Exhibition Seen As Major Tourism Economic Driver For City
“People don’t realize how important this organization is to Moose Jaw. But once you’re involved in it you see what is going on”
By Robert Thomas
At their AGM the discussion turned towards the Moose Jaw Exhibition and its hidden importance - both economic and social - for the city of Moose.Jaw.
“We’re a major driver of tourism,” George Fowler told AGM attendees as part of his annual report.
“We are a driving force of tourism in the city,” he said.
Entertainment during the 2024 Hometown Fair - MJ Independent file photo
Fowler pointed to the provincial government which is starting to see weddings as also tourism events.
“Half of the people attending weddings are from out of town and the provincial government is seeing this as tourism.” he said.
The Province’s view is based upon usually half of the guests at weddings are from out of town and they rent hotel rooms, buy meals and make many of the same expenditures as out of town visitors do.
Renting their facilities for weddings is a major source of income for the Exhibition Company.
Entertainment at the Moose Jaw Hometown Fair - MJ Independent file photo
The annual Hometown Fair, the largest event to happen on the Exhibition Grounds, brings in thousands of visitors every year to a various events.
The Saskatchewan Barrel Racing Association stages their annual provincial championships which brings out 500 horses in the multi-day evrnt.
Equine events are popular at the Moose Jaw Exhibition Company - MJ Independent file photo
“They’re willing to drive in from all over the country and there is a major benefit from tjhat,” he said, adding “We are inmportant to the tourism of this city.”
The recent Canadian Power Lifting Championships was seen as a success. The Canadian championship brought in 400 competitors from across the country to the week long event.
Action from power lifting - MJ Independent file photo
Last year the western power lifting championships were held bringing in hundreds of competitors for the multi-year event.
Fowler said the estimate was between 175,000 and 200,000 went through the grounds last year.