MOOSE JAW — A touch of magic is returning to Moose Jaw this spring as the Little Princess Ball prepares to once again dazzle children and parents alike — all in support of a good cause.
Hosted annually by the Moose Jaw Health Foundation (MJHF), the beloved fundraiser will take place at the Temple Gardens Centre starting at 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 24, and again at noon on Sunday, May 25.
This year marks the 14th edition of the annual event, and while the theme remains a closely guarded secret, anticipation is already building. Kelly McElree, director of the MJHF, shared his excitement about the upcoming fundraiser.
“The theme for every Little Princess Ball is a carefully guarded secret,” McElree said. “Volunteers have been working on it this month, and Kate Szeles, who is the chair, is doing an absolutely wonderful job. Her team is working hard at designing all the props and the goodie bags for the kids.”
In 2024 the event was Disney-themed — although this will rotate to something new for 2025.
The Little Princess Ball has become a cherished tradition in the community, giving children the opportunity to step into a fairy-tale world filled with princesses, activities, and, of course, a sparkling dance floor. Families are invited to dress in their finest attire as they immerse themselves in two days of enchantment.
“The Little Princess Ball is truly a magical time in our community, and we’re so thankful that our volunteers step forward each and every single year to deliver something that’s magical for children in this community,” McElree said.
While the event is a dream come true for children, its impact reaches even further. Proceeds from this year’s ball will go toward purchasing new Panda Beds for the Women’s Health Unit at the Dr. F.H. Wigmore Regional Hospital.
Panda Beds, also known as GE Panda Warmers, are high-tech, neonatal warming systems used in labour and delivery rooms and neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). They provide a warm, sealed environment for newborns, and contain automated monitoring systems to alert medical professionals to the patient’s specific medical requirements.
As always, the excitement truly begins the moment the event doors open.
“There’s no better experience as a volunteer than when we open the doors for the Princess Ball, and all the little children come in and their eyes just go big,” McElree said as he reminisced about past iterations of the event. “And you know, you can tell it’s just magical for them, right?”
As anticipation grows for this year’s event, organizers are encouraging families to secure their tickets early.
“Tickets are on sale now at SaskTix, and they’re starting to go fast,” McElree said. “We’re looking forward to it, and we’re so thankful for the generosity of Moose Jaw and the surrounding communities.”
When asked once more if he can reveal any spoilers for this year’s fundraiser, McElree remained tight-lipped. “Everything is a carefully guarded secret,” he said with a smile.
For more information about the MJHF, visit MJHF.org or call 306-694-0373.
To purchase your tickets for the Little Princess Ball, visit SaskTix.ca or visit the Temple Gardens Centre (formerly the Moose Jaw Events Centre) box office in person at 110 First Avenue Northwest.
