Wakamow Valley hosting new events at Kiwanis Park this summer
With a second COVID-19 summer approaching, the Wakamow Valley Authority has added a few new events to its calendar for residents to enjoy safely this year. General manager Todd Johnson shared the scoop on what’s coming to the valley this summer, and he hopes residents are looking forward to enjoying the great outdoors in Moose Jaw’s most popular green space.
The newest event in the valley will be a farmer’s market, which will take place every Saturday morning beginning on May 29 and ending in October.
The Farmer’s Market will set up in the Kiwanis Park pavilion from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., with local vendors in attendance for visitors to peruse. Washrooms and picnic tables in the pavilion will be available, to encourage visitors to stop by for a visit.
Johnson said that there are a few night markets in the works as well, in addition to the regular market schedule. “We’ll have five night markets as well, running on Saturdays, and so we’re really hoping that people will come down and make a day of [the valley],” said Johnson. “It's something new we’re trying and we’re trying to get people out enjoying the park as well.”
The valley is also inviting food trucks to join the festivities, as the pavilion has plenty of room to accommodate. The Cone Artist Ice Cream Truck has already confirmed it will be frequenting the valley this summer, with others still in the works.
In addition to the new markets, Johnson said there are plenty of other ways to enjoy the valley this summer. The many walking trails are open and groomed, and canoe and kayak rentals are available in the Kiwanis pavilion again this year.
The Wakamow Valley disc golf course will once again be open for use, with 18 holes located around the park for visitors to enjoy. The valley will even be hosting summer disc golf camps for youth this year, after success at the end of last summer with a similar program.
“We tried out a couple of groups last year, [and] they went well,” said Johnson. “I think last year we had 40 participants, and the youth will receive a disc they can play with and keep, while coming out to try a new sport.” The camps will likely take place in July and August, with dates yet to be confirmed and further details about signups will be shared on Facebook, alongside any other updates about the valley.
The Mosaic Food Farm has a green light once again as well, with staff working on a staggered planting later this spring. Once crops are in, Johnson said that Wakamow may be putting out a call for volunteers to tend to the garden later this summer.
The Wakamow Valley Authority has seen an uptick in people utilizing the valley in the past year, and Johnson said that he hopes to continue to see so many Moose Javians enjoying the outdoors.
“I’ve never seen it as busy as it is now, and it just keeps getting busier. But we have 500 acres so everyone can spread out, and I think that’s what people like,” said Johnson. “It really is a fantastic spot to find a new adventure.”
He reminds people to stay respectful of other visitors when in the valley, as well as the valley itself — and if you see any vandalism or concerning incidents happening, to help out by reporting to the proper authorities like the police or fire department.
To stay updated with what’s going on in Wakamow Valley, check out its Facebook page.