The Moose Jaw Sidewalk Days Festival kicked off on Thursday, and is in full force after a two-year break due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  

Thousands of people took to Main Street on day one of the festival to enjoy the food, fun, shopping, live entertainment, children's activities, sunshine, and much more.

Discover Moose Jaw caught up with Tourism Moose Jaw’s Executive Director, Jacki L'Hereaux Mason during day one on Thursday to get her reaction of the event. 

“We’re really pleased with how everything has turned out, the live music coming back was such a great feeling,” says L'Hereaux Mason. “To see the Moose Jaw Kinsmen Kids Villages just lit up with kids, the streets are full, the sun came out, what more can I ask for.” 

“I got goosebumps; it means everything to us. We’ve taken a running jump at it two years in a row, so to be able to get the wheels off the ground and get the literal show on the road has been fulfilling,” adds L'Hereaux Mason. 

L'Hereaux Mason estimated that between 5,000-7,000 people entered into Sidewalk Days on Thursday – making it the busiest in years past. By the end of the event, they are hoping for around 20,000 people to come through the festival.  

Jackie July 7.JPG Tourism Moose Jaw’s Executive Director, Jacki L'Hereaux Mason.

Just from speaking with businesses and tourists throughout the day, she notes that everyone is relieved that the event is back after two years.  

“From a tourism perspective, a lot of these businesses rely on Sidewalk Days to get through their year. From a visitor's perspective, I think everybody is so happy. The number of people that have asked does this happen every weekend in Moose Jaw? I know lots of people have come up and said thank you.” 

If you are planning on going down to Sidewalk Days, make sure to come hungry, as over 30 food vendors are on-site, serving up an array of cuisines.  

“I would highly recommend going down and trying all the barbecue places, I think we have six or seven of them and lots of international cuisines.” 

The Moose Jaw Kinsmen Kids Village is the place to be for bouncy castles, obstacle courses, a sports arena, and much more.  

“If you’ve been within a half a block of it you’ll hear the squeals of delight from the kids. They haven’t been able to do this for three years, so we’re really excited to be able to offer it thanks to the Kinsmen.” 

Included in the Village is the Kids Chill Tent, where kids can get their faces painted. In addition, magicians, Spider-Man, and maybe even a mermaid will make an appearance throughout the weekend. 

Residents are reminded that Main Street will be closed from just after Caribou Street all the way down to Manitoba Street until Sunday. Through roads will be Caribou, Athabasca, and Fairford throughout the event.   

The three-day festival continues on Friday from 10 am-8 pm and 10 am-5 pm on Saturday.   

People can stay up to date with everything that is happening with Sidewalk Days on their Facebook page.