The beloved Moose Jaw summer tradition Concerts in the Park won’t be gracing the Crescent Park Amphitheatre this June as usual, due to concerns with the ongoing coronavirus pandemic — but there is hope for further along in the summer.
The Moose Jaw Health Foundation (MJHF) announced that while there will be no concerts taking place in June, following the current pandemic restrictions and guidelines regarding public gatherings, it will be re-evaluating later on in the summer as things change.
If the provincial government lifts restrictions as outlined in the Re-Open Saskatchewan Plan, the MJHF may consider organizing the Wednesday evening shows for July and August.
“Due to COVID-19 and the size of crowds, we certainly do not want to put any of our donors and supporters at risk,” said MJHF executive director Kelly McElree. “But as the month progresses, we will keep our ear to the latest changes coming from the provincial government and assess whether concerts can take place in July and August.”
It was a tough decision to make, said McElree, as this year is the 26th season of the community fundraiser and the community series has done its best to avoid cancelling concerts in the past.
“The only thing we've ever cancelled Concerts in the Park for is lightning storms,” said McElree. “So, we're disappointed that we can't do this for our many supporters in the community, but we want everyone to stay safe and we'll get through this all together.”
To date, Concerts in the Park has raised over $127,000 to support the MJHF and the health needs of the community and if the annual event does not return this year, the MJHF hopes to see all the familiar faces at the series next summer.
