Downtown Moose Jaw was bustling with activity over the weekend, as the Moose Jaw Events Centre and Mae Wilson Theatre both hosted sold-out shows. 

The Moose Jaw Events Centre had just shy of 5,000 people visit the facility for a sold-out Moose Jaw Warriors and Regina Pats game, while the Mae Wilson Theatre played host to a packed Healthcare Rocks event.  

Craig Hemingway, the Downtown Moose Jaw Association Marketing Coordinator says that though Saturday was busy, it wasn’t out of the ordinary.  

“You think of a normal weekend from September to June there are going to be multiple events happening in our city between minor sports, high school athletic tournaments, drama productions, and anything you can think of,” says Hemingway. 

“Plus, all the events and concerts that are happening at our cultural centre and Moose Jaw Events Centre. While this weekend was a bit busier than normal, even normal through the fall and winter especially is fairly busy,” adds Hemingway.  

It’s safe to say that Saturday’s bustling downtown is a good sign that slowly but surely things are beginning to get back to somewhat of pre-pandemic normal.  

“I’ve heard from a couple of businesses that they have had incredibly strong Januarys compared to what they were last year. That’s a good sign that we’re getting further and further away from being concerned about many people not wanting to be out in public. That is slowly coming back, and people need to feel comfortable, and I think we’re at a place where that’s happening.” 

Local restaurants were fully booked for most of the evening on Saturday and even had to turn people away. In addition, downtown businesses even benefited as people visited stores in lieu of their event. 

Hemingway notes this is something that the DMJA is trying to do, which is to promote those local small businesses and restaurants.  

“How do we get the word out about all these other amazing dining experiences we have in Moose Jaw that are independent small businesses that have incredible food that aren't as well-known but the food is just as good, if not better than other places? It’s all about promoting those restaurants and stores as well.” 

The DMJA is working on some projects to further promote Moose Jaw’s downtown. These include the second-annual Greek Night in partnership with Tourism Moose Jaw on May 13, along with their online survey, the Little Chicago Show and Shine in September, and many more.  

Incorporated in 2019, the Downtown Moose Jaw Association's objective is to aid, stimulate, develop and beautify the Moose Jaw Downtown Development Area.