MOOSE JAW — Weeks after the Midwest Shrine Association’s (MSA) 2025 summer convention came to a close, organizers say the event exceeded expectations on every front — from turnout and tourism to community spirit and lasting impact.
Held Aug. 20 to 23, the MSA summer event brought more than 540 registered Shriners and their family members to Moose Jaw, marking the first time the Friendly City hosted the prestigious international gathering.
Over 300 Shriners participated in the Aug. 23 Main Street parade alone, and thousands of residents lined downtown streets to cheer on the colourful procession of mini-cars, marching units, and whimsical clowns.
“We’re very excited about the outcome. People enjoyed it,” said event director general Aaron Ruston. “The events went right from Wednesday (Aug. 20) evening with our big meeting at the Western Development Museum and continued throughout the weekend. (The convention) wrapped up with the parade on Saturday morning, which was well attended.”
Ruston said feedback has been overwhelmingly positive — not just from guests, but from local businesses and residents who welcomed the fezzed visitors with open arms.
“We’re having wonderful feedback from the various clubs and temples from the U.S. and Canada … We’ve had a number of Shriners say how welcome they felt here and how they felt right at home,” he said. “It’s just a tribute, again, to Moose Jaw and the notoriously Friendly City. It really stepped up at that point and became evident in the actual interactions with our people.”
One major highlight, Ruston added, was the presence of high-ranking international Shrine leadership.
“We were very honoured to have some of the key leadership of the Shriners International here,” he said. “They don’t normally go to these events, and they came all the way from the U.S. to be with us.”
The convention also featured strong community engagement, including the public Meet and Greet at the Exhibition Grounds on Aug. 21, and a local business contest recognizing the most welcoming storefront. A $1,000 prize will be awarded to the winning business — with results to be announced later this week.
Ruston said his goal was to elevate the event beyond a typical gathering.
“My whole goal in this was to really take it to a different level, where there was more interaction with the youth and with the community,” he said. “It was really about a coming together of the U.S. attendees, Canadian attendees, and of course, the community — because this is a Shriner event, but more so it was a Moose Jaw event.”
As the smallest city to ever host the MSA convention — with a population of roughly 37,000 as compared to typical cities with 200,000 or 300,000 residents — Moose Jaw proved its mettle among much larger hosts.
“I knew this would be a major event … it really became a red carpet event,” Ruston said. “I’m proud of the Moose Javians that came out and supported it and made everyone feel so very welcome.”
With 48 units in Saturday’s parade and near-perfect weather, the spectacle capped off an historic week — one that Ruston believes will be fondly remembered by all who attended.
“We really raised the bar,” he said. “There was a connection point, and I think that’s what people will remember.”
