Still the one: Shania Twain’s visit leaves lasting impact on Moose Jaw

MOOSE JAW — For one night in July, Moose Jaw was centre stage on a superstar’s cross-country tour — and the city is still stomping its boots and saying, “Let’s go, girls.”

Shania Twain’s sold-out concert on July 7 at the Temple Gardens Centre brought a wave of excitement to the city, drawing more than 4,200 fans and proving that big-name acts can indeed shine in smaller markets. Beyond the lights and music, the country icon also gave back in a big way — donating $25,000 through the Shania Twain Foundation to help address food insecurity in Moose Jaw.

The donation was made in partnership with Second Harvest and is expected to help rescue and redistribute the equivalent of 75,000 meals through six local organizations, including the Moose Jaw & District Food Bank.

“We are really, really glad that Shania Twain is paying attention to the hunger issue in our country,” said Jason Moore, executive director of the Moose Jaw & District Food Bank. “And so we just feel super blessed that she would donate $25,000 to any organization at all that's battling food insecurity.”

Moore said Second Harvest has been instrumental in supplying reclaimed food to the local food bank, donating more than 75,000 pounds in the past year through local grocers such as Real Canadian Superstore, No Frills, and Shoppers Drug Mart.

As demand for food support continues to climb, Moore said the donation comes at a critical time. Visits to the food bank are increasing faster than incoming donations, with growing numbers of working middle-class families and newcomers now relying on its services.

For the Temple Gardens Centre, it was a night to remember, with packed seats, thunderous applause, and a seamless show.

“I think it was second to none,” said Corey Nyhagen, assistant general manager of the Temple Gardens Centre.

The concert drew a multi-generational crowd that reflected Twain’s broad appeal — from lifelong fans to first-time concertgoers. “There were grandmothers and grandchildren there listening,” Nyhagen said. “I love when you have artists like that … they spread right across time and different generations.”

Even outside the venue, the energy was unmistakable. Despite a slight delay to doors opening — a first for the venue — upwards of 2,500 people lined up around the building without prompting, forming an orderly queue fuelled by nothing but anticipation. “There was no complaining, no frustration — just excitement,” Nyhagen recalled. “I want to give a huge kudos to everyone who came out. I’ll do shows all day long if we have … fans like that who come to watch.”

Twain’s team brought a full-scale production to the venue, including her video bridge and full stage components.

“One thing that we learned with their crew is they didn’t want to cut any corners,” Nyhagen observed. “It was really fun to work with them and be able to put all that together.”

Before the show, Nyhagen had a brief opportunity to meet Twain backstage — a quick but memorable exchange. “We had maybe three or four minutes with her, just enough to say thank you,” he said. “She was just the salt of the earth — happy to be here, excited to perform, and so down-to-earth.” Twain also introduced staff to her dog, Sapphire. “She just said she loves what she does every time she gets up on that stage. You could really feel that.”

To honour her visit, Twain was presented with a custom beaded medallion, handcrafted by a local Indigenous artist as a meaningful symbol of gratitude — blending traditional craftsmanship with Moose Jaw’s appreciation for her generosity and giving a nod to Twain’s Indigenous status through the Temagami First Nation.

The successful high-profile concert has already sparked new interest from other promoters.

“Without giving away any big secrets, there have been conversations (with promoters) since Shania … the first thing they said was, ‘What a hell of a show — let’s talk.’”