MOOSE JAW — If you're looking to get out of town for the day without venturing too far from home, the upcoming Briercrest Heritage Day might be the perfect option for a weekend road trip.
Set for Saturday, June 14, the annual event runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and promises a wide variety of activities for the whole family — including vintage vehicle displays, live entertainment, a slow pitch tournament, museum tours, and an old-fashioned ice cream parlour.
“It’s a busy day with lots of things going on,” said committee member and museum board representative Marge Cleave.
The day’s highlights will include toe-tapping tunes from the Dusty Old Farmers, a live blacksmithing demonstration by Larry Paysen, and bouncy castles for the kids. Inside the Briercrest & District Museum, visitors can enjoy cowboy poetry readings by Fred Cockburn and explore exhibits during guided tours. Cleave said the museum grounds also serve as the central hub for the day’s activities.
New this year is a First Nations dance performance led by Wayne Fisher, who will be joined by fellow dancers and drummers. It’s the first time Indigenous cultural performers have signed on as part of the event, and organizers are hopeful it adds to the day’s spirit of community and celebration.
Guests can grab a bite to eat at the on-site concession, cool off with pie and ice cream at the museum’s parlour, or unwind in the beer gardens. Both credit and debit payments will be accepted throughout the grounds.
Starting at 4 p.m., a parade will roll through the village to cap off the festivities.
Cleave said Heritage Day serves as a fundraiser for several important community groups in Briercrest, including the museum, local rink, community centre, firefighters, and the library. Proceeds will help cover the cost of ongoing maintenance at these facilities and support year-round programming.
Visitors coming from out of town are welcome to camp overnight in designated dry camping areas. It’s important to note that electricity and other utilities are not available, and open fires are not permitted at this time. Advance booking is recommended by calling Merv Gadd at 306-631-7932.
Those interested in joining the slow pitch tournament can contact Justin Hill at 306-513-7985 to register a team.
“We really do look forward to having everyone come out and enjoying a great family day filled with lots of events for everyone to enjoy,” Cleave said.
The event is organized by local volunteers and supported by the Museums Association of Saskatchewan, Sask Culture, and Sask Lotteries.
The village of Briercrest is located approximately 30 minutes southeast of Moose Jaw and can be accessed by following Highway 39 and Highway 339.
Admission to Briercrest Heritage Day is free and everyone’s welcome to attend. For more information, contact Merv Gadd at 306-631-7932.
