MOOSE JAW — Tourism Moose Jaw (TMJ) and the Downtown Moose Jaw Association (DMJA) invite the community to indulge in a night of culture and celebration at the upcoming Greek Night Fundraiser on May 10.
The annual event is a collaborative fundraiser between the two organizations and is sponsored by the Moose Jaw Funeral Home this year, with proceeds directed toward beautifying Moose Jaw’s downtown core and promoting tourism initiatives within the city.
The fourth annual event will take place at the Moose Jaw Events Centre with cocktails beginning at 5:30 p.m., dinner at 6:30 p.m., and Greek dancing at 8 p.m. This will be followed by a dance presentation featuring Wonderland, described as “Saskatchewan’s party band.”
Donna Fritzke, executive director of TMJ, said the event is a chance for the community to enjoy a lively evening while supporting efforts to enhance the city’s charm.
“The funds that are raised are used to beautify our city, and it’s so fun because the money from this celebration and supper helps us do little special things to improve the downtown and promote tourism,” Fritzke said. “Everyone tells me it’s a fabulous time with good food, dancing, and even plate breaking.”
One highlight of the annual event is the return of the traditional Greek custom of breaking plates — one feature that Fritzke said isn’t going anywhere.
“We were trying to find a cost-effective and fun way to include plate breaking, so I started making the plates (myself) at home,” she said, explaining that she’s hand-crafting the plates from plaster of Paris. “It’s been a great creative outlet for me — I’m making 350 plates, so there will be plenty to go around.”
Greek Night will feature a full-course gourmet Greek meal, Greek-themed cocktails at an onsite cash bar, and live entertainment from Greek band Arkadia and affiliated dancers. The event has drawn significant community interest so far, with only six tables remaining as of March 7.
For the DMJA, previous funds were used to install new Christmas lights in Moose Jaw’s downtown core, along with similar beautification efforts, Fritzke noted.
“We’re looking forward to seeing everyone,” Fritzke said. “It’s a great (way to) to raise extra funds that we can use to promote our beautiful city… it’s a lot of fun, and we’re looking forward to being with everyone and celebrating.”
To purchase tickets, visit TourismMooseJaw.com/GreekNight, or stop by the Tourism Moose Jaw kiosk at 450 Diefenbaker Drive. Each ticket will be entered for a chance to win a grand prize draw for a $7,500 travel voucher to Greece — but act fast, as tickets are selling quickly.
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.
