Brickspo Returns After COVID - 19 Break

BRICKSPO 2022 - Final Day Sunday July 31st 9 am to 5 pm

Western Development Museum - 50 Diefenbaker Drive

Regular Museum Entry Fees Apply - Free for WDM Members

By Robert Thomas

It has literally been three years in the making, or rather in the building, but after a three year absence, Brickspo is back for another year. The event brought out both young and old to see what the imagination of LEGO enthusiasts had to offer.

Held at the Western Development Museum (WDM), 50 Diefenbaker Drive, Brickspo is an annual event where members of the Saskatchewan LEGO Users Group (SLUG) meet with their individual and group creations using LEGO.

“It has been wonderful. We have been so excited to have folks back in (to the museum). This is our first big event since the pandemic,” Karla Rasmussen education/public programs coordinator with the Moose Jaw WDM told MJ Independent.

An older gentleman checks out a display of military recreations - MJ Independent photo

“We weren’t knowing what to expect coming in (to Brickspo) also not just because of COVID but this is also one weekend later than Brickspo has been held in the past,” Rasmussen said, adding “it is on the long weekend this year and we were hoping people would make a whole weekend out of it.”

“It has been wonderful to see the public come out as visitors but also to reconnect with our friends in the Saskatchewan LEGO Users Group. They are a phenomenal group of people and easy to work with. They are easy going and laid back.”

Rasmussen said despite Brickspo being cancelled in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID - 19 pandemic the time between this weekend’s event and the 2019 Brickspo has seen more people getting involved.

More than a few children were all smiles when looking at the LEGO creations - MJ Independent photo

Visitor wise the age range coming to view the numerous LEGO creations, as well as exploring the WDM, has between two to 92. The event offers something that will intrigue people of all ages.

Builder wise Brickspo 2022 has the largest number of registered LEGO creators.

“In talking with the organizers this is the most registrations they’ve had. I believe they are right around 50 and normally it is about 30 to 35 registrations. There definitely are new club members people who have joined over the course of the pandemic.

For those who are not aware LEGO is called a construction toy consisting of interlocking building blocks. As of 2021 the Denmark based LEGO was the largest toy company in the world. LEGO was first manufactured in 1949.

“I think it is just great to have everyone back. It has been very motivating to see for us the staff and I know talking to the Saskatchewan Lego Users Group as well they just needed this kind of pickup. We all did. It has been great to be back and interacting with people to get those reactions,” Rasmussen said.

With COVID keeping people at home for extended periods many of SLUG’s members used the extra time at home working on their LEGO creations.

Taking a closer look at some of the creations - MJ Independent photo

“Over the course of the pandemic more people got involved. People were getting into hobbies and exploring something new. Or maybe picking up the LEGO they hadn’t played with as children themselves so it is great,” Rasmussen said.

The pandemic has seen not only more people involved in LEGO and coming up with new creations for Brickspo but also seen builders and creators upgrade their previous creations.

“Talking to the folks that come every year, our regulars, some of them have adapted their existing builds. That is always neat to see to. They have added new figures they have changed things around a bit.”

Although Darth Vader was nowhere to be spotted one of his most infamous rides, an Imperial Star Destroyer, was on display - MJ Independent photo

The collaborative builds are also great this year.

“I also like the collaborative builds. Where they all work on a different section. and they join those all together and those are fun.”

Checking out the trade show where entire kits and hard to find LEGO parts were on sale - MJ Independent photo

About the change to the long weekend and if the move would allow people more opportunity to drive in from out of town Rasmussen said it was hard to say but the number of people checking out the event was steady all day.

“We wanted to try it and see how it works. Some people might make it part of coming to Moose Jaw and making a weekend out of it. We have so many other tourist things to do here in the city. So maybe it is an add-on thing on a day’s trip. Give them another reason to come for sure,” she said.

One of the things Rasmussen said was positive was the number of people not just coming to check out the Brickspo show but also taking the time to explore the other things the WDM has to offer in their permanent displays.

Brickspo brought people to the WDM who checked out the permanent exhibits such as the Snowbirds Gallery - MJ Independent photo

“We have talked to a lot of local people and lots of (WDM) members but also a lot of people who have come up to the (WDM) for their very first time…maybe you are not a traditional type of museum person but it is another reason to get people in to see what else we have here,” she said, adding “the LEGO is a good draw but there are people also saying ‘hey I didn’t realize there was this really cool train here’.”

Rasmussen said it was wonderful to see people take the time to explore the entire museum.

“The world of virtual is great for somethings but it doesn’t replace this in-person type of thing.”

The WDM accepts cash, credit or debit for entry fees and their gift shop however if a person wishes to purchase from the SLUG trade show or from the concession it is cash only and the WDM does not have an ATM.