MOOSE JAW — For four days in August, fezzes, fellowship, and fun with miniature vehicles transformed Moose Jaw into the heart of the Shrine world as the city hosted the Midwest Shrine Association (MSA) 2025 summer convention.
From Aug. 20 to 23, more than 600 Shriners and their families gathered for the largest Shrine-related event ever held in the Friendly City, filling hotel rooms, restaurants, and attractions across the community.
The convention featured a packed program — from a golf tournament at Deer Ridge Golf Course and guided downtown shopping tours to motor patrol competitions, unit displays, and evening socials. Visitors also had opportunities to explore Moose Jaw’s landmarks, including tours of the Tunnels of Moose Jaw, the Anderson Auto & Memorabilia Collection, and nearby 15 Wing Moose Jaw.
A showcase of fellowship and fun
The convention opened Aug. 20 with registration at the Temple Gardens Hotel & Spa — the central accommodation venue for the group — followed by a meet and greet at the Western Development Museum. Local wineries, breweries, and distilleries were also featured, giving Shriners a taste of Saskatchewan hospitality.
By Thursday, downtown streets and venues were buzzing as Shriners moved between tours, luncheons, and competitions. A highlight was the community “Meet and Greet” at the Moose Jaw Exhibition Grounds, where the public could see parade units up close, chat with members, and get a glimpse of the internationally renowned Shrine spirit.
Friday featured motor patrol and equestrian competitions, along with a themed “Shrine-a-Rama” speakeasy — part celebration, part fundraiser, and part anniversary event marking 120 years of Shriners in Saskatchewan and 100 years of Shriners hospitals in Canada.
The convention culminated Saturday with a grand parade through downtown Moose Jaw, complete with miniature vehicles, clowns, bands, and colourful regalia. Families lined Main Street to cheer as units representing 15 Shrine temples from across the upper Midwest rolled by.
An economic and cultural boost
The summer MSA event marked the second time that Moose Jaw had welcomed the association this year, following the winter business session held from Feb. 19 to 22. Together, the gatherings brought an estimated 1,700 hotel room nights to the city, in addition to meals, shopping, and entertainment.
Local businesses and organizations joined in the celebration, with many displaying “Welcome Shriners” signs or offering discounts through a commemorative collector coin program. A vendor marketplace at the Exhibition Grounds showcased everything from local fudge to pet treats, giving residents and visitors alike a chance to support homegrown entrepreneurs.
Tourism Moose Jaw, restaurants, and retailers also saw the benefits of hundreds of visiting families exploring the city’s attractions. Shuttle buses and tours ran throughout the week to ensure visitors could experience both Moose Jaw’s “notorious” history and its Friendly City charm.
A legacy of community spirit
The Midwest Shrine Association, which represents more than 20,000 members from 15 temples across the U.S. Midwest and Canada, rotates its summer convention each year. Organizers said Moose Jaw proved that even a smaller city can rise to the occasion. As the summer convention rotates annually through all 15 temples in the Midwest region, Moose Jaw will not host the event again for another 15 years — making this year’s gathering an historic occasion for the city.
The event’s director general, Aaron Ruston, said earlier that hosting the convention was about more than just numbers — it was about creating a lasting impression.
“We want people and their families to come back,” Ruston said. “When they (only live) six or seven hours away … they’re more apt to come back” to visit Moose Jaw than if the event was attended by an international audience outside of the MSA region.
To learn more about the Shriners convention, visit MSA2025.com.
