Free Goldeyes tickets for wildfire evacuees

The Winnipeg Goldeyes are hosting celebrations for National Indigenous Peoples Day at Blue Cross Park on Saturday, June 21.

The evening, which sees the Goldeyes take on the Sioux City Explorers at 6:00 p.m., will feature live entertainment celebrating Indigenous culture, music and dance. Ramsey Rae & Chances R will perform on the Promenade Stage before the game, Pamela Davis will sing the national anthems, and the Summer Bear Dance Troupe will perform during the game.

This is the first time the Goldeyes have hosted a National Indigenous Peoples Day celebration, as the date has never previously coincided with a game day, according to Dan Chase, the team’s director of sales and marketing.

“It’s all about giving back to our community is the way we look at it,” said Chase. “Whether it’s Indigenous folks, or we’ve run Ukrainian night here for 10 years, I think it’s important that we recognize folks in our community and celebrate their culture.”

Additionally, in recognition of those affected by the ongoing wildfires, Manitoba Blue Cross has donated 400 game tickets and 400 food vouchers to individuals who have been displaced. Complimentary bus transportation to and from the game will also be provided.

“Supporting Manitobans throughout the province is our top priority, especially in times of crisis,” said Benjamin Graham, president and CEO of Manitoba Blue Cross, in a press release. “For folks who had to upend their lives and flee hundreds of kilometres to a possibly unfamiliar city, we hope that an evening at Blue Cross Park can offer not only a fun experience, but a comforting sense of community.”

Perimeter Aviation will also be at Blue Cross Park, offering interactive games and an enter-to-win contest for a two-person trip to any destination provided by the airline or Bearskin Airlines.

“We’re proud to be part of National Indigenous Peoples Day and help celebrate the vibrant cultures and communities we serve across Manitoba and Ontario — especially for those who have faced recent displacement. This night is about coming together in unity and resilience — and having a little fun along the way,” said Joey Petrisor, CEO and president of Perimeter Aviation, in a press release.

Chase says around 5,000 people are expected to come out to the ballpark on Saturday.

For more information or to arrange complimentary ticket packages for groups of twenty or more, contact Dan Chase at dan@goldeyes.com.

zoe.pierce@freepress.mb.ca