While the Saskatchewan Festival of Words begins today in Moose Jaw, somewhere around 60 presenters will be flocking into the city bringing a lot of luggage, some literary genius, and a whole lot of ideas.
I feel it necessary to welcome the authors who are travelling from across the country to offer Moose Jaw a chance to pick their brains. I’ve spoken to a few of you who have shared your experiences with me, and I must express my gratitude for allowing me the experience of a lifetime as an intern here at the Moose Jaw times-Herald.
I’ve been working here only a few months and I can say I’ve absolutely fallen in love with this city, and I’m sure the writers and festival attendees who are here for the first time will have a similar experience. I’m confident that the organizers and volunteers at the festival have put together another great event and I know you will be looked after.
But there is more to the allure of Moose Jaw than the hospitality received from festival organizers. This small gem of a city on the southern Prairies has a lot to offer when it comes to both history and leisure. The Tunnels and the Temple Gardens Mineral Spa have long been an attraction here. You might also be surprised to know that Moose Jaw was a stomping ground for Chief Sitting Bull in the days prior to Confederation. In fact, a small band of the descendants of his Lakota Sioux tribe still remain in Wood Mountain, a short drive south of the city.
But the true essence of Moose Jaw’s hospitality lies in its people. As someone who deals with the public on a daily basis, I can truly say that this may be the friendliest city in Saskatchewan, if not the country. The people are more approachable than any I’ve met, and in the short while I’ve been here, I’ve grown very attached to this city and will find it hard to leave to go back to school this fall.
So, to the visitors piling in to the city this weekend, I would like to extend a warm welcome to what I’m sure you will find to be a great little city. And I hope that you will find the same hospitality that I have in being here for the last few months. Moose Jaw is a great place to visit, and I’m sure an even better place to live. I hope you enjoy your stay in this fine city.
