The music was pumping, cake was being served and everyone was having a great time during the first birthday party for Willy Winmar at the Crescent Park amphitheatre on Saturday afternoon.
And if there was any question as to whether folks were ready to enjoy a fun afternoon in the sun, one just had to check out the crowd that milled through the party, enjoying the various activities on hand throughout the day.
“It’s awesome, we have a good turnout, everybody looks like they’re having fun, so we’re pretty happy with it,” said Kyle Jacques with Winmar Property Restoration.
Based on lore, Willy -- the mascot for the Saskatchewan-wide business -- was born in Crescent Park, making the venue the perfect stop for the celebration. That led to the opportunity to have a bit of fun, put together some self-promotion and raise some money for the Moose Jaw Humane Society during Saturday’s show.
“We just wanted to get the community together, introduce Willy and get it out there, let the kids have some fun and get everyone outside on a nice day,” Jacques said. “Walking in and coming over the hill and seeing all this, it’s a good feeling to give back and have the community here doing stuff.”
Visitors had all sorts of things to see and do, including multiple performances by the Regina-based band Arkadia, a show from Colby the Magician, face painting, bouncy castles, games and, of course, lots of cupcakes for everyone to enjoy. And, of course, a visit from Willy Winmar himself along with Moose Jaw Warriors mascot Morty.
The Humane Society also had a booth set up selling snuffle mats and other items to raise funds for the local shelter, and donations were accepted onsite throughout the day.
All in all, hundreds of folks young and old filtered through the venue during the afternoon, making the whole thing such a success that it’s all but certain to become an annual event.
“It’s an excuse to do some silly stuff, and we’ll be doing it every year, for sure,” Jacques said.
