MOOSE JAW — Moose Jaw’s business community is being encouraged to support two major Shriners’ conferences next year that will bring nearly 1,000 red fez hat-wearing members to The Friendly City.
Aaron Ruston, director general of the Midwest Shrine Association (MSA), spoke to the Moose Jaw and District Chamber of Commerce on Sept. 26 about the events. The business-focused convention occurs Wednesday, Feb. 19 to Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025, while the family-focused convention happens Wednesday, Aug. 20 to Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025.
“We are the smallest community to ever host this thing,” Ruston said.
The February convention will occur at the Temple Gardens Mineral Spa and attract members from six states and three provinces, with executive meetings to focus on regional business.
The winter meetings just happen to occur when the Moose Jaw Warriors have a home game, so the Shriners will attend the Feb. 22 game against the Calgary Hitmen and see what “real hockey” looks like, said Ruston.
The August convention will attract about 600 Shriners riding mini bikes and mini cars, while many clowns will also be present, so anyone afraid of those characters should avoid the area, Ruston joked.
There will be a welcome meet-and-greet at the Western Development Museum, while the organization will also use the Exhibition Grounds and the Events Centre for activities, he continued.
“We’re very excited … . This is an incredible opportunity for this community economically right off the get-go,” Ruston said. “But these are people that … they will come back if we show them what we (have).”
Ruston wants Moose Jaw to “put on a show” for Shriners and their families and display its friendly demeanour for which it’s known.
Besides tours, the planning committee wants to engage the business community by creating a passport — or “mooseport” —so Shriners can visit shops and receive stamps. The organization will also ask shops to have stickers on their windows indicating they are participating in the activity.
Then, during a “big blowout event” on Friday, Aug. 22, the Shriners will give $1,000 cash to the business that made members feel most welcome and encouraged them to return.
That Friday will also be important because it’s the 100th anniversary of the first Shriners’ hospital in Canada and the 120th anniversary of Saskatchewan’s birth.
“It’s going to be a big event; we want you to plug in … ,” Ruston said. “We want to connect the community, so we’re really going to actively go out and approach the community (and) let them know (they can) be involved … .
“So it’s not (going to be) a bunch of people wandering around in small cars and little motorbikes with odd-looking (fez) hats … ,” he added. “For that weekend, you’re going to be honorary Shriners and we’re going to rock it like Canucks rock it.”
Ruston was unable to estimate the actual economic effect of these conventions on Moose Jaw. However, he noted that many Shrine members are affluent and “don’t mind spending money” wherever they go, something he’s noticed over the years.
Also, the exchange rate is more favourable to Americans, so they may spend more freely than their Canadian counterparts.
“If you see someone … say, ‘Welcome to Moose Jaw, thanks for coming,’” Ruston added. “Because we not only want them here then, we want them to come back because we have the best, we are the best (so) let’s show the rest.”
For more information, visit msa2025.com or see the MSA’s Facebook page.
