MOOSE JAW — Families looking for a fun, free way to kick off summer will want to mark Saturday, June 14, on the calendar, as the annual Wakamow Valley children’s festival returns for another day of outdoor excitement.
Set to take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Kiwanis River Park Pavilion, the popular children’s festival is now in its third year and continues to grow, offering a mix of entertainment, hands-on activities, and nature-based fun. The event is hosted by Wakamow Valley Authority in partnership with the Moose Jaw Shrine Club.
“The Shriners are bringing in a petting zoo, Joe’s Place is bringing their superheroes again, and we’re bringing back the Saskatchewan Reptile Show, which has always been a very popular one,” said Donna MacQuarrie-Bye, general manager of Wakamow Valley Authority. “There will be a couple of demonstrations, and Dance Images are participating again.”
Alongside the entertainment lineup, organizers are also offering some tasty incentives to help round out the day.
“Another big draw is that, for the first 1,000 kids, they will receive a coupon voucher for a free hot dog that’s being provided by the Shrine Club,” MacQuarrie-Bye added. Hot dogs are being provided courtesy of the Moose Jaw Co-op, and volunteers with the Shriners will run the barbecue.
While this year’s festival will remain largely the same, it will no longer run in tandem with the Homegrown Farmers Market. Organizers say the shift — prompted by a venue change for the market — allows the event to concentrate fully on children and their families.
“We’ll be strictly focused on kids and their families who come and participate,” MacQuarrie-Bye said.
“In addition to this, Nature Moose Jaw will be on hand to do some fun, educational activities. The Moose Jaw Canoe and Kayak Club will also be bringing out their big dragon canoe to give some exposure to what it's like to be on the river,” she said, noting that children will have a chance to hop aboard the canoe for a free ride.
More than just a fun afternoon, the event is also part of a larger celebration recognizing June as Parks and Recreation Month in Saskatchewan.
“June is Parks and Recreation Month and (our festival is a) free community event. We're showcasing the park… (and celebrating) kids as we kick off the summer,” she said.
MacQuarrie-Bye said organizers hope to see another strong turnout this year, and she encouraged families to come out and enjoy the festivities.
“We want to increase our numbers every year, and usually it’s very well received. We just want to keep that flow going and we try to get something for everybody,” she said. “Come on down and enjoy the afternoon.”
For more information on upcoming community events hosted by the Wakamow Valley Authority, visit Wakamow.ca or follow “Wakamow Valley Authority” on Facebook.
The Kiwanis River Park Pavilion and Lodge is next to the skating oval and can be found by following River Drive into Wakamow Valley.
