MOOSEJAWTODAY.COM -- It might not have been as beautiful and warm outside as his previous two parties, but that didn’t stop hundreds of folks from visiting Crescent Park on Saturday to celebrate Willy WINMAR’s third birthday.
The annual event celebrating the big blue bear -- the lovable mascot for WINMAR Property Restoration Specialists Moose Jaw -- has taken place in late May ever since Willy was born on May 26, 2021 in Crescent Park and has become one of the most popular family events of the spring.
“It was a fun day, the sun did pop out a little bit and we could have done without the wind, but we only did sun dances, not wind dances, sooo…” joked Pete Iatridis with WINMAR, one of the organizers of this year’s birthday party. “It’s something nice and even though it’s May long weekend, not everyone leaves town, so this is something for ones who don’t get away to come down to beautiful Crescent Park and have lots of fun.”
There were all sorts of things to see and do, too. A pair of bouncy castles had long lines all afternoon, as did the face-painting and balloon-animal stations. Folks were entertained by the magical mystery of Sitruc James and the smooth musical stylings of Ray Rawlyk, and everyone had a chance to grab a birthday cupcake or two.
Willy himself was joined by Moose Jaw Warriors mascot Morty the Moose, with both characters getting all sorts of photos with their many fans.
The event also has a charitable component, with Moose Jaw Family Services on site throughout the day Saturday offering information on their organization.
“Our biggest role is supporting families and reunification, and we also have a lot of programs for the community itself,” said Raquel Volstead with MJFS. “We have some food insecurity things that we address, parenting programs, child care programs and addiction programs. So we really try and cover as many issues as we can in the community.”
Having the chance to spread the word of what they’re about was naturally greatly appreciated.
“It’s absolutely amazing that WINMAR is willing to support our community in this way, especially our organization,” Volstead said. “We couldn’t be happier that this is happening.”
Anything to help, said Iatridis.
“We’re all about community, and when it comes to community involvement, there’s nothing better than a whole family day and it’s been a lot of fun,” he added.
MJFS is always on the lookout for donations both monetary and of items, with current needs including non-perishable food items such as canned soup, fruit, and vegetables, pasta sauce, Sidekicks, rice, pasta, cereal, and oatmeal, as well as baby formula and hygiene items including deodorant, shampoo, toothpaste, and diapers.
To make a monetary donation, send an e-transfer to Donations@MJFamilyServices.ca, and for more information on what they have to offer, callt 306-694-8133 or check them out online at www.MJFamilyServices.ca.
For more information on WINMAR and their property restoration services, visit www.winmar.ca.
