For the second year in a row, Moose Jaw Pride will operate a beer garden in Crescent Park during its pride week festivities.
Moose Jaw Pride plans to operate a beer garden in the park on Saturday, June 1 from 2 to 5 p.m. This year the event will be held at the amphitheatre; last year it was held in front the library.
The venue will be fenced off and cover 79.2 square metres (880 square feet), Joe Wickenhauser, executive director of Moose Jaw Pride, told city council during its April 22 regular meeting. The maximum capacity would be 110 people, but the organization plans to limit the space to 80 patrons.
“We did do the beer garden last year. It was well received. We had no reports of incidents of intoxication … ,” he said. “Whenever (we are) planning events like this, (we) put safety first and foremost.”
The organization will cover all the costs with the beer garden, including fencing, permits and alcohol. Water will be available for free and licensed food vendors will offer food in the park during this time.
The annual parade will conclude with a pride market with food, community organizations, vendors and entertainment in Crescent Park at the amphitheatre. Wickenhauser noted that Moose Jaw Pride spoke with the parks and recreation department about the location of the beer garden, with staff determining the amphitheatre would be the best location.
The Saskatchewan Arts Board has given Moose Jaw Pride a grant to bring in a big name performer, said Wickenhauser, although he did not reveal who that might be. An announcement is expected soon.
“We look forward to celebrating diversity here in Moose Jaw,” added Wickenhauser.
Mayor Fraser Tolmie commended the organization for doing a thorough job last year of cleaning up the park. He also noted Moose Jaw Pride has ensured all of its employees and volunteers have taken special training around the use of alcohol.
City council unanimously approved Moose Jaw Pride's request to use the amphitheatre.
The next city council meeting is Monday, May 13.
