To help support the Downtown Moose Jaw Association (DMJA) and Tourism Moose Jaw in the combined effort to beautify Moose Jaw’s historic downtown, the yearly Greek Night fundraiser gala will once again be held in the Notorious City.
The third annual Greek Night fundraiser is scheduled to take place on Saturday, May 11 at the Moose Jaw Events Centre, and this year’s presenting sponsor is WINMAR Moose Jaw.
“We (supported the fundraiser) last year, and we saw that it was a very successful initiative… It was a fun night, and we’re obviously very community driven and support local in any area that we cover with our WINMAR (locations),” said Pete Iatridis, the business development and marketing manager at WINMAR.
The concept for the Greek Night isn’t new. John Iatridis, the owner of The Mad Greek Restaurant and now a board member for the DMJA and Tourism Moose Jaw said he wanted to see the event return to Moose Jaw.
“The first year we did it (again in Moose Jaw), we sold… 275 to 300 tickets,” John said. This was back in 2022, and in 2023, the total sales were approximately 350 tickets. This year’s fundraiser is already around 60 per cent sold, he added.
“The money all stays here and goes to the DMJA and Tourism Moose Jaw for things like downtown beautification…,” John said. One example of these efforts is the new Christmas lights displayed downtown this winter, and the board is currently planning to add signs to denote Moose Jaw’s historic downtown for tourists.
Tourism Moose Jaw, a registered non-profit, said proceeds will go towards maintenance on the two trolleys currently in operation and that this is the largest annual fundraiser outside of its regular programming and is second only to trolley revenue.
“We would like to keep the older trolley going as long as we can, but it needs a little bit of body work… to keep everything running as smoothly and as beautifully as possible,” explained Jacki L’Heureux-Mason, the executive director of Tourism Moose Jaw.
The Regina-based Arkadia and Wonderland bands will be returning this year, alongside the Daughters of Penelope dance group, who have all attended the fundraiser since it began in 2022.
“Costa Maragos has agreed to be our MC again this year, and of course has a resume that speaks for itself through the CBC – and he’s a fellow Greek,” said John.
Each ticket purchase includes an automatic chance to win a $7,500 travel voucher from Marlin Travel.
“We are always encouraging people to go check out Greece, but it’s an open-ended voucher so they could take a trip to Toronto if they wanted to,” L’Heureux-Mason explained.
As per tradition, the night will include a silent and live auction, additional prizes, and a surprise that event organizers are keeping secret for the time being.
“The one thing about Greek events,” John said, “(is) no matter what it is, the food is always fantastic.”
This year will feature the same meal as last year and will include chicken thighs in a Greek yogurt sauce, roast potatoes, Greek rice, salads, and The Mad Greek is making a homemade baklava.
Of course, the most anticipated tradition of them all – plate smashing – will be returning due to popular demand. To address safety concerns, John said custom plates that are designed to break will be sourced, and the cries of “Opa!” will take place behind safety barriers.
“(W)e know that the downtown is just such an absolute jewel for the tourism industry in Moose Jaw. Anything we can do to celebrate that we’re just so happy to get behind,” said L’Heureux-Mason.
“For anyone who hasn’t been able to come to the Greek Night, it’s worth getting tickets to come out and have a great night,” Pete added.
Tickets cost $125 per person or a discounted $900 for a table of eight. L’Heureux-Mason said there are 250 tickets currently available, but more will be added if needed.
To purchase tickets, visit TourismMooseJaw.com/GreekNight.
The fundraiser will be held at the Moose Jaw Events Centre, located at 110 First Avenue Northwest.
For more information, contact Tourism Moose Jaw at 306-693-8097.
