MOOSE JAW — Just a short drive south on Highway 2, one of Moose Jaw’s unique cultural treasures is gearing up for a summer full of events — and it may just be the perfect time to rediscover what’s been hiding in plain sight.
“A lot of people drive past and never stop. I did the same thing for years,” said Garry Davis, secretary and board member with the Sukanen Ship Pioneer Village and Museum. “But once you come in, you realize how much there is to see. We have about 50 buildings full of exhibits, and you really need a couple hours just to get through it all.”
After opening for the season on May 14, the museum is now preparing for three major community events, each celebrating the region’s rich heritage and the hands-on ingenuity that built the Prairies.
Spring Fling
The season will open with the museum’s Spring Fling Show and Shine, set for Saturday, June 7. Now in its 16th year, the popular car show welcomes vehicles from 1980 and earlier, alongside the museum’s full collection of historic displays.
“If you bring a show vehicle, you and one passenger get in for free,” added Davis. “We’ll also have dash plaques for the first 100 vehicles, so come early.”
Happening alongside the show is the eighth annual Model Engineering Show, featuring fully functional miniature engines built by local enthusiasts.
“These are small engines built in miniature and they actually run — they’re amazing machines,” Davis said. “It’s always a great draw for people.”
The museum’s concession will also be open, serving burgers, hot dogs, snacks, and drinks. Regular admission applies for spectators and the cost is $10 for adults and $8 for seniors.
Raffle for a rare ride
Visitors can enter a season-long raffle to win a rare piece of automotive history — a 1966 Mercury Comet Cyclone GT Convertible, generously donated by longtime supporter Jerry Kaiser.
“It’s a big event for us and a really good fundraiser,” Davis said. “Tickets are $20 each or three for $50, and they’re going fast.”
All proceeds will support the ongoing maintenance and development of the grounds. Although no specific projects have been designated at this time, Davis said the museum is constantly growing and always offering something new for guests.
The winning ticket will be drawn on Sunday, Sept. 7, during the museum’s flagship Threshing Bee weekend.
Tickets can be purchased in person at the museum with cash or by phone for e-transfer instructions. For more information, call 306-693-7315.
Flea Market and Swap Meet
On Sunday, June 29, the museum’s back lot will be packed with over 60 vendors for the annual Flea Market and Swap Meet — another favourite event for collectors and bargain hunters alike.
“You’ll find a bit of everything — antiques, handmade goods, tools, records, you name it,” Davis said. “And yes, we’re still accepting vendors.”
For vendor inquiries, contact Evan Davis at 306-981-4925 or by email at [email protected].
The Sukanen Ship Museum is now open Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 6 p.m. Davis encourages everyone to visit — whether on an event day or just to take in the displays at their own pace.
“I’d like to welcome everybody to come out this summer — to view the museum and the many exhibits, or to attend one of our event days,” Davis said. “And especially the Threshing Bee in September — that’s when the whole place really comes alive.”
The Sukanen Ship Museum was founded in 1969 by the Antique Automobile Club of Saskatchewan based out of Moose Jaw. Today the museum holds an estimated 100,000 artifacts representing the history of life in Saskatchewan over 10 acres of land.
For more information call 306-693-7315, visit SukanenShipMuseum.ca, or follow “Sukanen Ship Pioneer Village & Museum” on Facebook.
The Sukanen Ship Pioneer Village and Museum is located approximately 13 kilometres south of Moose Jaw along Highway 2.
