MOOSE JAW — Moose Jaw’s beloved moose statue, Mac the Moose, celebrated a monumental milestone this summer as the enduring symbol of the community and a well recognized landmark — not to mention the world’s largest moose — was honoured after being first commissioned in 1984.
Mac’s 40th birthday was celebrated at the Tourism Moose Jaw information kiosk throughout the day on Aug. 16, thereby giving everyone the opportunity to come out and congratulate him with a slice of ice cream cake and a hot dog.
“Well, it’s Mac’s 40th birthday so we threw him a little barbecue,” explained Sydney Woodrow, one of the two summer events co-ordinators for Tourism Moose Jaw who ran the event alongside Paige McClinton.
“Everyone can come in and get a ticket, which gets you a pop, a hot dog, a piece of Dairy Queen ice cream cake, and a 20-minute trolley tour which is Mac the Moose themed,” Woodrow elaborated.
The trolley tour, which seemed to be quite popular throughout the day, ran past the Western Development Museum, toured downtown Moose Jaw, and then returned to the visitor’s centre.
“(The tour guide) just talks about Mac and makes sure everybody knows Mac and how important he is,” Woodrow said.
The reason behind the celebration, she explained, is because of the worldwide fame Mac the Moose has gained over the past four decades.
“Well, he is the biggest moose in the world, and he’s (one of) the most photographed and Googled roadside attractions in the world,” she said.
“So, for us to have that as part of our city is huge, because everyone wants to see Mac,” Woodrow added. “So, we better celebrate him!”
The festivity was attended by over 150 guests, which was McClinton’s estimate just before the supper rush came through and two hours before the event ended at 6 p.m.
The celebration of Mac’s 40th birthday was made possible thanks to a number of generous partners. The event was presented by The Flats Moose Jaw and sponsored by the Moose Jaw Co-op, with an ice cream cake donated by Dairy Queen. Proceeds from an on-site sale and the option to leave a donation also helped support the Moose Jaw Humane Society, with fundraising co-ordinator Donna Fritzke on hand to represent the local animal shelter.
To provide some party activities, Little Chicago Entertainment was on scene throughout the day to offer free axe throwing.
“It’s a pretty fun thing,” Woodrow said. “I think it’s really exciting for people to get to (come out and celebrate).”
This sentiment was also shared by her coworker, McClinton. “We really greatly appreciate all that they’re (our sponsors) doing and having (the celebration) here. It’s awesome.”
Mac the Moose stands proudly at the Tourism Moose Jaw information kiosk located at 450 Diefenbaker Drive.
To learn more about Tourism Moose Jaw, call 306-693-8097, visit TourismMooseJaw.com, or visit ‘Tourism Moose Jaw’ on Facebook.
