Submitted by: Diane Rooks | A great time was had by all at the Minitonas Market on November 10, 2018! Thank you to everyone that came out to support our local home businesses and to everyone who contributed to our silver collection for our veterans.

Submitted by: Brenda Fisher Our 39th Annual Calico Corners Craft Sale held on November 2, 2018 was well attended and enjoyed by all. Just enough chill in the air to get everyone in the festive mood. It was wonderful to see the new crafters attend and we all look forward to our yearly favorites to [...]

Pictured above: Murray McClure from Terry’s Greenhouse presenting people’s choice garden aware to Lyn Kublick Submitted by: Teresa Mckay | The Minitonas Tent Town Garden Club held another successful Fruit festival on Saturday. We especially want to thank all who attended, enjoyed a pie and coffee and purchased our produce. Also a huge thank you [...]

ValleyBiz Story | The Farmers Market was overflowing with shoppers as it opened for the season on Thursday July 19, 2018. A rush of people looking for the season’s first taste from the garden quickly snapped up new potatoes, carrots, onions, beets and berries as was well as honey, homemade baking, jam and other local [...]

Submitted by: Tanya Powell | Elbert Chartrand Friendship Centre held their spring craft sale and lunch on April 21, 2018. There were many unique vendors and lots of special items to explore.

ValleyBiz | The weather outside wasn’t frightful for the Minitonas Downtown Christmas Party on December 22, 2017, but the fire was delightful. As people filled the streets of Minitonas they were able to enjoy the last of the moderate temperatures before the frigid weather covered the area over throughout much of Christmas and New Years. [...]

Pictured above: Bill Woytkiw and his son were 1st in line for Martha Verhoek’s peanut butter squares while Rose Chernenkoff dropped off her baking at the United Church table. Submitted by: Karen Gade | The balmy temperatures encouraged shoppers to attend one of the most successful Benito United Church Craft and Trade Show’s on Sat, [...]

Submitted by: Karen Peters | A big thank you to the Swan Valley and area for their support of this year’s Ten Thousand Villages Christmas sale on November 16-18, 2017. Thank you to our volunteers Lena & Lorne Friesen, Karen Peters, Lowell & Jenny Friesen, Betty Warkentin, Doris Reimer, Dorren Miles, Nasseem Mousavi, Jake & [...]

Submitted by: Susan Ross | On Friday Nov. 17, 2017 Swan Valley Band Boosters held a Holiday Shoppe. This event featured 16 home business, baking and craft booths as well as a sweet shoppe concession stand. Shoppers had a chance to win door prizes and enter a basket raffle. Band booster used this evening to [...]

Submitted by: Diane Rooks | It was a great day at the Minitonas Christmas Market on Saturday, November 18, 2017! Lots of people came out to shop and have lunch. Even Santa came to check out what was there and take some pictures with the kids.

Submitted by: Brenda Fisher | Our 38th Annual Calico Corners Craft Sale held on November 3, 2017 was a huge success. The wintery weather definitely got everyone into the festive shopping mood. There was a large variety of crafters displaying their wares for the browsing public. Shoppers could then enjoy a delicious warm bowl of [...]

Submitted by: Gwenda Wotton | On Saturday, October 28, 2017 the Birch River Senior Group held their annual craft sale. Over 20 tables of crafts, baking, sewing, knitting, local frames, pictures available for sale. Thank you to everyone that came out. Lots of Chili and visiting was enjoyed by all. A BIG Thank You to [...]

Submitted by: Glenda Foster | The Flea Market and lunch hosted by the Birch River Royal Canadian Legion on September 30, 2017 was enjoyed by the community and many treasures were shared!

Submitted by: Tanya Powell | The Elbert Chartrand Friendship Centre Craft and Small Business Sale held on October 14, 2017 was a great success. The sale was attended by over 300 eager shoppers. There were over 35 tables of goods displayed and many new crafts to choose from.

Submitted by: Lynda Leslie | Amidst the busy harvest season of 2017, the Minitonas Tent Town Garden Club hosted their annual Fruit Festival on Saturday September 9, 2017. Click any picture for a larger version. The hall was decorated in keeping with the theme of the year – Canada 150 – with red and white. [...]

Submitted by: Debbie Soloway | This year we were unsure if there would be a Summer Start Sale. We had rain most of the week and the skies along with the forecast were not showing any promise for Saturday June 17, 2017. Click any picture for a larger version. As we all went to bed [...]

Submitted by: Leila Richard | The Aboriginal Head Start Program held a garage sale on May 19, 2017 at the Elbert Chartrand Friendship Hall. There were a few less tables than initially expected, however the deals were great. Pictured above: Headstart students Maci, Troy and Mylee (Headstart students) served up some delicious lemonade. Click any [...]

Submitted by: Amanda Bulycz | The ESRSS Daycare hosted the Everything Children’s Sale on Saturday May 13, 2017. The indoor garage sale was hosted at the War Veterans Hall from 10:00am – 2:00pm. Click any picture for a larger version. People in the community were able to rent a table to sell their unneeded baby, [...]

Submitted by: Jan Fawcett | On November 29, 2016 members of Swan River Royal Purple Elks Lodge packed pre-ordered Christmas Baking boxes. The Ladies outdid themselves this year with a beautiful and tasty selection of goodies. For the first time Christmas baking boxes will be available to purchase at the Coop grocery store: Monday, December [...]

Submitted by: Bev Leach | Early arrivals to the Services to Seniors Cookie Walk lined up for the 10 a.m. opening at St. James Anglican Church on Saturday, November 26, 2016. Click any picture for a larger version. Board members and volunteers helped keep the lines moving as participants chose cookies to fill their boxes. [...]

Submitted by: Karen Peters The Ten Thousand Villages Sale took place in Swan River on November 17 through 19, 2016. The sale featured handcrafted products made by disadvantaged artisans. Click any picture for a larger version. Many people stopped by to find some unique items, to get a start on their Christmas shopping and to [...]

Submitted by: Edgar Yacyshyn | Last Saturday, November 19, 2016, The Swan Valley Snowmobile Association had their first annual Snowmobile Show and Swap Meet. There were plenty of new and used merchandise to choose from. Click any picture for a larger version. Thanks to all the local snowmobile dealers who brought in their machines and [...]

Submitted by: Brenda Fisher | Our 37th annual craft sale was held on November 4, 2016. Crafters and shoppers enjoyed an unseasonably warm day for our event. Click any picture for a larger version. The War Veteran’s Hall was abuzz with activity as people browsed through the wonderful variety of wares available for purchase. Friends [...]

Submitted by: Jacee Zbirun | The Benito Ladies Auxiliary would like to thank everyone who came out to support their first annual Fall Craft Sale. Hope to see everyone next year! Click any picture for a larger version.

Submitted by: Gwenda Wotton | The annual craft sale held by the Birch River Northern Neighbors was again a success. 20 plus tables with all kinds of goodies to choose from. Click any picture for a larger version. Once you were done looking at all the baking, knitting, jams, jellies and endless crafts that all [...]

Submitted by: Tanya Powell | The Friendship Centre craft sale held on Saturday, October 22, 2016 was a huge success with close to 300 people stopping in to take a look. Click any picture for a larger version. There were over 35 tables and lots of great Xmas ideas and food samples on hand. Don’t [...]

Submitted by: Tanya Powell The Christmas Craft & Trade Show held December 12, 2015 at the Elbert Chartrand Friendship Centre was a big success with close to 40 vendors participating. Click picture for a larger version. There was a steady stream of people throughout the day who enjoyed the great selection of crafts and excellent [...]

Submitted by: Karen Peters | Almost 900 were privileged to attend and take part in the Live Nativity at the Swan Valley Museum on Saturday, December 12, 2015. Click any picture for a larger version. As you walked into the building, the census people were there to count you in and immediately you came upon [...]

Submitted by: Karen Gade | Blue skies and above 0 temperatures on December 5, 2015 made the trek to Benito for the annual Craft and Trade Show very enjoyable. Over 35 exhibitors were set up and ready for the 10 a.m. start. Click any picture for a larger version. Popular stops were Skyler Blosha’s cookies, [...]

Submitted by: Tanya Powell | The craft and bake sale at the Elbert Chartrand Friendship Centre on October 3, 2015 went great. Over 24 tables were set up. Click any picture for a larger version. People of all ages enjoyed baking, crafts, jewelry and homemade crafts. Elbert Chartrand Friendship Centre will also be holding a [...]

Submitted by: Karen Gade | The Benito United Church craft/trade soup/sandwich was once again the place to be on Sat. Dec. 6, 2014. 38 tables lined the Benito Rec. Centre Hall with vendors displaying everything from baking and sewing to home business merchandise. Click any picture for a larger version. Above: Sherry Popoff with her [...]

Submitted by: Yoenne Ewald | The Swan Valley Farmers’ Market Christmas Craft Fair once again presented a fantastic array of locally produced arts, crafts and goods. Click any picture for a large version. Vendors came from across the Valley and neighbouring communities to offer quality knits, preserves, honey, jewelry, paintings and so much more. It [...]

Submitted by: Brenda Fisher | Calico Corners was once again a wonderful success. Christmas was in the air with the beautiful array of crafts and delicious goodies available. Click picture for a larger version. The Association for Community Living-Swan River Branch would like to thank all those who attended, the crafters, and everyone who donated [...]

Submitted by: Leah Graham The Lavender Good Neighbor Centre had a wonderful turnout with 27 tables including baking, jam and syrups, soaps, quilting, books, chocolates and skirts, jockey, crocheting , knitting, ornaments, dishes, toys, clothes, scentzy and fitness, for their Flea Market on November 8, 2014 at the Swan Valley Museum. There was a wonderful [...]

Submitted by: Aleida Howard Folks who attended the Tent Town Garden Club Fruit Festival on Saturday, September 6, 2014 were in for a treat – or should I say many treats. The theme for the Festival this year was CHILDREN IN THE GARDEN. They are our future gardeners. Click any picture for a larger version. [...]

Submitted by: Gloria Stesenko Hundreds of people attended a very large Garage Sale and Barbeque on Saturday, July 19, 2014 at the Benito Branch of the North-West Regional Library. Click any picture for a larger version. The public donated to the Garage Sale a huge amount of items that were new and gently used. Lots [...]

Submitted by: Yoenne Ewald The Swan Valley Farmer’s Market held their Annual General Meeting on March 11th 2014. The meeting was well attended. Looking back over 2013, the market saw a number of new summer vendors offering a diverse range of products. Pictured above, the Farmers’ Market Board.(L to R, back) Fay Perrin, Shirley Leask, [...]

ValleyBiz Story | The Swan Valley Chamber of Commerce counted down to Midnight Madness on Saturday, November 30, 2013 with Christmas carols, visits with Santa, hot dogs & hot chocolate and the annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. Click any picture for a larger version. Those who stopped by to share in the holiday spirit appreciated [...]

Submitted by: Jakki Lumax It was amazing to see the Holiday spirit at the Christmas Trade Show that took place at the Minitonas Town Hall on Saturday, November 23, 2013 Between the companies displaying their products and the buyers getting excited to cross items off their lists, it was a day of smiles and business [...]

ValleyBiz Story | Ten Thousand Villages came to Swan River again this year selling artisan-crafted personal accessories, home decor and gift items from around the globe. Click any picture for a larger version. The products are sourced from handicraft and agricultural organizations based in low-income countries, providing consumers with products that have been fairly purchased [...]

ValleyBiz Story | The Annual Cookie walk was held at the St. James Anglican Church on Saturday, November 23, 2013. Not only was it a great way to stock up on Christmas baking, but also a chance to catch up with good friends while sampling some baking. Click any picture for a larger version. The [...]

Submitted by: MaryAnn Friesen A great turnout and a wonderful evening. Imported goods, mostly from Thailand and also some donated locally made items, were sold throughout the evening. Click any picture for a larger version. Proceeds went to support Destiny Rescue and Beyond Borders, two organizations that are working hard to put an end to [...]

ValleyBiz.ca Story | Many shoppers made their annual stop at Calico Corners on Friday, November 1, 2013. The Craft Sale & Bazaar, hosted by the Association for Community Living was filled with friendly faces and unique hand crafted treasures. MaryAnn Friesen sold items to raise money for Destiny Rescue, an organization dedicated to rescuing children [...]

Submitted by: Debbie Soloway On Sunday November 3rd the Pine River United Church sponsored their annual Christmas Craft Sale, bake sale and luncheon. Click any picture for a larger version. There were 23 exhibitors that came from as far as Churchbridge & Sturgis, SK, Barrows, Swan River, Dauphin, Gilbert Plains and surrounding area. Many different [...]

Submitted by: Corinna Wood A fundraiser was held on October 12th to raise money to help pay the fees for the adoption of a special needs boy from Eastern Europe. The Janzen sisters entertained us with fiddle music throughout the day and raised over $30 that way, which they then donated. The event was very [...]

Submitted by: Valerie Mitchell Friday August 23, was a Fabulous night in Bowsman for our first ever Fundraiser Fashion Show, with the proceeds going to the Bowsman Lions Cataract Equipment Fund! Door Prizes were given away, Silent auction items won and even an incredible outfit giveaway! The night was filled with fabulous women checking out [...]

Submitted by: Meghan Rose | The first farmers’ market of the 2013 season welcomed seven new vendors, four returning vendors and many interesting products. Click and picture for a larger version. The market was very well attended and the Swan Valley Interagency had a successful BBQ fundraiser selling hotdogs and smokies with a drink for [...]

ValleyBiz Story The Association for Community Living hosted the 33rd Annual Calico Corners Craft Sale on Friday, November 2, 2012. It was a great opportunity for the community to start their Christmas shopping. Click any picture for a larger view. From tasty treats to hand crafted items, there was something for everyone. Don King sold [...]

ValleyBiz Story | The Tent Town Garden Club held their 30th Annual Fruit Festival at the Town Hall in Minitonas on Saturday, September 8, 2012. The Garden Club creates and maintains the beautiful public flower gardens around Minitonas. Click any picture for a larger version. The Fruit Festival is the Garden Club’s annual fundraising event. [...]

Pictures by: Wayne Grier and ValleyBiz | There was a great turnout for the Kickoff to Midnight Madness on Saturday, November 26. While the event marked the start of one of the busiest nights for local retailers it was also a great way to get into the holiday spirit. Click any of the pictures for [...]