With April 1 marking the 100th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) the celebrations will be nationwide, and doubly so in Moose Jaw which has such deep ties that branch of the service. 

“This year is going to be in relation to the Royal Canadian Air Force,” said Derek Blais, Director of Parks and Recreation about the theme for Crescent Park’s decoration. 

The feature flower bed, situated just off the bridge, will commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Air Force. With the floral arrangement done in the shape of that branch of the service’s logo.  

There are 13 flower beds in Crescent Park and getting them ready for the summer is no small undertaking. 

“Typically, the fall before, so October, November our staff are busy designing what the flower beds will look like for the next year, and then our flower orders go in December and January,” said Blais. 

Planting will begin in late May and continue through much of June, arranging and placing the over 24,000 flowers consisting of 38 varieties within the park alone. 

Also included in the planting is the return of an edible arrangement consisting of peppers, tomatoes, basil, oregano, kale and lettuce. 

“June is really busy. We kind of go all hands-on deck. We pulled staff from a bunch of different areas and focus in on downtown and the Crescent Park and our beautification initiatives and spend a good two to three weeks just ensuring that everything is put in place,” said Blais. 

The City of Moose Jaw and the RCAF have also partnered with the Tulip Festival to plant numerous tulip bulbs and perennials within many flower beds and around light posts throughout the park.