica St. E (*)

• Happy Valley: 1200 block of Wolfe Ave

• Hillcrest Park: 1200 block Willow Ave

• Co-op Community East End Spray Park (Wheelchair Accessible)

• 9th Avenue NE and Ominica St. E North West

• 4th & Oxford: 400 Block Oxford St W

• 15th Avenue NW & Athabasca St W

• Caribou Heights: 1500 block Caribou St W

• Elgin Park: 1000 block 8th Ave NW (*) wheelchair accessible

• Henleaze Park: 1100 block Henleaze Ave

• Hopkins Crescent: 1060 Hopkins Crescent

• Knights of Columbus: 1100 block Clifton Ave

• Moose Square: 600 block Stadacona St. W

• Kinsmen Regal Heights: 1400 block 13th Ave NW

• Spring Creek: Thatcher Dr and Simcoe St

• West End Park: 10th Ave NW and Athabasca St W

Sunningdale/VLA

• Iron Bridge: Iron Bridge Drive

• Kiwaniland: 3 Dogwood Road

• Sunningdale Athletic Park: Daffodil Drive (off of Dogwood Road)

• Veterans Peace Park: 1604 Admiral Crescent

• VLA Gate Park: west end of Normandy Drive

• Kinsmen West Park: between 11th Ave NW and Meier Drive

Dog Park for dogs to romp and bark, Bike Park to challenge riders

of

all skill levels and

a multipurpose

Skate Park for skateboarders, inline and BMX enthusiasts

Dog Park

Moose Jaw has a dog park catered to both small and large canine companions. Located 1500 High St.W. The park is an off-leash park allowing the pets a place to run, socialize and play. There is a doghouse entrance that pets can go through to determine in which field they should play. With two separate enclosed entrances, size matters. Dogs taller than 18 inches will be able to enter the door to the large dog side, whereas the door for less than 18 inches in height might be a problem for the larger breeds. Choose the door that is right for you. Having a large and small dog park helps to keep them all safe. Dog licenses are required to use the dog park. The licenses can be purchased at City Hall located at 228 Main St. North or at the Humane Society at 1755 Stadacona St. W. For a spayed/neutered dog the license is $15/year. And a dog not spayed/neutered is $40/year.

components.This bike park caters to riders of all skill levels and abilities, while providing natural obstacles and engineered features.

As the park is unsupervised, you are responsible for your own safety.

All users are required to wear a helmet, and additional protective equipment is recommended. The park is closed when wet or icy. No homemade equipment allowed. Be aware of slip objects in the track like leaves, rocks or glass. No motorized or radio/remote controlled vehicles. Park is closed at dusk each day.

Skate Park

Moose Jaw Multipurpose Skate Park is located at 9th Ave NW and MacDonald St W.

It brags of 5 concrete structures, a banked wall, spine, transitioned wall, fun box with handrails and a pyramid in the centre. This park can accommodate skateboards, inline and BMX enthusiasts.

The park is open year around with water available from May to late September. Wheelchair accessibility is available.

Bike Park

Police association Bike Park is located at 1300 Block High St W. The Bike Skills Park is located west of the Yara Centre. The park features a start/ return hill with drops, beginner to advanced jump lines, pump tracks, and technical skills and balance

It is recommended to wear safety equipment for your protection such as helmets, wrist guards and elbow pads. Use the park at your own risk as it is unsupervised. The City of Moose Jaw is not responsible for loss, damage or injury arising from park use.

Children under 10 years old should be accompanied by an adult. Keep the park clean and respect other park goers. The lights: 7:00 pm – 10:30 pm daily.

Buffalo Pound Provincial Park a prairie oasis of scenic rolling hills overlooking Buffalo Pound Lake with lots to see and do

Nestled in the rolling hills, Buffalo Pound Provincial Park uses every square inch to your advantage. Open year-round, the park activities change with the seasons. Located 20 minutes northeast of Moose Jaw, Buffalo Pound Provincial Park offers a balanced blend of nature and recreational opportunities. Once used by First Nations to corral bison, the park maintains a captive herd in a paddock that’s situated among the area’s scenic rolling hills.

The park offers excellent hiking, mountain biking and fat biking trails. But, if getting on the lake is where your ambition lay, then fishing, canoeing and kayaking are awaiting your arrival. And keep in mind, Buffalo Pound offers two disc golf courses: a 9-hole beginner course and an 18-hole professional course. After a round of disc golf, allow yourself the chance to sit back and let stress melt away in the heated outdoor pool.

Enjoy migrant waterfowl viewing at Nicolle Flats

Interpretive Area and Marsh Boardwalk. The park is a great destination for day trips, offering awesome views of the Qu’Appelle Valley which are especially spectacular in the fall. Along with multiple-night camping options, Buffalo Pound is the perfect choice for your next visit.

For that perfect getaway with minimal effort and preparation, Buffalo Pound Park invites campers of all kinds. It has two Camp-Easy yurts available for booking. One yurt per site rental (no other camping equipment on-site). 2 new camp easy yurts in Elmview campground (E34, E35); it replaces the camp easy tents.

Visitors can experience hammock camping. The weaver structure can accommodate up to six hammocks, so grab some friends and come hang out at the park! The park also accommodates campers of all kinds.

Squirrely Putt Play will test your math and geom-

etry by trying to get that hole-in-one. The 18-hole mini golf course will be fun for the entire family. Glow golf is held on Friday evenings from July through August. Open May long weekend to Labour Day, 11 am to 7 pm in June and 10 am - 8 pm July and August.

Buffalo Pound Services include free firewood, groceries/supplies, laundry, off-season and winter camping with reduced or no services. Amenities include 30 or 50-amp service, sewage disposal, boat launch, fire pit, drinking water, fish cleaning facility, group camping, washrooms/showers, outdoor pool, playground, non-electric sites, tenting area and more.

Activities continue throughout the year. Observing birds and wildlife, boating/canoeing/sailing, swimming, cycling/fat biking, trails, disc golf, mini-golf, snowshoeing(rentals available)/cross country skiing, hiking fishing, Geocaching (GPS treasure hunt), children’s activities and more. The swimming pool will be open to the public daily from June until August.

For more information, please follow the link to: https://parks.saskatchewan.ca/memberSignInSignUp.do

Accessibility access to barrier-free campsites, sloped access entry pool, washrooms and showers with wheelchair access. Pet friendly.

Take the 301 north off highway 1 or the 202 off the number 2, then follow the signs. For maps of Buffalo Pound Provincial Park, Shady Lane and Trails End Campground, Maple Vale, Lakeside, Elmview, Lower Chalet A and B campgrounds and what to do doc, click on the maps and docs button on the website at https://www.tourismsaskatchewan.com/ provincialpark/303/buffalo-pound-provincialpark

To contact Buffalo Pound you can email: parks. info@gov.dk.ca or call 1-800-205-7070

programs in downtown Moose Jaw

The Moose Jaw Public Library (MJPL) is situated downtown in Moose Jaw’s beautiful Crescent Park and features a breathtaking marble rotunda with more than 100,000 books and other materials available to borrow.

The library’s programs are held throughout the year, and it’s a good idea to check in often for updates.

Adults can partake in several programs including a movie and book club, needlework nights for anyone interested in the craft, and Tech Time, which is a popular one-on-one assistance program where patrons can learn how to use newer technology including smartphones and tablets.

Youths have the option of participating in Dungeons and Dragons game nights on Thursdays from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m., Teen Gamers Game Nights on the second Wednesday of each month, and a Teen Art Program is held on the third Wednesday of each month.

The MJPL offers a wide selection of digital books and publications found on the following platforms:

• Hoopla: gives access to hundreds of thousands of movies, TV series, e-Audiobooks, and more.

• Library 2 Go: contains downloadable eBooks and e-Audiobooks.

• Press Reader: gives unlimited access to over 5,000 newspapers and magazines worldwide.

• Tumblebooks: includes an online collection of animated, talking picture books for children.

Other library services

Library Archives: the library’s archives department allows you to step back in time and access historical records, newspaper articles, and photos from Moose Jaw’s past.

Ancestry Database: Ancestry.com can be expen-

sive. The MJPL offers a free account to conduct research, but patrons must be physically present at the library when doing research.

3-D Printing Service: the library has a 3-D printer that the public can access. More information is available at MooseJawLibrary.ca/3dprinting.

Room rentals: call ahead to inquire about room availability and note there’s a discounted rate for non-profits.

Telescope rental: the library now has a telescope that can be borrowed for up to two weeks.

Free regional park pass

The Moose Jaw Public Library is once again offering a free Regional Park Pass to patrons who hold a valid library card from May 17 – Sept. 15.

To pick up a park pass, simply stop by with your library card and return the pass after the seven-day rental period.

The Moose Jaw Public Library is located at 461 Langdon Crescent and is open daily. For more information on up-to-date programming, call 306692-2787 or visit MooseJawLibrary.ca.

The Moose Jaw Public Library is located at 461 Langdon Crescent. Photo by: Aaron Walker

Inspire yourself at the Moose Jaw Museum and Art Gallery this summer

The Moose Jaw Museum and Art Gallery (MJMAG) plays an important role as Moose Jaw’s primary forum for making art, culture, and local history accessible, relevant, and inspiring for the community.

The gallery’s exhibits showcase both new and established artists from the area with a warm, inviting venue with five rotating exhibitions.

Wakšúpi beadwork exhibit

Wakšúpi is Lakota for “beadwork,” and the exhibit features historic Lakota pieces from the museum’s permanent collection. Wakšúpi tells the history of the Lakota in Moose Jaw and Wood Mountain through a series of Indigenous beadwork objects. The exhibit will be displayed until Sunday, Sept. 1.

Library exhibit

Until Friday, June 7, the MJMAG has an exhibit in the public library titled “Elements of Landscape” and features three historic Saskatchewan artists from the Government of Saskatchewan collection. These three artists – Kenneth

Lochhead, Ted Godwin, and Arthur McKay – are well-known for their abstract works. This exhibit, however, features landscapes containing elements of abstraction in a unique twist.

Dancing the Boondangle

This summer, a new exhibit will be featured at the Norma Lang Gallery by renowned Saskatchewan artist Jody GreenmanBarber titled “Dancing the Boondangle” from Thursday, May 30 – Sunday, Sept. 1. Greenman-Barber’s works began during the pandemic and her goal is to create pieces that are playful forms that make her laugh in contrast to the isolation and anxiety prevalent at the time. These works push clay to its absolute limit and many of her works feature remarkable intricacies.

Park Art

Park Art is the gallery’s longestrunning annual fundraiser taking place outdoors in Crescent Park. The event features one of the finest arts and crafts markets in the province with a variety of high-quality, handmade works from many local artists and is scheduled for Monday, July 1st. Vendors can apply at MJMAG. ca/ParkArt.

Art classes

Adults young and old can em-

bark on a new art project and explore their creative side through several courses including watercolour painting, drawing from still life, sculpting the human form, and Indigenous beading workshops.

For more details visit MJMAG. ca/ArtClasses or call 306-6924471.

The gallery is open Tuesdays to Fridays from 12 – 5 p.m., Saturdays from 12 – 6 p.m., Sundays from 1 – 5 p.m., and is closed Mondays and statutory holidays. The Moose Jaw Museum and Art Gallery is located at 461 Langdon Crescent and can be reached at 306-692-4471.

For more information, visit MJMAG.ca or follow the gallery on Facebook.

Wakšúpi tells the history of the Lakota community in Moose Jaw and Wood Mountain. Photo by: Moose Jaw Museum and Art Gallery

Photo by: Moose Jaw Museum and Art Gallery

Photo by: Moose Jaw Museum and Art Gallery

MJ Exhibition Company: Where Sask.’s agricultural roots shine brightest

Agriculture has been a foundation for Prairie economics and culture since the region’s settlement in the late 19th an early 20th Centuries. Visit almost any Saskatchewan community and there will be a vibrant agricultural organization of some kind. The Moose Jaw Exhibition Company has been that entity here in Moose Jaw since 1884, when the pre-cursor to the organization was established to run the Moose Jaw Hometown Fair. Through the decades, the Exhibition Company has become the primary host for a wide variety of agricultural, communitywide, social events, both private and public.

140 years after its creation, the company manages an extensive property of riding arenas, fairgrounds and convention space at 250 Thatcher Drive East. It’s annual calendar of events includes about 35 livestock and equine shows. Among them are events highlighting dressage, barrel racing, hunter/jumper shows, cutting shows and other types of agricultural gatherings. All tallied, the Exhibition Company attracts up to 100,000 visitors per year, a large portion of that coming by hosting equestrian association events from throughout South Saskatchewan.

The organization’s complex of facilities meets the needs of almost any celebration or at-

traction. Equine and livestock events are held in three arenas.

The Golden Mile Arena is set indoors, while the West Ring and Bellows/Gomersall Arenas provide outdoor venues through the temperate seasons.

The other amenities that make the Moose Jaw Exhibition Company a “Grade-A” place for gatherings of all sizes are its convention and meeting rooms. The Exhibition Company Convention Centre sits at the south end of the property. It provides 20,000 square feet of floorspace, enough room for a capacity of 1000 patrons and on-site catering services.

The smaller Golden Nugget Centre sits adjacent to the convention centre and holds up to 230 people. This facility includes a dance floor and a bar. Both rooms are available for a multitude of different celebrations, from private social gatherings such as reunions, weddings and parties to much larger public functions, like the South Saskatchewan Wildlife Association’s annual gun show in March. The Exhibition Company also regularly books a variety of craft, antique and collectibles shows.

Finally, the grounds are also home to the Moose Jaw Dog Club, which provides members with a gated dog run, dog training facilities and service, and competition through the Agility

Association of Canada.

Otherwise, the Exhibition Company is the centre of the city June 21 through 23. Hosting the annual Hometown Fair has a wide range of attractions for the 2024 event. This year’s highlights are the 4-H Cattle Show and Sale, West Coast Amusements, and more.

Besides the Hometown Fair, the organization’s calendar currently has many other events already booked through the rest of the year. Working Equitation Canada. Another Hunter/ Jumper show, the Whistlestop Christmas Craft Show and the TLC Art currently round out the year’s bookings through to midNovember.

The Saskatchewan Burrowing Owl Interpretive Centre was created to help promote conservation of the burrowing owl and its native prairie habitat through education, eco-tourism and stewardship. SBOIC is a nonprofit organization, run by the MJ Ex Co, and relies entirely on grants and donations to operate. For Burrowing Owl information Call 306-692-8710

Contact the Moose Jaw Exhibition Company for more information on events, facility rental availability and other services. The organization can be reached at 306.692.2723; by email at moosejawexh@sasktel.net; Facebook and moosejawex.ca.

The Saskatchewan Burrowing Owl Interpretive Centre is a great place to visit to learn about these endangered species and much more

The site on the Exhibition grounds for The Saskatchewan Burrowing Owl Interpretive Centre (SBOIC) was the perfect location to house these delicate small owls, as they are native to our local area and were initially found nesting on the site.

The Interpretive Centre, located at 250 Thatcher Dr. E, has been open since 1997 and is a non-profit organization.

Burrowing Owls are an endangered species. The

rowing owls and a single short-eared owl.

The Centre is closed to the public from fall to winter, though it reopens annually on Victoria Day weekend (last Monday preceding May 25) and remains open until Labour Day (first Monday in Sept.) weekend. They are open Thursday to Monday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm for visits by donation.

The SBOIC does not receive provincial or federal funding but the Centre runs and operates due to the generosity of individual donors, as well as

Explore Saskatchewan’s unique history at the Western Development Museum

Moose Jaw’s branch of the Western Development Museum (WDM) is the largest of four locations in the province and focuses on transportation with the mandate of sharing Saskatchewan’s unique history and bringing new life to the people who helped shape the province.

The WDM is now also celebrating it’s 75th year after first opening in 1949.

The museum’s history began during the Second World War when the Canadian government made it illegal to possess large quantities of scrap metal.

As a result, many old farm machines started to disappear from the prairie landscape. To salvage what they could, members of the Battlefords Northwest Historical Society established the museum using old Commonwealth aircraft hangars.

Moose Jaw’s branch officially opened on June 26, 1976, and by April 15, 2000, the WDM officially welcomed its 10 millionth visitor province wide.

Virtual Coffee Club

Virtual Coffee Clubs explore Saskatchewan’s history through free Zoom-based virtual presentations. Each presentation begins at 10 a.m. To view upcoming talks and to register, visit WDM.ca/CoffeeClub.

You can view past talks on the museum’s YouTube channel, ‘WDM Coffee Club.’

Reminiscence kits

Newly introduced reminiscence kits are intended for adults over 65 and can be used in a social setting such as retirement residences, libraries, and civic clubs. Kits contain artifacts from the ‘50s-70s with cue cards to facilitate discussion and learning. To learn more, visit WDM.ca/Reminiscence.

Brickspo

Brickspo is the annual building-block extravaganza hosted by the Saskatchewan LEGO Users Group drawing creative minds from across the province and beyond to showcase and test their creations with innovative competitions. Brickspo 2024 is scheduled for July 27 – 28 at the WDM.

You can view the museum’s additional programs throughout the year at WDM.ca.

For more information or to volunteer, visit WDM. ca/Moose-Jaw or contact program and volunteer co-ordinator Alexis Jones at 306-693-5989 or ajones@wdm.ca.

The Western Development Museum is located at 50 Diefenbaker Drive and is open daily from 9 – 5 during the summer.

Steam power

On Aug. 10, the WDM will host its annual “Blow Off Some Steam” event on the museum grounds. The event runs from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. and everyone’s welcome to witness the raw energy of steam power as the museum showcases its recently restored 75 Case steam tractor.

Guests can also ride on the K+S Potash Canada Short Line 101 steam train, which is the only operational steam locomotive in Saskatchewan.

A temporary plaque announces the future home of the WDM in Moose Jaw circa 1974-1975. Photo by: Western Development Museum

The WDM’s restored 75 Case steam tractor sits in storage as it waits for the next “Blow Off Some Steam” demonstration. Photo by: Aaron Walker

Photo by: Aaron Walker

It’s not often one sees an ocean-going ship beached in the middle of the Prairies, but that’s what tourists will find when they visit the Sukanen Ship Pioneer Village and Museum.

The village — 13 kilometres south of Moose Jaw on Highway 2 — has operated on a 40-acre site since 1969 with the goal of promoting the area’s early pioneer history and showcasing the buildings and equipment people used from the 1890s to 1930s.

As the story goes, Finnish pioneer Tom Sukanen wanted to move his boat up the Saskatchewan River, float it sideways through the shallow areas, then sail it up the Churchill River to Hudson Bay and onward to Finland. However, neighbours in nearby Finnish communities reported him to police and Mounties took him to the mental hospital in North Battleford, where he died.

Volunteers moved the Sukanen Ship to the site in 1974 to honour Sukanen, who built the ship by hand with tools he made. After his death, his body was later reburied next to his vessel and the museum was renamed to honour him.

Since the museum’s founding more than 50 years ago, it has grown to include 40 buildings and over 200 vehicles and tractors. Some highlights include a 1913 grain elevator, former prime minister John Diefenbaker’s homestead, a fire hall and replica International Harvester company dealership and

machinery collection.

Meanwhile, the village streets feature a church, a one-room schoolhouse, a general store, hardware store, blacksmith shop, municipal office, service station, newspaper print shop, a CN railway station, pharmacy and carriage house.

A farm building and seven vintage houses also form a collection that includes an 1890s ranch house, two pioneer shacks and a farmhouse.

The Sukanen Museum opens on May 15 and closes Sept. 9 and is open seven days a week, with hours of operation being 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Monday to Saturday and 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays.

Upcoming activities in 2024 include:

• Show and Shine car show, Saturday, June 1

• Outdoor flea market and swap, Saturday, June 22

• Family Day, Sunday, July 21

• Threshing Bee, Saturday, Sept. 7 and Sunday, Sept. 8. This weekend usually includes a pancake breakfast, vintage vehicle parade, demonstration of hand threshing, fanning wheat, ploughing, old-time threshing, a vintage tractor pull, a dance party and a church service

For more information, call 306-630-5727 or 306693-7315 or visit www.sukanenshipmuseum.ca.

A Summer of Fun with the Moose Jaw Cultural Centre

The Moose Jaw Cultural Centre is home to the Mae Wilson Theatre and the Visual Arts Gallery. It has been a part of Moose Jaw’s historic downtown for over a hundred years.

The Visual Art Gallery was established in 1914 as a hub for local artisans and art organizations. It went through several changes before it joined the neighbouring Mae Wilson Theatre and became a part of the Cultural Centre in the year 2000. They hold new exhibitions every six weeks that showcase visual and fine craft artists from Moose Jaw and the surrounding regions.

The Cultural Centre is holding an open drop-in to the pottery studio. They are excited to offer a space for everyone to give pottery a try. Community members are welcome to come learn and grow as artists. These pottery lessons are offered every Monday from 5:00 pm to 9:30 pm, Wednesday from 12:00 pm to 9:00 pm, and Saturday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. The sessions will continue until July 13th.

Some other events happening at or around the Cultural Centre include:

Listings of Spring: May 29th: Cineview, Solo: Cineview is an event connected with the Festival of Words that takes place at the Mae Wilson Theatre. It is an event that showcases films from the Toronto International Film Festival. Join them every month to experience the best of independent and foreign films. The show for May is the movie, Solo. It follows an emerging Montreal drag queen who must deal with two relationships: a destructive and passionate affair with Oliver and a cold distant relationship with his 15-year-estranged mother.

Listings of Summer:

September 7th: Homestand ‘24: Homestand ‘24 is presented by River Street Promotions, in partnership with K+S Potash Canada. River Street Promotions is a non-profit organization that promotes wellness through entertainment and has raised over $300,000 for youth initiatives and park beautification. This music festival will be returning to Ross Wells Ballpark. This historic ballpark will be transformed into a beautiful concert venue. It will feature a lineup of iconic and rising stars from various genres. Headlining this event is 54-40, a Canadian Music Hall of Fame and Canadian Songwriting Hall of Fame Inductee. Joining these headliners is award-winning country duo Doc Walker. Another three Saskatchewan artists will be joining this lineup, including The Steadies, Belle Plaine, and Trick Ryder. Tickets for Homestand ‘24 will be available at the Moose Jaw Cultural Centre Box Office.

September 13th: RCAF 100th Anniversary: The Royal Canadian Air Force had its 100th anniversary on April 1st. The events on September 13th and 14th are happening as a celebration. As of right now, not a whole lot of information is posted about this event. Keep an eye open for the Cultural Centre Calendar on their website at https://www. moosejawculture.ca/calendar.

If you want to learn more information about the Cultural Centre you can visit their website at https://www.moosejawculture.ca/. More events could be added to the event calendar, to stay up to date with these events you can visit the event calendar at https://www.moosejawculture.ca/calendar.

The lobby of the Moose Jaw Cultural Center. Photo Credit: the Moose Jaw Cultural Centre Facebook page.

A previous visual art exhibit titled ‘Today… Not Someday’ by Margot Keeler. Photo Credit: the Moose Jaw Cultural Centre Facebook page.

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The Mae Wilson Theatre is jam-packed full of events

The Mae Wilson Theatre has been a significant part not only of the fine arts community but also of the community of Moose Jaw as a whole. This beautiful theatre has been a part of Moose Jaw’s history for over a hundred years.

The building originally opened its doors in 1916 and was dubbed ‘The Capitol’ in 1922. It was the largest theatre in Saskatchewan at the time of its creation and offered its patrons movies as well as performing arts.

In 1929, equipment for ‘talking pictures’ was purchased and installed. In 1982, the building was sold after its long association with the Famous Theatre. Between 1983 and 2001, it functioned as a three-screen movie theatre, unfortunately no longer equipped for performing arts.

This year, the Mae Wilson Theatre is excited to share many shows and events with you. They have a strong Spring, Summer, and Fall lineup to provide Moose Jaw with some amazing entertainment. The events that follow may be subject to change, or more events may be added to the event calendar.

Listings of Spring:

June 15th: Andino Suns

This event is proudly presented by The Friendly City Optimist Club. The Andino Suns is a band that brings all the Latin and South American flare to the stage. These Western Canadian Music Award winners are a fun and engaging show of musical talents. They are a Regina-based band with roots in Moose Jaw. Their distinctive fusion of cultural elements stands as a testament to their treasured Chilean heritage. Come and listen to fantastic music from this award-winning band.

June 18th: Derek Edwards

Derek Edwards comes back to Moose Jaw with his new show ‘In Praise of the Ostrich’. Get ready for a lot of laughs and pure enjoyment as this 30-year comedy veteran steers you through his thoughts on the influx of pot stores, self-driving cars, gambling tips, and the challenge of remaining youthful. This new 90-minute stand-up show is sure to be the most down-to-earth, laughter-filled show you have seen.

June 20th: ABRA Cadabra Tribute

This production is presented by Moon Coin Productions, and they’re bringing the music and magic of ABBA to the Moose Jaw Cultural Centre for the first time with this production titled, ABRA Cadabra. This production will feature a live band, powerful vocals, dancers, multi-media, and costumes. This interactive stage show will have you smiling, singing, and moving along to the best hits such as “Mamma Mia,” “Dancing Queen,” “Take a Chance,” “SOS,” “Waterloo,” “Fernando,” and many more. ABRA Cadabra from Vancouver, BC, has been touring around the world for 20 years bringing the timeless music of ABBA to audiences of all ages and cultures.

Listings of Summer:

July 4th: Sidewalk Days

However, in 2003, the building underwent an extensive restoration process. It was equipped with the necessary equipment to showcase performing arts. ‘The Capitol’ was rebranded as the Mae Wilson Theatre and became a vital part of the Moose Jaw Cultural Centre.

Moose Jaw’s Kinsmen Sidewalk Days Festival is a massive and absolutely beloved event that transforms Moose Jaw’s Main Street into a brilliant open-air market. With more than 175 vendors, more than 30 different entertainers, delicious food, and often a showing from our very own Snowbirds above Main Street. Sidewalk Days will be occur-

The outside of the Moose Jaw Cultural Centre with the signage of ‘The Capitol’ - Photo Credit; Fox Klein

This is the interior of the Mae Wilson Theatre - Photo Credit; Mae Wilson Theatre Facebook Page.

ring on July 4th, 5th, and 6th. If you want to learn more information you can visit the Sidewalk Days Facebook Page at https://www.facebook.com/ MJSidewalkDaysFestival/.

July 23rd: Harmony Arts Summer Theatrix Day Camp

This is a summer camp meant for all students aged 6-17. They welcome them to join in the fun, learn some new skills, and promote a deep love and care for the stage. The students will spend five days with the camp and will perform and play until the weekend. If you wish to register or are looking for more information, visit https://permission.click/lX18K/ ca/signee-info

September 11th: Relive - 50s & 60s

This one-of-a-kind show brings you back to the

50’s and 60’s. This jukebox musical concert with a Broadway feel will have its band, singers, dancing, tributes, videos, and trivia. One of the founding members and lead singers of this show is a world champion Tina Turner tribute artist, Luisa Marshall, as seen on Oprah and Ellen. They will be playing music from, but not limited to, Roy Orbison, Johnny Cash, Frank Sinatra, Doris Day, Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones, and so many more artists.

Listings of Fall:

October 3rd: Rumour - Fleetwood Mac Tribute Back by popular demand Rumours, The Ultimate Fleetwood Mac Tribute Show makes its glorious return to Moose Jaw. VaughnCo Entertainment is proud to present the return of “Rumours” The Ultimate Fleetwood Mac Tribute Show based in Los Angeles, California. This group recreates Fleetwood Mac’s youthful heyday from 1975- 1979. This meticulously planned show will take you back to a time when music was still an unbridled cultural experience.

If any of these events interest you, you can visit the Moose Jaw Cultural Centre Website at https:// www.moosejawculture.ca/. For more information, in general, you can also visit their website or you can email info@moosejawculture.ca.

While there are plenty of things to see and do on the streets of Moose Jaw, there is also a ton of history lurking underneath your feet — about Al Capone, Chinese immigrants and Cold War paranoia.

The Tunnels of Moose Jaw is a year-round tourist attraction that entertains guests with unique productions of Canadian history. Guests can head under the streets of The Friendly City and receive one of three guided theatrical tours.

There is the Chicago Connection, where visitors will re-live the days of prohibition and learn about Al Capone’s connections to Canada’s Most Notorious City.

You will become a bootlegger in 1929 and come to Moose Jaw to buy booze from the Capone organization, while you will learn the ropes and stay out of the way of the local police chief. Meanwhile, you’ll start out at Miss Fanny’s club and end up in a tunnel, somewhere unground, with only Gus, one of Capone’s goons, knowing the way out.

In Passage to Fortune, visits will learn first-hand of the hardships that early Chinese immigrants faced — including persevering through discriminatory legisla-

tion — and their struggles to help build the country in the early 1900s, with their contributions becoming an integral part of the mosaic of Canada.

Bunker 24 tells the story of Can-

ada’s growth as a country coming out of the Great Depression and the Second World War. Visitors will return to 1958 and drop into a Cold War bunker as new recruits in Canada’s fight against the Evil Empire.

It’s East versus West, Communism versus Capitalism. The nuclear arms race is in full swing and the future is in great danger as the Evil Empire stops at nothing to destroy everything that Westerners hold dear. Will you have what it takes to succeed in Bunker 24?

All the tours will require visitors to manage stairs, so anyone with young children or mobility issues should be aware of this.

The Tunnels’ hours of operations from June 1 to Aug. 31 are Monday to Sunday, 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and from Sept. 1 to Oct. 31 are Sunday to Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

The cost to take a tour is $22 for adults aged 19 to 64, $18.50 for adults over age 65, $18.50 for youths aged 13 to 18, $13 for children aged six to 12, and free for kids under age five.

For more information visit https://tunnelsofmoosejaw.com or call 306-693-5261.

Farmer’s Markets and Non-profit Seasonal Growing Organizations provide garden produce and much more

Moose Jaw Homegrown Farmers Market

The Moose Jaw Homegrown Farmers Market is the longest-running market in Moose Jaw that has been operating on the 400 block of Langdon for the past 10 years. This artisan farmers market offers fresh garden produce and homemade products created by vendors, ranging from specialty canned items, fresh flowers, handmade items, and much more. The best idea is to come visit the market to see what’s available.

This year, the market already has 30 vendors registered, and the Farmers Market coordinators will continue to accept applications throughout the year. They have vendors ranging in experience from gardeners and woodworkers to florists and honey farmers. In addition to the vendors, the Market is also accepting applications for buskers or street performers to provide entertainment while the market is taking place.

This year, the first farmers’ market kicks off on the last Saturday of May and will continue through the summer and fall taking place every Saturday until

Thanksgiving. The market hours are from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm. If you wish to register as a vendor or contact the farmer market coordinators, you can visit their website at https://mjhomegrownmarket. com/.

Wakamow Farmer’s Market:

The Wakamow Valley Farmers Market organized by Wakamow Valley, has been operating annually for the past four years. It continues to take place at the Kiwanis Skating Oval on 300 River Dr., down in the valley.

The first market of the season will be held on Saturday, May 25th, and continue every Saturday until September 14th. The markets are from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm with vendors of all kinds selling their products.

Currently, Wakamow Valley is projecting a staggering 45 vendors will be attending this season. Many beloved vendors will be returning from previous years, offering a variety of products such as jewelry, homegrown veggies, fruits, local meat, handy crafts, and other favorites. To register as a

A previous Langdon Homegrown Farmers Market, Photo Credit. MJHomegrown Market Facebook page

An aerial view of last year’s Wakamow Farmers Market, Photo Credit. Wakamow Farmers Market Facebook page.

vendor, the cost is $20 per Saturday of operation. There is no contract; you just have to make your availability known to the coordinators.

This year’s market will feature more programming in conjunction with the fundraiser to drive more commerce to the vendors. Some of these programs include a tree planting event on June 8th, a kid’s festival on June 15th, and plans to have square dancers come in July to provide demos. These are all examples of ways to attract more people to the market.

If you want to register as a vendor, you can contact the Wakamow Valley office at (306) 692-2717. For more information about the farmers market, visit their website at https://www.wakamow.ca/ or their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/ WakamowMarket/.

Yara Centre Community Gardens

The Yara Centre Community Gardens comprise three non-profit community gardens run by the organization Hunger in Moose Jaw. They have been part of the community since 2006 and officially joined Hunger in Moose Jaw in 2012. Since

their amalgamation, the Community Gardens have expanded to include 140 individual garden plots across three sites citywide.

If you wish to rent a plot or a planter box at the Community Gardens, the boxes are available for $15 each, and to rent a plot will cost $0.15 per square foot, with an additional $25 deposit for new gardeners. Upon signing the rental contract for a plot, you will be asked to provide products from your plots to stock the farmers’ market.

To obtain the funds necessary to maintain and operate the community gardens, the Yara Centre Community Gardens will hold fundraisers. The most popular fundraiser is their own Farmers Market, which takes place at the end of July and the beginning of August. The Community Gardens’ gardeners will sell the fresh produce they’ve

grown, and all profits from the fundraiser will be reinvested into maintaining the garden.

If you want to learn more about the Yara Centre Community Gardens you can visit their Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/yaracommunitygardens/

Mosaic Food Farm

The Mosaic Food Farm is a virtuous and kind nonprofit organization in Moose Jaw. This community farm is run by the Mosaic Company and Wakamow Valley in partnership, spanning the last five years. Wakamow Valley Authority manages and staffs the farm, while the Mosaic Company covers most of the cost.

The primary goal of the Mosaic Food Farm is to grow food to aid various social outreach groups or organizations, including Hunger in Moose Jaw, Moose Jaw Multicultural, Riverside Mission, and The Moose Jaw District Food Bank. Last year, they divided 9,000 pounds of food between these organizations. Their secondary goal is to teach the community of Moose Jaw and its surroundings the importance of food security.

The Food Farm staffs two full-time employees who would love for the community to come by and check out the hard work. They work with volunteers to grow fresh produce in their one-acre garden.

Currently, the Mosaic Food Farm is looking to do more community outreach. The staff and management team would love more community members to come and volunteer some time planting, watering, weeding, or harvesting. If you want to volunteer, contact the General Manager at 306692-2717, and she will connect you with the correct person.

The entrance to one of the Community Gardens, Photo Credit. Yara Centre Community Garden Facebook page.

The Mosaic Food Farm. Photo Credit. Donna MacQuarrie-Bye, the General Manager of Wakamow.

Sidewalk Days Festival a treat for all five senses

The Moose Jaw Kinsmen Sidewalk Days Festival is the largest and most anticipated annual event in The Friendly City, as it turns nine blocks downtown into a bustling hub of fun, food, music and entertainment every summer.

The festival usually has something for everyone, whether it’s buskers, a children’s village, face painting, magicians, music or over 200 vendors selling everything from crafts to sweets to clothing. Also, confirmed musical headliners for this year include Trick Rider, the Tilted Kilts, Detour, Lights Out, and the Uncools.

More than 25,000 people will flock to the downtown during the festival, which takes place from Thursday, July 4 to Saturday, July 6, giving residents and visitors the opportunity to experience the best of summer in Moose Jaw and one of the largest free festivals in Saskatchewan.

The festival begins at 10 a.m. each day, while visitors can enjoy the festivities right into the evening; the vendors usually start shutting down for the night around 8 p.m.

Sidewalk Days brings the streets of Moose Jaw to life with activity as vendors line the roads with interesting and creative wares and mouth-watering food. From mini doughnuts to hot dogs and lemonade, baked goods, fresh produce, beverages and an unbelievable range of artisanal goods, there is no shortage of interesting things to see, taste, smell and touch.

Depending on the weather, there are usually flybys featuring military aircraft from the nearby 15 Wing Airbase south of Moose Jaw. For the past two years, Sidewalk Days’ participants were treated to a Friday flyover from two Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) CT-155 Hawk training jets and four CT156 Harvard II from 2 Canadian Forces Flying Training School.

One of the festival’s main draws is the children’s village, which offers a range of activities to keep young ones entertained. From bouncy castles to games and face painting, the village is the perfect place for kids to have fun and take a relaxing break while parents shop or enjoy music.

The Milkman’s Sons has been one group that has performed at Sidewalk Days over the years. Here they perform in 2017. Photo courtesy Facebook

This year, there will be more kids’ bouncy castles thanks to additional sponsorship from community businesses. There will also be two inflatable bouncers for adults to use for some fun.

The festival is not just about fun and games but is also an opportunity for residents and tourists to support small and unique businesses and shops that comprise Moose Jaw’s community. With Sidewalk Days drawing a large crowd annually, this gives vendors, businesses and charitable non-profits a platform to showcase their products, services and causes.

Moose Jaw’s Sidewalk Days Festival is an exciting event that is not to be missed. With a wide variety of things to see and do, along with plenty of music to hear and food to eat, the festival is a great way to spend the summer in Canada’s Most Notorious City.

Be sure to bring water, a hat and sunscreen, as the weekend can sometimes be a scorcher.

For updates, visit the Tourism Moose Jaw website and the Sidewalk Days’ Facebook page.

Car Shows During Summer Months

Car shows continue to attract huge crowds in and around Moose Jaw during summer months Vintage vehicles, modern supercars and everything in between can be found at the many gatherings of car enthusiasts in southern Saskatchewan.

With the beautiful spring and summer weather comes one of the most popular weekend activities for folks in and around Moose Jaw — visiting the many car shows and show-and-shines that take place throughout the season.

Folks from all over western Canada take part in the regular gatherings of vehicle fans and they’re rarely disappointed with what they see.

From the occasional Model T to 1950s cruisers and 1970s muscle cars all the way to hyper-modern supercars, if there’s an era you’re looking for, odds are the local car shows are going to have it. That’s because not only are local shows popular with patrons, they’re also popular with car owners, with events often featuring hundreds of entries and folks even driving hundreds of kilometres to take part.

The summer of 2024 promises to be another busy one on the car show circuit, and here’s some of the stuff folks can look forward to!

• Moose Jaw Shrine Club MOMentum Mother’s Day Cruise

This car show took place on Sunday, May 12, 2024 at the Town ‘N’ Country Mall starting point

Details… event began in 2021 as way to honour mothers and ladies in midst of pandemic… leading the cruise will be the Limited Edition 1999 Trans Am Convertible, the Shriner’s raffle car for this year… cruise is open to all makes and years of vehicles. Website / more info: contact Aaron at (306) 684-1934.

• NextGen Car Club Season Opener

This car show was held on Sunday, May 19, 2024 in Tatawaw Park with Show registration starting at 12 p.m., car show and competitions 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Details: Show registration $20, spectators $10, kids and pets free, collection of nonperishable food items for Moose Jaw and

District Food Bank… live DJ and food vendors on site… awards, giveaways, competitions all part of event… mobile dyno on site to test horsepower.

Website / more info: www.facebook.com/ nextgencarclub

• Sukanen Museum Spring Fling Show and Shine

When: Saturday, June 1, 2024

Where: Sukanen Ship Pioneer Village and Museum, 13 km south of Moose Jaw

Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Details… the Spring Fling has been a staple of the car show scene for the past 14 years… open to pre-1980s and special interest vehicles… Dash plaques for first 100 show vehicles… participant and one passenger free in show vehicle, extras $10… regular gate admission for spectators.

Website / more info: www.sukanenshipmuseum.ca or call (306) 631-5972

• ‘Those Guys’ Bent Wrench Run

When: Sunday, June 16, 2024

Where: Wakamow Valley Oval

Time: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

A look at the line-up of just some of the vehicles at the Next Gen Season Opener.

The Bent Wrench Run in June is always one of the most popular shows of the season.

Details: Ninth annual edition of Bent Wrench Run show, one of the largest shows of the summer in Moose Jaw… car show entry $20 fee per vehicle… spectators admitted free… food and beverages available… plenty of vendors on site… all proceeds go to Hunger in Moose Jaw.

Website / more info: www.facebook.com/ groups/BentWrenchRun or email kjkincaid@icloud.com or call (306) 537-2420

• Highway to Heroes Car Show

When: Saturday, July 20, 2024

Where: Moose Jaw Exhibition Ground, 250 Thatcher Drive East

Time: Show car gates open at 8:30 a.m., spectator gates open at 10 a.m.

Details: Eight annual edition of Friends of the Forces Fellowship event… all vehicles of interest welcome.. Food concessions on site… prizes, silent auction, 50/50 draw… adult admission $10, six-to-12 years $5, preschool free… funds raised go to projects for military families, veterans and community charities.

Website / more info: www.facebook.com/ FriendsoftheForcesFellowship or (306) 6927357.

Other Shows Upcoming Little Chicago Show and Shine — massive downtown Moose Jaw event drew hundreds of vehicles in 2022 and 2023, lining both sides of Main Street… held in September, check www.downtownmoosejaw.ca for more information.

Moose Jaw Legion Show and Shine — typically in June, no schedule announced, check Royal Canadian Legion Branch 59 Facebook page for latest. Assiniboia Southern Cruisers Show and Shine — typically in September, no schedule announced, check www.southern-cruisers.com for latest.

The Highway to Heroes Car Show has been a fixture in Moose Jaw for the past eight years.

The second Little Chicago Show and Shine was held in September and was even bigger and better than the first.

Action in the sky when Snowbirds’ team appears

The sky across Canada and parts of the United States will be alive with the manoeuvres and agility of the 431 Air Demonstration Squadron, the Snowbirds.

Based at 15 Wing Moose Jaw, the Snowbirds team is a beloved icon that attracts crowds of all ages as it performs full air demonstrations at air shows or flies past to give viewers a glimpse of the CF-114 Tutors in the distinctive red and white colours.

The team has about 80 full-time staff and 24 pilots, technicians and support staff in the show team.

This year’s schedule begins June 1-2 in St. Hubert, Que. and concludes Oct. Oct. 12-13 in El Paso, Texas. There are no shows scheduled in Saskatchewan but local residents might be treated to a few practice sessions near Moose Jaw between official appearances.

Ottawa residents attending Canada Day celebrations on July 1 will be able to see the Snowbirds in a flypast in honour of the nation-wide celebration. Ottawa was not on the team’s July 1 program last year,

The Commanding Officer of the Snowbirds is Lt.Col. Jean-Francois Dupont of Quebec. Chief Warrant Officer is Cheryl Abernathy of Cookstown County, Tyrone, Ireland. Flight safety officer is Capt. Nichole Zapadka of London, Ont. and the Honorary Colonel is Fred Sutherland of Moose Jaw.

This season’s schedule also includes: June 9, a flypast at the Formula 1 Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal; June 15-16, Borden, Ont; June 19, North Bay; June 22-23, Bagotville, Ont.; June 29-30, Trenton, Ont.

After Ottawa the team will appear: July 13, a flypast at Yellowknife, N.W.T.; July 20-21, Cold Lake,

Alta.; July 26-28, Oshkosh, Wisconsin; and July 31, Duluth, Minnesota.

In August the Snowbirds will be seen: Aug. 3-4, Portage La Prairie, Man.; Aug. 9-11, Abbotsford, B.C.; Aug. 24-25, Greenwood, Nova Scotia; and Aug. 31 to Sept. 2, Toronto.

Other dates in September include: Sept. 7-8, Gatineau, Que.; Sept. 13-15, London, Ont.; and Sept. 21, Sault Ste. Marie, Ont. for a flypast.

The team’s season concludes with shows Oct. 5-6 in Reno, Nevada; and Oct. 12-13 in El Paso.

The schedule is subject to change and dates can be confirmed on the Snowbirds’ Facebook page.

Air Display Flight Team

• Snowbird 1 Team Lead: Major Brent Handy (Wyevale, Ontario)

• Snowbird 2 Inner Right Wing: Captain Caitlin Clapp (Ottawa, Ontario)

• Snowbird 3 Inner Left Wing: Captain Steve Timm (Surrey, British Columbia)

• Snowbird 4 First Line Astern: Captain Scott Boyd (Burnaby, British Columbia)

• Snowbird 5 Second Line Astern: Captain Thomas Thornton (Belleville, Ontario)

• Snowbird 6 Outer Right Wing: Captain Kyle Taylor (London, Ontario)

• Snowbird 7 Outer Left Wing: Captain Dominic Appolloni (Winnipeg, Manitoba)

• Snowbird 8 Lead Solo: Captain Marc-André Plante (Chicoutimi, Quebec)

• Snowbird 9 Opposing Solo: Captain Patrice Powis-Clement (St. Joseph Island, Ontario)

• Snowbird 10 Advance and Safety Pilot: Captain Edward Soye (Toronto, Ontario)

• Snowbird 11 Advance and Safety Pilot: Captain Richard MacDougall (Dieppe, New Brunswick)

• Public Affairs Officer: Captain Philip Rochon (Ottawa, Ontario)

• Crew Chief: Sergeant James Waidson (Re-

serve Mines, Nova Scotia)

• Deputy Crew Chief: Master Corporal Justin Shantidatt (Mississauga, Ontario)

• Lead Aviation Technician: Master Corporal Tristan Popescu (Toronto, Ontario)

• Lead Aircraft Structures Technician: Corporal Jonathan Benson (Saskatoon, Saskatchewan)

• Lead Avionics Systems Technician: Corporal Dustin Poirier (Kingston, Ontario)

• Aviation Technician: Corporal Karla Olivares-Meza (Ottawa, Ontario)

• Aviation Technician: Corporal John Morrison (Burnaby, British Columbia)

• Aircraft Structures Technician: Corporal Chad Humphreys (Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan)

• Aircraft Structures Technician: Master Corporal Jonathan Forsyth (Simcoe, Ontario)

• Avionics Systems Technician: Master Corporal Shane Votour (Lahr, Germany)

• Avionics Systems Technician: Corporal Kieran Stevenson-Hastings (Saskatoon, Saskatchewan)

• Technical Coordinator: Corporal Avery Arsenault (Kinkora, Prince Edward Island)

• Aircraft Maintenance Control and Records

• Spring and Fall Clean-up

• Garbage removal

• Sprinklers

• Power vacuum (pine needles)

• Aerating

• Rototilling

• Fertilizing

Office Technician: Corporal Jadnn Greer (Montreal, Quebec)

• Aviation Technician: Master Corporal Jonathan Porter (North York, Ontario)

• Avionics Technician: Corporal Etienne Bilodeau (St-Hyacinthe, Quebec)

• Aviation Technician: Corporal Francis Hamel (Charlesbourg, Quebec)

• • Avionics Systems Technician: Corporal Alvin Alviola (Bayombong, Philippines)

Fully licensed and insured.

All applicable certification. (weed/tree spraying, fall protection, ground disturbance) Guaranteed best rates in town by a yard!

• Weed and Pest Control

• Sod

• Lawn maintenance

• Hedge trimming

• Eavestrough cleanout

• Snow removal

• General landscaping

• Rock work including patios, retaining walls, drainage & low maintenance rock features

• Grading

• Bobcat work

• Many other services o ered

Forty-five years of hard work and dedication have cemented the St. Victor Boogie as the longestrunning and arguably the best motorcycle event in Western Canada.

The St. Victor Boogie is a beloved event hosted by the Saskatchewan Independent Riders (SIR) and is proudly heading into its 45th year. The festivities will happen over June 14-15, with everything being packed and cleaned up on June 16th.

The club members at SIR have raised over $430,000 for various charities. Over the years, SIR has also done a lot of work on the site at Sylvan Valley Regional Park, home of the St. Victor Petroglyphs. It is a 20-minute drive south of Assiniboia on Highway 2.

The Southern Independent Riders (SIR) is a notfor-profit organization. They are a group of motorcycle enthusiasts who fundraise money for various charities across Saskatchewan. The members of the club volunteer their time to help run and organize these events, in the hopes that they are able to aid charities and provide funding to scholarships. Many exciting events will be happening at this year’s Boogie. One of the main events will be the motorcycle games, which is a motorcycle-based rodeo. Competitors will vie for prizes through a series of games, including the slow race, the wiener bike, the grass drag, the tire drag, and many more fun games with numerous prizes to win. Another cool event is the Burn Out Pit, a large pit big enough for two bikes, where bikers enter and burn off their tires in a spectacle of smoke.

Additionally, there will be a beer garden and a shooters bar, plus food concessions. Due to this, the event is primarily for adults. The Boogie will also host two bands providing live music on the evenings of the 14th and the 15th. These bands have not been announced as of yet.

JUNE 14, 15, 16 2024

Attendees are invited to camp on-site, where they will have all the amenities you may need from the concessions to port-a-potties, but there is a commuter bus that runs to Assiniboia for those who would rather stay in a hotel and travel the 20 minutes to partake in the beer garden and festivities. If you want to learn more about the St. Victor Boogie, you can visit their Facebook page at https:// www.facebook.com/groups/www.stvictorboogie. ca. If you want to learn more about the Southern Independent Riders, you can visit their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/TheSouthernIndependentRiders/.

St. Victor Petroglyphs a window into the province’s past

There are more than 300 carvings at St. Victor Petroglyphs Provincial Park and they are one of Saskatchewan’s great mysteries. It is not known who carved the petroglyphs, why, or even when. The carvings do, however, provide clues about the people who lived in the province hundreds of years ago.

The provincial park is located near the Village of St. Victor in the Big Muddy Badlands of southcentral Saskatchewan. The petroglyphs were carved into horizontal sandstone at the top of a cliff. They include representations of animal, bird and human tracks — footprints and handprints — as well as several symbols, and a few human and animal figures.

The drawings were carved between 500 A.D. and 1700 A.D., and given that some of the glyphs have been carved on top of one another, it is assumed they were carved by many different people over several years. Due to the time and effort it would have required to complete the petroglyphs, it is surmised that this was a site of great importance to the Aboriginal people who created them.

The carvings are unique in that they are the only petroglyphs carved upon a horizontal surface on the Canadian Plains. One of the largest, most prominent and perhaps newest of the glyphs is a face that seems similar to those observed in artifacts from northern plains burial mounds. The mounds are believed to be 300 to 600 years old. To preserve the petroglyphs and for public safety, access to the cliff edge has been restricted. However, there is a lookout point where visitors can look down on the glyphs. The best time to view the drawings is on a clear day, either early in the morning or close to sunset, where shadows cast on the faint carvings and give them more definition. Interpretive panels and reproductions of some of the glyphs are available for visitors to examine, while a picnic area and pit toilet are available. The petroglyphs are open year-round; admission is free; there are guided tours and self-guided tours, and wildlife and bird viewing are possible. For more information call 1-800-205-7070 or (306) 694-3229, or email buffalopound@gov. sk.ca. The petroglyphs are two kilometres south of the Village of St. Victor. Watch for signs.

A face carving at St. Victor Petroglyphs Provincial Historic Park. Photo courtesy Tourism Saskatchewan

A set of feet at St. Victor Petroglyphs Provincial Historic Park. Photo courtesy Tourism Saskatchewan

15th Annual Mortlach Berry Festival with musical act DETOURcountry to perform

High-energy band DETOURcountry is bringing its foot-stomping, honky-tonking powerhouse of classic hits and ’90s gems to this year’s Mortlach Saskatoon Berry Festival, taking audiences on an unforgettable journey through the heart and soul of country music.

The 15th annual festival occurs Saturday, June 15, in the small village about 30 minutes west of Moose Jaw on Highway 1.

The event — which features the tagline, “5,000 people can’t be wrong” — launches with a yummy pancake breakfast from 8 to 10 a.m. at the hall, followed by fun and activities throughout the day in this small but mighty west-central Saskatchewan community.

Once you’ve eaten enough mouth-watering flapjacks, be sure to find a spot on Main Street as the parade kicks off at 11 a.m. Anyone can join, but participants should contact the festival committee first to register.

From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., vendors will hawk their wares and likely have something that a festivalgoer might want, from food to crafts to books, from health supplements, linens, jewelry and other trinkets.

Other activities include a pie-eating contest, axe throwing, beer gardens and wagon rides.

The committee expects to feature more entertainment throughout the day and will announce those other acts before the big day. The music normally kicks off around noon and runs until 4 p.m.

There will also be many activities for children, from bouncy castles to face painting to a magician. These events occur in Vimy Park starting in the morning.

Attendees are also encouraged to visit some of Mortlach’s businesses, such as the Antique Abbey,

DJ’s, Franklyn’s Eatery, Military Memories, the museum, Painted Brush Creations, The Farmstand General Store and The Pit Stop.

As for those ever-popular saskatoon berry pies, attendees can purchase — and savour — a whole pie or a slice beginning around 9 a.m. in the hall until quantities run out. However, organizers suggest people pre-order a pie to guarantee receiving one because they usually sell out quickly.

Visitors can pre-order online or through a QR code on the festival’s Facebook page.

Meanwhile, DETOURcountry pays homage to the legends who shaped the genre by including iconic tunes from country greats such as Merle Haggard, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Johnny Cash, Johnny Lee and Hank Williams Sr.

Furthermore, the band dives into the vibrant country era of the ’90s and celebrates the sounds of that decade by bringing to life hits from artists like Alan Jackson, Brooks & Dunn, Dwight Yoakam, George Strait, Little Texas and Garth Brooks.

Whether it’s the twang of a steel guitar or the heartfelt lyrics of a ballad, DETOURcountry captures the essence of country music in every performance.

“Meet Me in Mortlach”: Village of Mortlach prepares to host summer-long prairie draw

Mortlach residents Terry Bittles and Mike Beaudoin are looking to make revolutionary new changes this summer and are announcing plans to transform the village into southern Saskatchewan’s must-see destination.

project

hope to encourage more business development in Mortlach, attract new residents, and guests can expect to see something new and exciting every week in an ever-changing venue.

Many residents, including Marg Apperley at the village’s bakery, pointed out that Mortlach

“Meet Me in Mortlach” is the theme for the idea, and residents are uniting in small-town prairie spirit to revive the community with an uplifting enterprise set to run from April until September each year.

With help from auctioneers Gary Andrejein and Gary Giofu, the plan is to have three yearly auctions to help finance the summer-long event, and they’re promising lower-than-average fees to help keep the initiative affordable for visitors.

Several years ago, a former Mortlach resident named Syliva created a similar venture with the soon-to-be revived slogan,

“Meet Me in Mortlach.” Her proven success and the flocks of tourists who arrived is a leading factor the decision for a renewed effort to revive the community. Sadly, this all came to an end when circumstances changed. With nobody to lead the initiative, Mortlach’s golden age became a thing of the past. Now, a handful of residents are reviving the idea.

Their plan is to transform Mortlach into the talk of the Canadian prairies by creating the largest vendor collection in the area, attracting musicians and artists, and eventually incorporating an ongoing car show. When complete, the project should resemble an expanded version of Mortlach’s annual Berry Festival.

As the plan unfolds, organizers

holds great day-trip potential for Moose Jaw’s adventurous residents.

The village of Mortlach is located 30 minutes west of Moose Jaw along Highway 1 and the future location of the auction and vending event will be along and visible by the Trans-Canada Highway.

Follow the Moose Jaw Express for further updates on this project as it unfolds throughout the summer months.

For more information or to apply as a vendor, Mike Beaudoin can be reached at 1-306-8610001 and Terry Bittles can be reached at 1-639-538-3326.

Further announcements are to be expected as the “Meet Me in Mortlach” initiative continues to unfold in the months to come. Photo by: Aaron Walker

Terry Bittles (right) and his wife run the Pit Stop Diner in Mortlach.

Photo by: Aaron Walker

Mike Beaudoin stands adjacent to a sign indicating the future site of the Meet Me in Mortlach project along Highway 1. Photo by: Aaron Walker

“Meet Me in Mortlach”: 15’ Don Cherry wood carving now greets villages’ guests

As Mortlach prepares for its inaugural “Meet Me in Mortlach” project this summer, one of the first steps was completed in mid-May with an iconic wooden statue now marking the entrance to the community in style.

Travellers along the TransCanada Highway will quickly discover the location of the project thanks to a 15-foot-tall sculpture of Don Cherry and his dog, Blue, which now overlooks the site of the new venue.

Made of Manitoba maple sourced right on location in Mortlach, sculptor Darren Jones said he’s thrilled with the medium and has been enjoying the small-town hospitality shown to him since he began the project around eight days ago.

Jones built this (sculpture) from all the trees that were in (the villages’) tree dump and one that was dead and needed to be taken out. The statue contains a

bench for visitors to sit down for a photo, and the statue is fully painted to add some colour, and Jones said he’s pleased with how it turned out.

Mortlach residents Mike Beaudoin and Terry Bittles originally asked Jones to build a sculpture at the village entrance to draw attention to the upcoming marketplace and, as Jones explained, to “just add something unusual” for motorists to view as they drive along the highway. They said this is hockey country down here, and (Don Cherry) is a Canadian icon and I think that’s why he was chosen.

The idea to feature Cherry and his dog blue was the brainchild of Mortlach resident Mike Beaudoin.

The trust that the addition of Don Cherry will be a nice addition to their Highway One view. Although Cherry himself isn’t expected to show up for the grand reveal of his new likeness, Jones said he did reach out to Cherry’s staff ahead of time to make sure the idea was met

with approval.

The carver (Jones) lives in B.C. and, although he’s extremely talented as a wood carver and an artist, his main profession is directional drilling in the oil industry. The self-described Virgo said he’s always seeking to outdo his previous work and aims to keep improving his craft.

Among his previous works, Jones carved a 100-year anniversary memorial for miners who lost their lives in Bellevue, Alta., and a monument for 15 Wing Moose Jaw titled “Forever in the Clouds” to commemorate the 21 pilots who died in a 1946 plane crash which was inspired by the loss of his wife.

Jones said he’s thrilled to add his new centrepiece to Mortlach this summer and thinks the villages’ new summer initiative is a wonderful thing to give people an opportunity to get out. You can view more of Jones’ works on Facebook at ‘CabStudio.’

Darren Jones (pictured) is working on the finishing touches of his new sculpture in Mortlach on the afternoon of May 15. Photo by: Aaron Walker

A close look at Darren Jones’ nearly completed wood sculpture of Canadian hockey icon Don Cherry taken May 16. Photo by: Aaron Walker

Hockey icon Don Cherry and his dog, Blue, now overlook the entrance to Mortlach thanks to the artistic talent of Darren Jones. Photo by: Aaron Walker

Angie Belsher has been

Angie Belsher has been a Registered Dental Hygienist for over 18 years and decided to open Routine Smiles — her own independent clinic offering clients a streamlined path for their routine cleaning appointments.

Belsher is fully licensed to practice as a member of the Canadian Dental Hygiene Association (CDHA) and the Saskatchewan Dental Hygiene Association (SDHA). Her clinic, which opened in June 2023, is located at 360 5th Avenue NW, the professional services building that also houses Sharpline Cuts, Bad Intentions Bus, and several others.

“ My clinic is a single operatory which offers dental cleanings, polishing,and desensitizing if needed. It is a good option for people that don’t like the traditional setting of a dental office. Some people get really nervous when it comes to the noises and smells of an office. I’ve tried to set up my office so it is a more quiet and relaxing atmosphere.

Belsher books patients by direct message through her Facebook page, by phone at 306-630-5269, by email at routinesmiles@gmail.com, or through her online booking.

Located at 360 5th Avenue NW, photo submitted

The 28th Annual Festival of Words: A literary extravaganza

The 28th annual Festival of Words is once again bringing the magic of literacy to Moose Jaw. This four-day festival is packed full of workshops, presenters, reading sessions, and many more exciting events. The festival begins on July 18, 2024, and will run until the 21st. There will be close to 50 events taking place throughout the event, making for a jam-packed exciting weekend. This year, there will be 29 presenters, which include award-winning authors and literary talents from all over Canada. One presenter that the festival staff is very excited about is Brent Butt, the co-creator of the popular and beloved sitcom Corner Gas. Brent Butt recently released a horrorthriller novel based on comedians. On Saturday, Brent will be doing live comedy, followed by an interview with Rob Carnie.

If you want to attend the festival, you can register for the individual events. Each event ranges in price from $10 to $60. Alternatively, you could purchase event passes, which will allow you entry to events depending on the pass. There is the Full Pass, which will cost $200 but gains you access to everything other than the workshops and Trivia Night. The Student Pass acts the same as the Full Pass, though it costs $60. The Flex Pass costs $110, and it uses a punch card system; each punch is worth $5, and you can punch up to $125

of events. The Friday pass costs $45, and the Saturday pass costs $85; they grant you access to the events happening on the corresponding day. If you aren’t able to make it to the Festival of Words, the staff have you covered. Certain events from the festival will be live-streamed, which can be purchased through their Online Pass costing $20. Not only this, but each author at the event will be live-streamed at least once.

The Festival also offers many volunteering opportunities, including, but not limited to, ticket takers, introducers, aiding in transporting the authors, and many more opportunities. The staff at the Festival truly believe that the Festival would not be able to run without the gracious help of their volunteers. If you wish to know more about volunteering or you want to register as a volunteer, you can visit the festival website at https://www.festivalofwords.com/volunteer-info.

If you wish to learn more about the Festival of Words, you can visit their website at https://www. festivalofwords.com/. Alternatively, you can call the festival staff at 1(306)-691-0557.

Many fun activities to be found at the Festival of Words

The 28th Annual Festival of Words four-day event is jam-packed with over 25 named events, nearly 30 presenters, trivia nights, and much more. The event begins on Thursday, July 18th, and runs through to Sunday, July 21st. All events take place at different venues throughout Moose Jaw. These venues include:

• Bobby’s Place Pub, 63 High St. W.

• Mae Wilson Theatre and North Studio, 217 Main St. N

• Art Museum Theatre (AMT) (Street Level), South Room (Upper Level), Taylor Room (Upper Level), Reading Room (Off Main Foyer), Art Gallery (Basement), 461 Langdon Cres.

• Moose Jaw Events Centre, 2nd Floor Conference, 110 1st Ave NW.

Multiple types of passes can be purchased, granting access to different events depending on the pass purchased. The available passes are:

• Full Pass: Entry to all events except Thursday Workshops and Trivia Night. Cost: $200.

• Student Pass: Entry to all events except Thursday Workshops and Trivia Night. Cost: $65.

• Flex Pass: Punch card with $125 in $5 punches. The card can be shared. Cost: $110.

• Friday Pass: Entry into all events on Friday except Trivia Night. Cost: $45.

• Saturday Pass: Entry into all events on Saturday. Cost: $85.

• Online Pass: Entry to all live-streamed events. Cost: $20.

Here is the full event schedule for the Festival of

Words:

Thursday, July 18th:

• Outlining Novels with Premee Mohamed, 9:00 am: This event will teach you how to outline longform work in a way that doesn’t kill your

writing excitement. Sponsored by Saskatchewan Writers Guild. This event will cost $35 and registration is required. This event takes place at AMT in the Taylor Room.

• Reading for Writers Workshop with Johnny D Trinh, 9:00 am: A great opportunity for writers of all genres to improve their public reading and performance skills. Sponsored by Saskatchewan Writers Guild and Moose Jaw Cultural Centre. This event will cost $35 and registration is required. This event will take place at the Moose Jaw Cultural Centre’s North Studio.

• Bardic Inspiration with Victoria Koops, 9:00 am: Join Victoria Koops for a role-playing game-inspired playshop (like a workshop, but more fun) for young adventurers! Sponsored by SSCF and Rotary Club of Moose Jaw. This is a free event though registration is required. It will take place at AMT in the South Room.

• Storytime for Little Ones with Candace Savage, 10:00 am: A free event for children. Sponsored by SaskTel. This event will take place on the AMT front lawn.

• Thematic Approach to Sci-Fi with Robert Sawyer, 1:00 pm: A discussion aimed at helping you develop a high concept for your own science-fiction. Sponsored by SWG. This event will cost $35 and registration is required. This event will take place at AMT in the South Room.

• Great Big Book Club with Waubgeshig Rice, 1:00 pm: A discussion of the book Moon of the Turning Leaves, followed by a discussion with the author moderated by Jael Richardson. This event will cost $35 and registration is required. This event will take place at AMT in the Taylor Room.

• Film: Cafe Daughter, 6:00 pm: Half-Chinese, half-Cree Yvette Wong struggles to find her place in a small Saskatchewan community in the 1960s. This event will cost $13 and is included in the passes. This event will take place at the Mae Wilson Theatre.

• Readception*, 8:30 pm: Mini readings with Vivian DarrochLozowski, Zalika Reid-Benta, Katherena Vermette, Timothy Taylor, and Holly Hogan. This event will cost $25 and is included in the passes. This event will take place at the Mae Wilson Theatre. This event will also be livestreamed.

• Saskatchewan Writers Guild Reception, 9:30 pm: Appetizers and drinks with the Saskatchewan Writers Guild. This is a free event and will take place in the Moose Jaw Cultural Centre lobby. Friday, July 19th:

event will also be livestreamed.

• AMT Taylor Reading (Online), 1:00 pm: A reading event featuring authors including D. A. Robertson, J. Austria-Bonifacio, Phillip Schott, Waubgeshih Rice, A. Abo Al Shamat, K. Vermette, Andrea Olive, Holly Hogan (Teen Read Out). This reading event will cost $10 and is included in the passes. This event will also be livestreamed.

• AMT South Taylor Reading, 2:10 pm: A reading event featuring authors including Alice Major, Sid Marty, R. J. Sawyer, P. Mohamed, Timothy Taylor, Joan Thomas, V. Darroch-Lozowski, Z. Reid-Benta. Cost: This reading event will cost $10 and is included in the passes. This event will also be livestreamed.

• AMT South Taylor Reading, 9:00 am: A reading event featuring authors including Timothy Taylor, Naomi Hansen, Robert J. Sawyer, Alice Major, J. Austria-Bonnifacio, J. Richardson, Victoria Koops, and Candace Savage. This reading event will cost $10 and is included in the passes. This event will also be livestreamed.

• Let’s Get Political, 4:00 pm: David A. Robertson, Katherena Vermette, and S. Bear Bergman discuss what happens when a book becomes political. Moderated by Jael Richardson.This event will cost $17 and is included in the passes. This event will take place at the Mae Wilson Theatre. This event will also be livestreamed.

• Trivia Night, 6:00 pm: Fish and chip dinner with literary trivia at Bobby’s Place. This event will cost $35 and will be located at Bobby’s Place.

• AMT South Taylor Reading, 10:10 am: Another reading event featuring authors including C. Morgan, T. Sidhoo Fraser, Sid Marty, Dee Hobsbawn Smith, Hyland Session (Free), Jes Battis, Phillip Schott, V. DarrochLozowski, S. Wilson. This reading event will cost $10 and is included in the passes. This

• Spoken Word Showcase, 8:00 pm: A showcasing of spoken word by Shayna Stock, Johnny D. Trinh, and Abdulsalam Abo Al Shamat hosted by Cat Abenstein. This event’s entry is done by donation and takes place at the Mae Wilson Theatre. This event will also be livestreamed.

Saturday, July 20th:

• AMT South Taylor Reading, 9:00 am: This is a reading event where authors will read aloud to those in attendance. These authors include Sheri-D Wilson (Dramatic Reading), Holly Hogan, Waubgeshig Rice, Joan Thomas,

Timothy Taylor

Dee Hobsbawn Smith

Naomi Hansen, D. Hobsbawn-Smith, J. Battis, T. Sidhoo Fraser, and J. Trinh. This reading event will cost $10 and is included in the passes. This event will also be livestreamed.

Losowski. This is a free event and will take place at the Moose Jaw Cultural Centre’s lobby.

• AMT South Taylor Reading, 10:10 am: This is a reading event where authors will read aloud to those in attendance. These authors include SheriD Wilson (Dramatic Reading), V. Koops, S. Bear Bergman, C. Morgan, K. Vermette, P. Mohamed, and Z. ReidBenta. This reading event will cost $10 and is included in the passes. This event will also be livestreamed.

• AMT Taylor Reading, 1:00 pm: This is a reading event where authors will read aloud to those in attendance. These authors include SK. Book Awards, D. Hobsbawn-Smith, T. Blackett, A. Pottle, S. Bear Bergman, Naomi Hansen, Sid Marty, Andrea Olive, T. Sidhoo Fraser, and Holly Hogan. This reading event will cost $10 and is included in the passes. This event will also be livestreamed.

• AMT South Taylor Reading, 2:10 pm: This is a reading event where authors will read aloud to those in attendance. These authors include Phillip Schott, Joan Thomas, A. Major, D.A. Robertson, C. Morgan, J. Austria-Bonifacio, Timothy Taylor, and Shayna Stock. This reading event will cost $10 and is included in the passes. This event will also be livestreamed.

• Interview with Robert J. Sawyer, 4:00 pm: A discussion on turning works into a TV series and many more things with acclaimed Sci-Fi writer Robert J. Sawyer. It will be moderated by Ed Willet. This event costs $17 and is included in the passes. This event will take place at the Mae Wilson Theatre. This event will also be livestreamed.

• Penumbra Book Launch, 6:00 pm: This is a book launch featuring Vivian Darroch-

• An Evening with Brent Butt, 8:00 pm: This will be a live comedy set performed by Brent Butt, followed by an interview moderated by Rob Carnie with Brent Butt about his new thriller novel titled Huge. This event will cost $60 and is included in the passes. This event will take place at the Mae Wilson Theatre. The interview will be live-streamed, but the comedy set will not.

Sunday, July 21st:

• Breakfast and Panels, 9:00 am: A catered breakfast with coffee, juice, and tea. Venue sponsored by Moose Jaw Events Centre. This event will cost $35 and is included in the passes. This event will take place at the Moose Jaw Event Centre.

• Climate Protection on Home Soil, 10:00 am: This is a panel with Lorne Scott, Andrea Olive, Premee Mohamed, and others, that discusses the ways we can protect our natural grassland. Moderated by Candace Savage. This event will cost $35 and is included in the passes. This event will take place at the Moose Jaw Event Centre.

• Fantastical Writing, 11:10 am: This is a panel with Zalika Reid-Benton, Jes Battis, and Victoria Koops. Moderated by Jael Richardson. This event will cost $35 and is included in the passes. This event will take place at the Moose Jaw Event Centre.

The festival also offers many volunteering opportunities, including but not limited to ticket takers, introducers, aiding in transporting the authors, and many more opportunities.

The staff at the festival truly believe that the festival would not be able to run without the gracious help of their volunteers. If you wish to know more about volunteering or want to register as a volunteer, you can visit the festival website at https://www.festivalofwords.com/volunteer-info.

If you would like to learn more about the Festival of Words, you can visit their website at https:// www.festivalofwords.com/. Alternatively, you can call the festival staff at 1(306)-691-0557.

If you would like to buy tickets, passes, or register for one of the events, you can visit their website at https://www.festivalofwords.com/schedule.

Sheri-D Wilson

Brent Butt

T. Blackett

Robert J. Sawyer

If you are looking for a way to make positive changes to your health and well-being, look no further than Alternate Root Organics and Boh’s Cycle and Sporting Goods. These two businesses are run by brothers Brittan and Jordan Calibaba, who take pride in providing healthy options for everyone.

Alternate Root Organics health and wellness store takes an “alternate root” to your health. They carry many products, including supplements from amazing Canadian brands, natural food options, bulk herbs, and various body care and household products. All of their baking products, including gluten- and dairy-free options, are made in-store by staff.

Alternate Root believes that a healthy mind and body start with the nutritious foods your body needs. It may not be the easiest route, but this is the lifestyle promoted at Alternate Root. If you want to check out Alternate Root, on the first Tuesday or every month a customer appreciation day is held. Additionally, if you are over 55, you can benefit from 10% off every Tuesday.

Boh’s Cycle and Sporting Goods was acquired by the Calibaba’s in 2021. Since then, the store has been transformed into a shop that offers full bike services. They carry a vast variety of brands, some of the most popular being Rocky Mountain, Norco, Raceface, Surface604, and Marin. They also offer a range of apparel brands and biking accessories.

The stores are dedicated to providing Moose Jaw with healthy options. They believe it is imperative to help the people in the community stay fit and healthy.

If you want to learn more about Alternate Root Organics, you can visit their store at 16 Athabasca St W, Moose Jaw, or visit their website at https:// alternaterootorganics.com/. You can also call them at 1(306)-693-4372.

If you want to learn more about Boh’s Cycle and Sporting Goods, you can visit their store at 821 Main St N, Moose Jaw, or visit their website at https://www.bohscycle.ca/. You can also call them at 1(306)-692-0477.

Ogema

Train lovers should appreciate Ogema-based Southern Prairie Railway’s tours, which take travellers on a fantastic Prairie ride using a General Electric 44-ton switcher locomotive pulling a 1925 passenger car.

Southern Prairie Railway (SPR) is Saskatchewan’s first full-sized tourist railway. Formed in 2010, SPR provides an authentic Prairie pioneer experience. SPR travels east and west to the towns of Pangman and Horizon, respectively, taking passengers through picturesque fields and past an abundance of wildlife.

Ogema Heritage Railway Association — a registered charity that oversees SPR — began offering heritage train tours in 2012 with one excursion a month but increased that to 10 trips a month because seats sold out quickly. The kids’ tours proved to be a big hit, while food-focused excursions were equally popular.

There are 13 trips that passengers can take this year, including one with popular Saskatchewan musician Jeffery Straker on Friday, July 5. Those rides include:

• Heritage train ride: Travellers can discover history as they ride through the prairies. The tour leaves Ogema Train Station and goes to Horizon, where passengers receive an exclusive tour of a 1922 federal grain elevator

• Kids’ fun train: The train departs Ogema for a few hours of fun. Balloon animals, face painting, lunch, cake, and plenty of festivities, as well as the train tour to Pangman, ensure kids have a day full of memories

• Morning or afternoon robbery train rides: Take the train to Pangman if you dare! Outlaws will rob the train during the trip and all money “stolen” will go to STARS Air

and the Saskatchewan Cancer Society

• Prairie pitchfork fondue train ride: This is a Western steak oil fry where pitchforks are used. This supper features a fondue-cooked 10 oz. ribeye Canadian AAA steak, roasted potatoes, creamy Caesar salad, pasta salad, veggies, assorted desserts, a non-alcoholic beverage and museum entry

• Settlers’ supper train ride: Experience the yesteryear of pioneer travel and way of life while enjoying barbecued beef, home-style baked beans, apple cider coleslaw, raw veggies and dip, pickled beets, cowboy biscuits, pies (apple, raisin, pumpkin, and ice cream), and one non-alcoholic beverage, all locally provided by Candy’s Catering.

• Texas-style barbecue and train ride: Enjoy an old-school Texas-style barbecue meal during a 3.5-hour trip. Bud’s BBQ in Ogema will

15th Annual saturday june 15, 2024

Festival Hours 9am-4pm

Pancake Breakfast

Parade at 11am

Kid Zone

Pie Eating Contest Over 50 Vendors Activities for all Ages Wagon Rides Beer Gardens

Ambulance

cater this trip

• Craft beer train trip: Enjoy a sampling of some of southern Saskatchewan’s finest locally brewed beers while admiring the open prairie.

• Wine and Spirits train ride: Saskatchewan has some of the best wines and spirits in the country. Enjoy a sampling of some of the province’s finest wines; the trip includes snacks.

• Enchanted 9 3/4: This Harry Potter-themed trip will surely delight all fans of the boy wizard. Travellers are encouraged to wear their best costumes and bring their favourite wands as they travel to Horizon to watch for dragons or flying cars

• Pangman open-air market train: The tour leaves the Ogema Train Station and goes east to Pangman, where tourists can check out the open-air market, retro ice cream shop and thrift store

• Museum Day train ride: The second Sunday in July is the Deep South Pioneer Museum’s Show Day, which showcases buildings, artifacts, machinery, demonstrations, a church service and a jam session.

• Grandparents’ Day train ride: This day is held the first Sunday in September after

Labour Day and celebrates the accomplishments and contributions of seniors.

• Father’s Day train ride: Father’s Day lets people show their appreciation for fathers and father figures. Bring your family and enjoy a train trip across the prairies to Horizon. A treat will be given to all the father figures

• Jeffery Straker’s Prairie Sky Scraper Concert Series: Straker will perform songs from his new album, “Great Big Sky,” in Horizon’s 1922 grain elevator. Bring a lawn chair. Includes a light snack

There are also many heritage locations in Ogema to visit, such as a walking tour of Main Street and two museums with a combined one million artifacts. The well-known Deep South Pioneer Museum — celebrating 47 years this year — has 33 heritage buildings, along with over 150 pieces of antique farm machinery.

For more information and prices, call Southern Prairie Railway at 306-459-7808 or visit www. southernprairierailway.ca.

When it comes to things to see and do from an athletic point of view, the City of Moose Jaw has you covered and then some.

Boasting a host of outstanding sports facilities for almost every activity under the sun, Moose Jaw has a wealth of riches when it comes to everything from hockey to lacrosse, baseball to tennis, pickleball to lawn bowling and everything in between. Leading the way, of course, is the Moose Jaw Events Centre. The 4,500-seat downtown arena

continues to be a hub for major activities in the city, led by the Moose Jaw Warriors of the Western Hockey League. Hockey teams of all ages make sure the building is well used throughout the winter months, with the occasional concert and show helping keep things even busier. Come summer months, lacrosse takes over things, with many a provincial title having been won on the local floor. Right next door to the arena is the Moose Jaw Curling Centre. The line of banners on the far wall of the rink shows just how much success local curlers have had, including the last two seasons at the eight-sheet facility. Team Saskatchewan has won back-to-back Canadian Wheelchair Curling Championships in the arena and this coming spring, curling will take over the entire building when the Men’s World Curling Championships hit Moose Jaw.

Another major sports facility is the Kinsmen Sportsplex, featuring the city’s only indoor pool, complete with a waterslide and top-notch com-

petitive swimming facilities. The building also features another heavily used indoor rink, with Moose Jaw Minor Hockey keeping things busy in the winter and the Moose Jaw Lacrosse Association doing so in the summer months.

Just outside the Sportsplex, you’ll find the brand new set of Pickleball Courts, with folks able to drop by almost any time to play one of the fastest growing sports in Canada.

Over on South Hill, Pla Mor Palace is a hub of hockey and figure skating, with the Bert Hunt and Wally Boshuck rinks always hopping. Folks looking to get their summer activities on in the winter months can do so at YaraCentre thanks to the massive indoor turf arena. The fieldhouse has hosted everything from Saskatchewan Roughriders training camps to provincial soccer championships and also features a walking track along with a host of gym and workout facilities that are kept busy year-round.

Once the weather warms up, beautiful Crescent Park is one of the places to be. Featuring a host of walking paths and an amazing ambience, the park is perfect for those nice summer evenings. On the east side you’ll find two popular sports facilities in the Moose Jaw Tennis Club and Moose Jaw Lawn Bowling Club, both of which have memberships and drop-in play that make for many an active evening. If swimming is more your thing, the Phyllis Dewar outdoor pool has you covered. And you won’t find many summer nights where the crack of the bat isn’t heard at the many baseball and fastball fields in the city, including Ross Wells Park, home of the Moose Jaw Miller Express of the Western Canadian Baseball League. Right next door is Lyle Helland Ball Diamond at Memorial Field, where you’ll find all sorts of youth baseball and fastball games. You can also find softball being played at Optimist Park on South Hill and Eddy Moore Park in Caribou Heights and slo-pitch at the Hamilton Flats diamonds across from YaraCentre.

To book playing times and for plenty of other information on local sports facilities, be sure to check out www.moosejaw.ca.

The Moose Jaw Miller Express have made things exceptionally interesting in the Western Canadian Baseball League the past two seasons.

Head coach Eric Marriott and his staff have put together back-to-back exceptional seasons in the wood-bat collegiate baseball league, and that’s led to many a rocking summer night at Ross Wells Park.

The WCBL features 12 teams from throughout Saskatchewan and Alberta, with the East Division featuring the Miller Express, Swift Current 57’s, Regina Red Sox, Weyburn Beavers, Medicine Hat Mavericks and expansion Saskatoon Berries, who will make their league debut in 2024. The West Division features the defending champion Okotoks Dawgs, Edmonton Prospects, Brooks Bombers, Sylvan Lake Gulls, Lethbridge Bulls and Fort McMurray Giants.

After reaching the WCBL Final in 2023, the Miller Express were outstanding right from the start of the campaign in 2024, eventually going on to post a 38-18 record to finish first in the East Division by eight games over Medicine Hat.

Unfortunately for the local squad, things didn’t go as well in the post-season, as after sweeping Swift Current in the first round, they’d fall in three games to Medicine Hat in the Division final.

The Express did have some good news at the end of the season, as Dawson Tweet was named Most Outstanding Canadian after leading the WCBL with a .411 average, 61 runs scored and 90 hits. Tweet also put together a league-record 36-game hitting streak.

Moose Jaw’s line-up has come together throughout the off-season and will see the return of a handful of key performers from the last couple of years, in-

cluding former team MVP Nate Mensik, infielders Luke Lachance and Austin Gurney, catcher Wyatt Tweet and starting pitcher Matt Vasquez.

The Miller Express will also have the entirety of their coaching staff returning, including Marriott — now in his seventh year with the team as a player and coach — assistant coach Michael Gonzalez, pitching coach Jeff Nicolosi and pitching consultant Dustin Molleken.

The 56-game season begins on Friday, May 24 when the Express are in Weyburn for the seasonopener, followed by Medicine Hat making the trip east for Moose Jaw’s home opener on Saturday, May 25 at Ross Wells Park.

The regular season runs through Aug. 5, with the playoffs wrapping up over the next week.

Be sure to keep an eye on wcblbaseball.com for all the updated scores and results through the season, and check out the team on social media and at millerexpress.ca for ticket info.

Second baseman Luke Lachance will be back in toe Moose Jaw Miller Express line-up this summer.

Come out and Watch the MOOSE JAW MILLER'S HOME GAMES

Home games are played at Ross Wells Park at 7:05 PM

May 25 VS Medicine Hat Mavericks

May 26 VS Medicine Hat Mavericks

May 31 VS Fort McMurray Giants

June 1 VS Fort McMurray Giants

June 2nd VS Weyburn Beavers

June 4th VS Saskatoon Berries

June 5th VS Saskatoon Berries

June 8th VS Swift Current 57s

June 13 VS Regina Red Sox

June 19 VS Medicine Hat Mavericks

June 20 VS Medicine Hat Mavericks

June 21 VS Sylvan Lake Gulls

June 22 VS Sylvan Lake Gulls

June 25 VS Saskatoon Berries

June 27 VS Swift Current 57s

July 1 VS Edmonton Prospects

July 2 VS Edmonton Prospects

July 5 VS Swift Current 57s

July 11 VS Weyburn Beavers

July 16 VS Regina Red Sox

July 17 VS Medicine Hat Mavericks

July 21 VS Regina Red Sox

July 26 VS Swift Current 57s

July 30 VS Regina Red Sox

August 1 VS Saskatoon Berries

August 2 VS Weyburn Beavers

August 3 VS Weyburn Beavers

August 4 VS Swift Current 57s

A banner season: Moose Jaw Warriors cap incredible year with WHL Championship

17 goals and 75 points in 52 games, and he’d be named the Bill Hunter Memorial Trophy winner as the WHL’s top rearguard.

Mateychuk didn’t let up in the postseason, either, with his 11 goals and 30 points in 20 games just behind Firkus’ 14 goals and 32 points. As a result, Mateychuk was named the WHL Playoffs MVP.

Pittsburgh Penguins first-rounder Brayden Yager claimed a league honour for the third year in a row, repeating as the Brad Hornung Memorial Trophy winner after scoring 35 goals and 95 points in 57 games while recording only 20 penalty minutes.

For the first time in 40 years, the Moose Jaw Warriors are Western Hockey League champions.

The Warriors capped off a storybook run through the WHL playoffs with a sweep of the Portland Winterhawks in the WHL Final and booking their spot in the Memorial Cup Canadian Hockey League championship tournament.

The entire playoff run was filled with incredible drama, as the Warriors posted a 16-1-3 record through their four series wins. That included a four-game sweep of the Brandon Wheat Kings, five-game win over the Swift Current Broncos and quite possibly the greatest series in WHL history in the Eastern Conference final — a seven-game war with the Saskatoon Blades, with six games going to overtime.

Of course, there was a regular season to get through first, and it was an incredible one.

The Warriors put together one of their best campaigns in team history, posting a 44-21-0-3 record through 68 games to finish with the second-best record in the Eastern Conference.

That included a 22-6-0-1 mark after the Jan. 10 trade deadline, a single win behind the eventual regular season champion Blades. Then there were the individual accomplishments, and there were a lot of them.

Seattle Kraken prospect Jagger Firkus put together an amazing campaign, scoring 61 goals and 126 points in 63 games to win the Bob Clarke Trophy as the WHL scoring champion before claiming the biggest individual prize of them all: the Four Broncos Memorial Trophy as the WHL’s most outstanding player.

Warriors captain and Columbus Blue Jackets prospect Denton Mateychuk had the highest pointsper-game among defencemen this season with

Goaltender Jackson Unger led the entire CHL in wins and was near the top of the league in most categories, eventually finishing with a 3.08 goals against average and .908 save percentage to take the East Division nomination as the WHL goaltender of the year.

Warriors forward and hometown product Atley Calvert enjoyed a record-setting season of his own, as with 47 goals and 95 points in 68 games, he became the Warriors all-time scoring leader among Moose Jaw-born players and set a singleseason record for scoring by a Moose Jaw-born player.

The Warriors also enjoyed the greatest representation in team history at the World Junior Hockey Championship, with four players making the team — Mateychuk and Yager outright, Firkus as a midtournament replacement and Matthew Savoie, who was traded to the Warriors by Wenatchee immediately after the event.

As of this writing, the Warriors are still playing hockey, as they’re preparing to represent the WHL at the Memorial Cup in Saginaw, MI.

The Moose Jaw Warriors gather for the traditional celebration team photo after winning the Western Hockey League championship.

Moose Jaw golf courses offer a little bit of everything for players of all abilities

Hillcrest Golf Club, Lynbrook Golf Club and The Ridge each offer unique options for those looking for a test

In Moose Jaw, what remains the same is the wealth of riches players from throughout the area can enjoy with the trio of 18-hole layouts in Canada’s Most Notorious City.

Thousands upon thousands of rounds are played at the Hillcrest Golf Club, Lynbrook Golf Club and The Ridge every summer, with this year offering no exception in the early part of the season thanks to some beautiful spring weather.

Golf in Moose Jaw is also unique in that each of the three courses has something a little bit different to offer.

The Hillcrest Golf Club currently features a par71 course located in the northeast of the city, covering 5,909 yards from the white tees, 4,386 yards from the red and 6,273 yards from the championship tees.

That’s all about to change in the very near future possibly as early as this fall.

At their most recent annual general meeting, the Hillcrest Golf Club approved the multi-phase 2024 Master Plan, which will see a wholesale redesign of the course over the next half-decade, completely changing the look and feel of the 18-hole rolling valley layout.

The update will complement the newly refurbished and expanded clubhouse, which has received rave reviews the past two seasons since fully opening. Should everything go according to plan, shovels will be in the ground and work will begin on Phase 1 of the Master Plan this fall.

More information, including fees and memberships, can be found at hillcrestgolf.ca or by calling (306) 693-1921.

The Lynbrook Golf Club this year will be a time of celebration with many great memories as they celebrate 100 years since the course opened in 1924. Located in the city’s northwest, the 18-hole layout offers an easier challenge for the average golfer, with the course covering 5,806 yards at par 71 for men and par 73 for women from the white tees,

5,228 yards and par 73 for women and par 69 for men from the red tees.

Like the Hillcrest, the Lynbrook features a fullservice pro-shop in addition to their expansive clubhouse, anchored by Ortley’s Lounge and their popular food and drink fare.

A variety of events are planned for the 100th anniversary, and you can check out lynbrookgolf.org or call (306) 692-2838 for more on the course and all they have to offer.

The Ridge, formerly known as the Deer Ridge Golf Course with the name and branding changed for the popular Par-27 layout, all of the services that have made them the place to go for a quick round remain the same.

With a layout that rolls next to the Moose Jaw River alongside Manitoba Street in the city’s east side, the course features a majority par-three layout that still brings some challenge with hazards and terrain.

The course features 16 par-three holes and a pair of par fours, making a quick round after work simple and easy. Folks can purchase punch cards for nine and 18-hole rounds, in addition to memberships as of last season.

Deer Ridge also features a pro shop in addition to their dining hall, making the family-run venue a popular stop for tournaments in the city. And then there’s their driving range, which is almost always in use during the summer months as players refine their games.

Check out deerridgemj.ca for a look at more or give them a shout at (306) 693-4653.

Hit theLinks Course Locations

Teeing it up: Southern Saskatchewan a hotbed of quality golf courses

Variety of layouts and designs offer challenges for golfers looking to try something different from their home layouts

Golfers in southern Saskatchewan have always had no shortage of options to keep things fresh and interesting when it comes to enjoying the game of golf throughout the summer months. While some folks are happy to stick to their local course, the more adventurous can travel for an hour in just about any direction and find a new round of links to check out.

And don’t expect to find simple courses carved out of a farmer’s field -- from rolling, lakeside vistas to valley layouts offering as much challenge as one could want, southern Saskatchewan can fill the need for any player just wanting a quick nine holes or seeking to put their game to the test.

The most common part of it all? The friendly faces you’ll find at each and every stop, all with the goal of making your visit as positive and fun as possible. Here’s a look a just some of the courses you can try out this summer!

1. Harbor Golf Club and Resort

Located: One and a half hours northwest via Highway 202 north to Highway 42, northwest on Highways 42, 367 and 19 to Elbow.

Course Type: 18 holes, grass greens, 6297 yards from blue tees, 5133 yards from yellow tees, par 71

Green fees: Adult 18 holes $52.50 weekly, $57.50 weekends and holidays. Seniors 55plus $47.50 any day, Adult nine holes $32.50 weekly, $37.50 weekends and holidays. Full memberships available.

Amenities: Full pro shop and clubhouse with resort restaurant on-site, RV park, golf lessons, cart rental, multiple leagues and tournaments.

Notes: In-depth website includes a hole-byhole breakdown of the course… located on the shores of Lake Diefenbaker, offering impressive views throughout the round… special events, including concerts, held at Events Building throughout summer.

Contact (info, booking tee times): (306) 8542300. Website: www.harborgolfclub.com

2. Sage View Golf Course

Located: One and a half hours northwest via Highway 202 north to Highway 42, northwest to Riverhurst, 11 minutes west.

Course type: Nine holes, grass greens, 2998 yards from blue tees, 2298 yards from red tees, par 36.

Green fees: Nine holes $32.50, 18 holes $50, full memberships available.

Amenities: Full proshop and clubhouse with 4,000 square foot banquet hall for rent. Driving range, cart rental, club rentals, pull carts available.

Notes: Links-style course offers impressive views of Lake Diefenbaker… banquet hall offers ability to host wide range of events including weddings, tournaments and other fun events… seventh hole was voted best hole in Saskatchewan by Drive The Green Golf.

Contact (info, tee times): (306) 353-2065. Website: www.sageviewgolfcourse.ca

3. Elmwood Golf Course

Located: Swift Current, one hour 40 minutes west on Trans Canada Highway.

Course Type: 18 holes, grass greens, 6842 yards from black tees, 5139 yards from green tees, par 72

Green fees: Adult nine holes $38.74, 18 holes $62.16, Junior (12-17) nine holes $19.05, 18 holes $228.57, full memberships available.

Amenities: Full proshop and clubhouse, driving range, cart rentals, club rentals, winter season hitting facility, special stay-andplay hotel deal.

Notes: Located on the outskirts of Swift Current, close to hotels and regular amenities…

features tiered membership based on age… various green fees specials available.

Contact (info, tee times): (306) 778-4653.

Website: elmwoodgc.com

4. Chinook Golf Course

Located: Swift Current, one hour 40 minutes west on Trans Canada Highway.

Course Type: 18 holes, grass greens, 6635 yards from blue tees, 5421 yards from red tees, par 72

Green fees: Adult nine holes $32 week days, $35 weekends and holidays, 18 holes $52 weekly, $57 weekends Seniors 65-plus nine holes $30, 18 holes $43, full memberships available.

Amenities: Full proshop and clubhouse, driving range, cart rentals, club rentals, lessons.

Notes: Located on southwest edge of Swift Current along Swift Current Creek, close to hotels and regular amenities… clubhouse boasts ‘the best patio in town’.

Contact (info, tee times): (306) 778-2776.

Website: http://www.swiftcurrent.ca/i-wantto/find/chinook-golf-course

5. Craik and District Golf Club

Located: One hour northwest via Highway 202 north to Chamberlain, Highway 11 northwest to Craik.

Course Type: Nine holes, grass greens, 2959 yards from blue tees, 2519 yards from red tees, men’s par 35, women’s par 36.

Green fees: Nine holes $26, 18 holes $43, Age 15-18 nine holes $13. 14-and-under nine holes $11. Green fee packs and memberships available.

Amenities: Full clubhouse, golf carts. Play and Stay where a receipt from a visit to Craik Regional Park earns free cart rental.

Notes: Located on rolling terrain in the Arm River Valley… website features an aerial video tour of course.

Contact (info, tee times): (306) 734-2364.

Website: craikgolf.com

6. Assiniboia Regional Park Golf Course

Located: One hour south via Highway 2, five minutes south of Assiniboia.

Course Type: Nine holes, grass greens, 2768 yards from men’s tees, 2548 yards from ladies tees. Par 36.

Green fees: Nine holes $27, 18 holes $41, full memberships available.

Amenities: Full proshop, equipment and power cart rentals, licensed clubhouse with food service.

Notes: Located in Assinboia Regional Park, with campgrounds and other amenities just outside of town… wide range of tournaments, league nights throughout the season.

Contact (info, tee times): (306) 642-5442.

Website: www.facebook.com/assiniboiagolf.

7. Long Creek Golf and Country Club

Located: Avonlea, one hour southeast via Highway 39 to Highway 339 turnoff, south and east on Highway 339 to Avonlea, five minutes east.

Course Type: 18 holes, grass greens, 6419 yards from blue tees, 5877 from white tees, 5192 from red tees, par 72

Green fees: 18 holes weekdays $53, weekends and holidays $65; Junior 17-and-under $25 weekdays, $35 weekends and holidays; Adult nine holes $33 weekdays, $45 weekends and holidays; Junior nine holes $15 weekdays, $20 weekends and holidays.

Amenities: Modern 11,000 foot clubhouse, full proshop, driving range, cart and club rentals, leagues and regular tournaments.

Notes: Prairie valley layout features mediumdifficulty greens and plenty of water throughout, requires sharp shotmaking… website includes hole-by-hole breakdown of course.

Contact (info, tee times): (306) 868-4432.

Website: www.long-creek.ca

8. Thomson Lake Regional Park Golf Course

Located: One and a half hours southwest via 81 2024 ExploreMooseJaw.com

Highway 2 to Highway 43, west to Gravelbourg, south on Highway 58 to Thomson Lake Regional Park.

Course type: Nine holes, grass greens, 5953 yards, par 71

Green fees: Nine holes $30, 18 holes $46, youth 18 holes $30, youth nine holes $15. Green fee season passes, punch cards available.

Amenities: Clubhouse and proshop, cart rentals and storage, club rentals, driving range.

Notes: Part of Thomson Lake Regional Park, with nearby access to campgrounds, swimming pool, parks, other amenities.

Contact (info, tee times): (306) 472-5686.

Bunch south via Highway 2 and Highway 36, five minutes southwest to Jean Louis Legare Regional Park.

Course type: Nine holes, grass greens, 2927 yards from back tees, 2726 yards from middle tees, 2412 yards from forward tees, par 36.

Green fees: Nine hole $26, 18 hole $40, green fee passes and memberships available.

Amenities: Proshop and clubhouse, cart rentals, regular tournaments and fun nights.

Notes: Part of Jean Louis Legare Regional Park, featuring camping, hiking and wide range of outdoor activities… valley course features tree-lined fairways, large grass greens, in walking distance of campground.

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Get ready for family fun this summer at Battle Creek Adventure Park

Battle Creek Adventure Park is a family-focused entertainment organization that places a strong emphasis on outdoor activities. They have been providing southern Saskatchewan with their facilities for 20 years and are located just a few miles east of Moose Jaw on Hwy $1. The organization was founded in 2004 and was originally named Prairie Storm Paintball. When it first opened, it was a small family-run paintball facility. Over the years, it has remained family-run, but the facility has grown to encompass a minigolf course, a beach volleyball court, a recreational room, and much more.

Due to rapid growth, the name was changed to Battle Creek Adventure Park in 2020. The reason behind the change was to show the surrounding communities that Battle Creek offers much more than just paintball.

The Facilities:

Prairie Storm Paintball:

Prairie Storm Paintball is the paintball section of the Adventure Park. It boasts an amazing 6 paintball maps on a staggering 50 acres. The folks at Battle Creek Adventure Park provide rentable equipment from the ground up, meaning you could walk in with absolutely no gear and be covered. The gear they offer includes coveralls, a paintball mask, a paintball marker (paintball gun), and they provide the paint. On the last Saturday of every

month, there is a paintball drop-in held for people looking for groups. The 6 unique maps all range in play style. There is the Lockout map, which is a smaller field for 6 to 12 players. Aftermath is a medium field with high ground, best for 10 to 20 players. Barnyard is a medium to large field best suited for 10 to 40 people; it is also the oldest map at Battle Creek. Outpost is a medium to large field that just returned after renovations, best rated for 10 to 30 players. Battlegrounds is a large to extralarge field that can hold 10 to 100 people. The last field is the Juno Beach field, a reenactment site for their D-Day events, which is a large to extra-large field capable of holding 10 to 100 people. Unfortunately, due to a lack of participation, the D-Day events have been canceled for the past three years.

Mini-Golf, But Bigger:

Mini Golf, But Bigger takes its guests on a fun and exciting adventure through Canada’s Longest 18hole mini-golf course. They boast over 100 feet of puttable length and lie on 6 acres. They began this project in 2019 and did not realize that they had made the longest 18-hole Mini-Golf in Canada until after the project was completed in 2020. You can rent equipment such as balls, putters, and digital and paper scorecards. This will be their fourth season, and the staff is very excited to get started.

The last hole at Mini-Golf, But Bigger course leading to the main facility.

The Rec Room:

The Rec Room is located at the back of the main facility where the old Indoor Nerf Court was held. The Nerf Court was renovated in 2018 and transformed into the Rec Room. It is still a work in progress as it was just officially opened to the public to rent for private parties. They have a couple of different entertainment pieces available, which include a ping pong table and a foosball table, and they are working on getting a pool table as well. They also provide gaming consoles and TVs as another source of entertainment.

vide a nice spot for individuals to relax while their friends or family are partaking in the facilities. They are actively working on all of the delicious sourdough and sweet recipes that you can think of. Stephanie’s Bake Shop will be available during regular operating hours. Stephanie’s Bake Shop and the Ice Cream and Pizza Parlour will both be available for catering.

The Ice Cream and Pizza Parlor:

The Ice Cream and Pizza Parlour is an established part of Battle Creek. They have been providing ice cream and pizza to customers for a long time. They have many flavors of ice cream and a variety of types of pizza. This parlor will follow the operating hours of Stephanie’s Bake Shop but will be separately staffed.

The staff at Battle Creek Adventure Park are consistently working to add more things to their park. They have hopes to add hiking trails, renovated batting cages, and much more.

If you want to visit Battle Creek Adventure Park,

STAY IN MOOSE JAW

195 Diefenbaker Dr. Moose Jaw, SK

Phone: (306) 983-2005

323 Diefenbaker Dr. Moose Jaw, SK

Phone: (306)972-7829

1706 Main St N

Moose Jaw, SK

Phone: (306) 692-8888

155 Thatcher Dr. Moose Jaw, SK

Phone: (306) 692-2100

45 Athabasca St E.

Moose Jaw, SK

Phone: (306) 692-1884

Phone: (306) 693-3601

A new full service optical shop called Tunnel Vision Optical has recently opened its doors in Moose Jaw. Committed to providing exceptional service and expert eye care, with an emphasis on community and positive customer experiences. Tunnel Vision Optical offers premium brand selections such as Porsche Eyewear and Xaiver Garcia while also carrying a range of budget-friendly eyewear options that are fashionable, durable, and tailored to fit your lifestyle.

The name Tunnel Vision Optical cleverly nods to the notorious Tunnels of Moose Jaw; partial owner Loree MacPherson conceived the idea as a way to connect the shop’s identity with the community of Moose Jaw. With a team possessing at least 10 years’ experience in the optical field, many with over 20 years, you can trust that you’re in expert hands.

Are you anxious or a first-time wearer of contacts? Tunnel Vision Optics has you covered with profes-

sionally trained staff proficient in contact lens and in contact lens fitting. Need an eye check-up? Look no further, the folks at Tunnel Vision Optical offer professional eye exams and amazing assistance in finding the perfect pair of glasses, sunglasses, or personal safety glasses to suit your needs.

They also streamline the insurance process by offering direct billing, making life easier for customers.

Whether you’re on the hunt for everyday brands

like Ray-Ban, Dragon, and Boss, or hoping for more exclusive names like Cutler and Gross, Xavier Garcia, and Porsche Eyewear, Tunnel Vision Optical is here to help you see clearly, while looking stylish at the same time.

Tunnel Vision Optical is open Monday – Friday from 10am-6pm and on Saturday from 10am-4pm and is located at 643 – 1st Ave. NW. You can call them at 306.624.4144. For more information visit https://www.tunnelvisionoptical.ca/eyewear

Step back in time for an evening out at Hopkins Dining Parlour for a unique fine dining experience, filled with great food, fantastic service, and maybe a ghostly encounter… or two.

This four-story, family-friendly restaurant features ample seating areas on the first and second floors, along with a complimentary pool table in the basement, available for anyone’s use when not reserved. A recent addition, within the last four

years, is the reinstatement of The Top of the Parlour, the premier fine-dining experience situated atop the kitchen, originally established in 1984. It transformed into The Curiosity Shoppe in the early ‘90s but returned to its former glory as Top of the Parlour in 2020. The merging of Top of the Parlour and Hopkins Dining Parlour, now sees Hopkins utilizing Top of the Parlour as its most upscale dining area, catering to weddings, anniversaries, and various celebrations.

Hopkins Dining Parlour has remained a staple of Moose Jaw’s community, serving as a fine dining establishment since 1979. The building itself holds a cherished place in Moose Jaw’s history, constructed in 1905 by Edward and Minnie Hopkins. Over the years, it has undergone several transformations, from a residence to an apartment, until the Pierce family acquired it and transformed it into the refined dining experience it is today. Previous owner Gladys Pierce, has a 40-year legacy at Hopkins, playing a pivotal role in acquiring the numerous artifacts and antiques adorning every corner and nook of the house.

The restaurant is renowned for its special events,

Hopkins Dining Parlour, An adventure into yesteryear. Located on 65 Athabasca St W, Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan.

The Top of the Parlour, located just above the kitchen inside

including the annual Medieval Feast held every September and October. Themed nights such as “Wing Wednesday” or “Ladies Night Thursday” are regular features, along with live music performances every Saturday. Moreover, patrons can enjoy daily “Happy Hour” specials from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm.

Operating hours are from 11:30am to 9pm on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday, extending to 11:30am to 10pm on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. Come and visit at 65 Athabasca St W, Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. To make a reservation, you can contact Hopkins Dining Parlour at 1(306)-692-5995 or visit their website at https:// www.hopkinsdining.com/.

The Perfect Find is a unique gift store located in the heart of downtown Moose Jaw

We carry a variety of your favourite gifting brands including Jellycat, Thymes, Capri Blue, Gourmet Village, April Cornell, Wrendale, along with a variety of other products ranging from jewellery and accessories, garden items, clothing, and children’s gifts and books.

Stop in and let us help you find the “perfect” gift for yourself or someone else.

“Goods for you home, gifts for your friends”

321 Main St N | 306-692-6806

Store Hours: Jan - June 30 Tuesday-Saturday 10am-5pm July - December 31 Monday-Saturday 10am-5pm

of Hopkins Dining Parlour.

History and art come together

In the heart of Moose Jaw’s Historic Downtown, you can find Yvette Moore Gallery. Twenty-five years ago, artist and entrepreneur, Yvette Moore purchased the former Land Titles Building that was built in 1910. In just 84 days, 4,981 square feet of the former Land Titles building was restored and transformed into Yvette Moore Gallery. On March 27, 1999, Yvette Moore Gallery opened its doors and established itself as one of Moose Jaw’s premier tourism destinations. Within the walls of historical architecture, copper décor and original 1910 furniture, you can experience the prairies through the award-winning fine art of Yvette Moore and the artistic creations of over fifty Western Canadian artisans of multiple mediums. From paintings, glass works, metal and wood works, pottery, jewelry, books and so much more – you can find one of the best selections at Yvette Moore Gallery. Whether it’s a gift for someone special or a treat for yourself, many of our artisans’ creations are unique and one of a kind and convey thoughtfulness, care and quality that will not go unnoticed. Also housed within the gallery, you will be greeted

E R Y D A

with the tantalizing aromas flowing from The Gallery Café: a very popular lunch spot for locals and tourists alike. Enjoy handcrafted meals and desserts that have become classic favourites. Have you ever tried Saskatoon Berry Iced Tea? A must during your visit!

If you have not been to Yvette Moore Gallery, you will be pleasantly surprised. Art, food, history, architecture and so much more awaits you for a unique experience in our beautiful historic downtown.

Join us to celebrate twenty-five years of art, creativity, and business in Moose Jaw.

• Flatdeck & Enclosed Trailers

• Light Industrial Equipment

• Bale Handling Equipment

• PTO Generators

• Mulchers & Brush Mowers

• Stump Grinders & Tree Spades

• Log Splitters and Shredders

• Skidsteer Attachments

• Excavator Attachments

• 3 Point Attachments

• Landscaping Equipment

• Farm Equipment

• Shocker Hitch (Air Ride Towing Hitches)