The sounds of music will fill Crescent Park once again this summer as the Moose Jaw Health Foundation’s Concerts in the Park returns for the 26th year after a one-year pandemic-induced hiatus.
“Words can’t really describe how excited we are (to return),” laughed Kelly McElree, executive director of the health foundation.
“Concerts in the Park is a much-loved tradition in Moose Jaw. It’s a free event for everyone to come out to. It’s the foundation’s way of saying thank you to our donors in the community, and so many people look forward to it each and every year.”
The health foundation had to cancel last year’s event because of the pandemic. However, a year later, with Saskatchewan to reopen on July 11, more people receiving vaccinations, and this music event taking place outdoors with plenty of room, the organization thought the time was right to bring back the popular event.
This year’s Concerts in the Park will happen over three Wednesday evenings in August. The Heritage Fiddlers will kick off the concerts on Aug. 4, followed by Bonnie and the Jets on Aug. 11 and the SRW Country Trio on Aug. 18. The concerts run from 7 to 8:30 p.m. each night.
“… given that the restrictions will be lifted by July 11, we had a few bands that came forward and wanted to play for the folks in Moose Jaw, so those are the times that worked best,” said McElree.
As is the custom, volunteers with the health foundation will take up a collection for the organization about halfway through the musical performances. Residents who attend the events are encouraged to drop a loonie, toonie, or even a bill into the buckets as the volunteers pass by. Funds will support the dialysis campaign.
Residents have donated more than $118,000 to the health foundation via the Concerts in the Park since the event began in 1994.
“We are just so excited to do this again. I think everyone really wants to have a great summer,” McElree added. “The last year has been pretty tough on people and this is a great way to get out, get some fresh air, listen to some great tunes, be amongst your friends, and be very thankful for what we have.”
