Organizers say that this year’s iteration of Concerts in the Park — held annually in support of the Moose Jaw Health Foundation (MJHF) — was an overwhelming success in both ‘spirit and generosity’.
The energy and attendance were high during the season finale and MJHF CEO Kelly McElree said it was the perfect way to celebrate an important milestone in the event’s history.
“This year was the 30th anniversary of Concerts in the Park and last night we had an incredible performance by Rory Allen. The weather was absolutely perfect, and we had over 2,000 people at Crescent Park watching an amazing tribute to Elvis, and it was so exciting to see how enthusiastic the crowd was.”
Allen delivered hit after hit, keeping the atmosphere one of excitement and full of singing and dancing while Foundation volunteers conducted a collection to an outpouring of community support.
“They were so, so generous,” McElree said.
“We’re still counting the dollars today.”
During the show it was announced that Rory Allen would be the feature performer at the upcoming Festival of Trees “All Shook Up” Pancake Breakfast, which is to be held October 26 at the Temple Gardens Centre Curling Rink.
McElree gave a sneak-peek at what the event will entail.
“We have a few secrets, but it's hosted by the hospital auxiliary. There's going to be prizes. People are going to be able to take a look at all the auction items from the festival the night before, and it's going to have a great pancake breakfast prepared by the Temple Gardens Center,” he said.
“It's going to get capped off by an amazing performance by (Rory Allen). It's all new, it's going to be fun for everyone. The entire family can come out and enjoy it and Rory's so excited by it. We're just thrilled.”
All the funds raised through the Concerts in the Park, Festival of Trees and the other MJHF fundraisers this year are going towards much-needed upgrades for the MRI at the Dr. F.H. Wigmore Regional Hospital.
“Last year they performed over 7,600 MRIs in our community, and with the upgrade we’re going to push that to over 10,000,” McElree explained.
“That means that people won’t have to travel to Regina or Saskatoon. They can have their medical imaging done right here and the radiology team is excited about the upgrade.”
“We previously brought in an MRI breast scan as well, and now this just another addition to the MRI to help patients in our community get faster scans and better care.”
Tickets to the “All Shook Up” Pancake Breakfast are on sale now and moving fast, get yours from the Temple Gardens Centre box office or online at SaskTix.