Thousands of people filled Crescent Park on Canada Day as the Moose Jaw Museum and Art Gallery marked the 50th anniversary of Park Art, its largest annual fundraiser.

More than 85 vendors from Saskatchewan and beyond took part in the outdoor market, offering handmade artwork, pottery, woodworking, jewellery and food while families enjoyed children's activities as part of Moose Jaw's Canada Day celebrations.

Operations manager and Park Art coordinator Jennifer Warren said attendance was expected to reach between 3,500 and 4,500 people, depending on the weather. Crowds arrived steadily throughout the morning as sunny skies emerged.

Proceeds from Park Art helps fund exhibitions, children's programming, art classes and other community initiatives at the museum and art gallery.

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A community tradition

This year's event marked a milestone for Park Art, which has become a longstanding Canada Day tradition in Moose Jaw over the past five decades.

"Fifty years of Park Art just goes to show how much the community appreciates the event, that people come out year after year after year and come out in strong numbers," Warren said. "People love handmade items and Saskatchewan artists, and they're here to support Prairie artists."

Warren said many people make Park Art their first stop on Canada Day before heading to afternoon activities, concerts and the evening fireworks.

"We're glad to host them first thing in the morning," she said.

Activities for all ages

Families spent the morning browsing artisan booths, taking part in face painting and children's crafts, while younger visitors gravitated toward returning favourites, including the popular cookie vendor.

Visitors were also invited inside the Moose Jaw Museum and Art Gallery, where admission was free throughout the day. Guests explored the museum's galleries, including its Indigenous exhibition, which recently received recognition from the Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan.

As Park Art wrapped up its 50th year, the annual event once again brought together artists, artisans and visitors while raising money to support the museum and art gallery's programs throughout the year.

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