MOOSE JAW — More than 2,000 fans shook, rattled, and rolled into Crescent Park recently as the Moose Jaw Health Foundation (MJHF) wrapped up its 30th annual Concerts in the Park series with a record-breaking finale featuring Elvis tribute artist Rory Allen.
Allen, a Saskatchewan-born performer renowned across Canada for his recreation of the King of Rock ’n’ Roll, closed out the free weekly concert series with a high-energy show that brought the largest crowd in the history of the long-running fundraiser.
“It was just an amazing evening. Rory is a fantastic performer — there’s no equal to his Elvis tribute,” said Kelly McElree, CEO of the MJHF. “People love Rory, and they came out not only to see Rory, but also to contribute to the Moose Jaw Health Foundation. There were over 2,000 people who attended on Wednesday. I’ve never seen so many people in Crescent Park, and it was just wonderful for the community.”
The season featured a strong lineup of local talent, with The Kingsway, Justntyme, Chrissie’s Country Band with Dusty Ol’ Farmers, SRW Country, Timothy Lenko, Pure Country, Roger Blager, Heritage Fiddlers, and Bonnie & the Jets all donating their time to perform between June 18 and Aug. 20. Each week drew hundreds of guests, with donations collected in support of health care improvements at the Dr. F.H. Wigmore Regional Hospital, focusing on an MRI upgrade critical for the diagnosis and treatment of thousands of patients across the region each year.
“This was its 30th year, and what a way to close out the 30th year with Rory Allen performing. People gave very, very generously,” McElree said. “We’re still counting those dollars. It was, needless to say, a record amount of funds donated since Concerts in the Park began … this will definitely be a record year.”
The annual concerts remain free to attend, and halfway through the show an optional collection is taken for those wishing to contribute to health care improvements in Moose Jaw.
McElree added that Allen himself was delighted by the atmosphere and the reception from Moose Jaw audiences.
“He just thought it was amazing … it was perfect weather so everyone just came out … he was absolutely thrilled,” McElree said. “He loves coming to Moose Jaw — he is originally from Moose Jaw, I’m pretty sure — and he likes to come back and perform.”
Allen’s powerful vocals and dynamic stage presence — from hip-shakin’ rock-and-roll numbers to heartfelt gospel ballads — drew fans of all ages, with many describing the night as a nostalgic celebration of Elvis Presley’s music.
“It was just a fantastic year. We had very good weather and we didn’t have to cancel once,” he said. “It’s a completely free activity, and it’s the Foundation’s way of saying thank you to the community for being so generous and helping out our campaigns.”
If you missed Allen’s summer finale, you’ll have another opportunity to catch his performance this fall. During the concert, the MJHF announced that Allen will headline the Festival of Trees “All Shook Up” Pancake Breakfast on Sunday, Oct. 26, at the Temple Gardens Centre curling rink. Tickets are on sale now through SaskTix and the Temple Gardens box office at 110 First Avenue Northwest.
For more information about Rory Allen, visit RoryAllen.com. To learn more about the Moose Jaw Health Foundation or to donate, visit MJHF.org or call 306-694-0373.
