The BKT World Men's Curling Championship has attracted visitors from near and far, significantly boosting business in the downtown area, where fans and teams are delighting in dining, shopping, and exploring.
Dining
"It's been crazy, to be honest. Lunches and suppers have just been packed. The experience has been great, the people are here to have fun. It's been great for our business, and I've been hearing the same from everybody else too," said John Iatridis, owner of The Mad Greek in Moose Jaw.
In preparation, the restaurant made sure they had extra inventory for the large number of customers expected. Throughout the week, The Mad Greek has received visits from Teams Canada and Czechia.
"They're both great, just very appreciative. You can tell it's good to see. You know, to see our city on the world stage, it's awesome to have them here.”
Other newcomers from here in Canada and around the world are just as adamant to try all the staples Moose Jaw has to offer.
"I had one gentleman in his family walk in the restaurant. It was quite full and when I asked them if they wanted to wait, he said I think we'd like to because this is on the list of one the things, we're told we have to try," stated Iatridis.
Shopping
"Business has been amazing. I'm so grateful that this has been here, and it's exceeded expectations," said Joan Falasca, owner of My Addictions Clothing Boutique.
She notes that most of the customers have been from neighboring provinces. The influx of business into Moose Jaw is starting to show on the shelves of local shops like My Addictions.
"I may have to place more orders after this week. We have been restocking shelves daily ever since Monday," stated Falasca.
Customers who have come to town for shopping have voiced that they would like to visit Moose Jaw more often during their downtime for local shopping. In terms of money flow during the championship in Moose Jaw, Falasca compared it to the Annual Sidewalk Days.
"It's probably going to exceed Sidewalk Days in terms of money being spent. I've got a lot of customers coming for one or two games and then going home, so we're getting new customers every day."
Due to the increased activity, several businesses, including My Addictions, are planning to extend their hours into the evening, especially on Thursday this week.
"Whoever organized this did an excellent job for the City of Moose Jaw, and I would just like to thank them for putting in a great bid because they brought a lot of wealth. I think they should continue to do events like this."
Conclusion
The BKT World Men's Curling Championship has not only showcased the best curlers in the world but also highlighted the vibrant downtown of Moose Jaw. Local businesses, like The Mad Greek and My Addictions Clothing Boutique, have thrived amidst the influx of visitors, creating memorable experiences for residents, guests, and teams.
As the championship continues, the city remains abuzz with excitement, proving that Moose Jaw is a welcoming destination for sports enthusiasts and tourists alike.