Canada Day in Moose Jaw: a huge hit from a distance
Although COVID-19 meant that the usual Canada Day festivities like Park Art weren’t able to happen, that doesn’t mean that Moose Jaw sat at home with no Canadian spirit.
The day kicked off with a free workout class with the instructors of The Strong Studio, held in the shadow of Moose Jaw’s favourite mascot, Mac the Moose. Later in the morning, tons of friendly faces ventured out — some decked out in holiday-appropriate attire — and took in the sights at the first-ever Rolling Car Show at the Town n’ Country Mall. Over 230 vehicles large and small registered for the socially-distanced show and cruise, and car enthusiasts were blessed with some incredible sunny weather to make their shined-up rides sparkle.
All of the registration fees collected at the car show will be given directly back to the Moose Jaw & District Food Bank, topped up with a donation of over $1,100 from the Moose Jaw Express, for a grand total of $3,500. “Organizing a first-time outdoor event is stressful on a normal day, and then you have to worry about the safety of all and complying with the Public Health orders, but I think we can now say the First Ever Rolling Car Show was a success,” said car show organizer Jody Chell. “To be able to raise money for the Moose Jaw & District Food Bank was another highlight, it feels amazing to be
The organizing committee for the recent Canada Day events, from L-R: Jody Chell, Krista McDonald, Brandon Richardson, Wanda Hallborg, and Gladys Baigent-Therens. able to give to such a worthy cause.” Prizes were awarded to the top ten judges’ picks, before everyone headed out for a sweet afternoon cruise down Main Street, where plenty of people were already waiting to see the impressive motorcade.
Some downtown stores even got in on the action with Canada Day sidewalk sales, like Past Time Photography and Gifts.
Full Bellies Breakfast, Burgers, and Fries was a huge hit at the car show. Meanwhile, over 85 other vehicles were out on a cruise of their own — trying to work through the Canada Day Scavenger Hunt clues to spell out the word of the hour, “together.”
The first nine teams back with a completed list of clues took home prizes, while everyone else had their pick of gift certificates and fun Canada-themed swag.
Both the car show and scavenger hunt were organized through a partnership of local businesses, to offer something COVID-19 friendly for Moose Javians to enjoy on Canada Day.
Full Bellies food truck, Deja Vu Cafe, Ramada Inn Moose Jaw, Cone Artist Ice Cream Truck, Town ‘n’ Country Mall, Devo’s Car Wash, Totally Hitched Travel Trailer Rentals, and Moose Jaw Express / Moose Jaw Today all donated time, prizes, and support to the events. The response to the Canada Day events this year was astounding, agreed organizers, and attendees were certainly appreciative to have something to get out and enjoy.
“When you put planning and work into something and then see people show up for it like that, it just makes it all worth it,” said organizer Krista McDonald. “The payoff, for me, is seeing the kids have fun. The turnout I think surprised all of us, because we didn’t really know what to expect, but it turned out amazing. We just want to thank everyone who came and made the day so awesome.” “We were so happy with the turnout. During the COVID 19 pandemic, our community needed something positive and safe to look forward to. We had to think outside the box to create a safe event for Canada Day,” echoed Chell. “This community is amazing and I am so thankful to live in Moose Jaw. Our team worked hard and I am grateful to be apart of it.”
The festivities ended off with the annual fireworks display sponsored by the Moose Jaw Kinsmen.
A huge thanks goes out to all the sponsors who made the event possible and to all of the volunteers who lent a hand during the day’s events, including the Next Gen Car Club, as well as to organizers Jody Chell, Krista McDonald, Brandon Richardson, Wanda Hallborg, and Gladys Baigent-Therens who worked so hard to bring Canada Day cheer to Moose Jaw.
A free workout class from The Strong Studio started the day off right.