Submitted by: Violet Plett Barrows Gospel Jamboree was again a blessing to all who attended. Due to the unstable weather we have had, we had to run the whole event inside the hall, instead of outside at the outdoor stage. Some were disappointed it was inside, but most adapted well, and some even said we […]

Submitted by Rose Kovachik | The annual Cowan Trail Celebration was held on August 26, 2023, keeping its traditional date of the fourth Saturday of August. On Friday, the night before the main event, as usual, the Cowan Hall parking lot slowly filled with RV trailers and horses. Campsites also slowly speckled the area with […]

ValleyBiz.ca Story | The grandstands were packed for 3 days of riding, roping, and rodeo racing at the Swan River Norwest Round-Up and Exhibition on July 24-27, 2023. The sun was shining, the crowds were cheering, and the cowboys and cowgirls faced off in heart racing rodeo action. The crowds were treated to an exhibition […]

Neighbours, families, and friends visited along the parade route as they waited for the Swan Valley Chamber of Commerce Parade to get underway on July 28, 2023. People listened for the sirens to indicate the approach of the parade, led by the RCMP. The theme of the parade was Diversity in the Swan Valley and […]

Submitted by: Rose Kovachik, Picutres by: Tina Copeland The Cowan Trail Celebration once again occurred on the fourth Saturday of August, being August 27, 2022 this year, after a two year hiatus. On Friday night, as usual, the Cowan Hall parking lot slowly filled with trailers, horses, and campsites. By Saturday morning, everyone was eager […]

ValleyBiz Story | The Northwest Roundup Rodeo returned for 4 action packed days July 28 – 31, 2022 and the grandstand was packed for all the popular rodeo events. As always, there were plenty of broncs, bulls and barrels and ValleyBiz had a front row seat to bring you up close and personal with all […]

Pictured above: Lilies in the garden of Lance and Coralie Jacobson Submitted by: Audrey Showdra with additional pictures from ValleyBiz | Although light cloud prevailed and a couple light rain showers fell, it certainly did not prevent many, many people from enjoying the Garden Walk sponsored by the Swan River Ladies Golf Club on July […]

ValleyBiz Story | The streets in Swan River were lined in anticipation as the Swan Valley Chamber of Commerce Parade returned on July 29,2022. The parade and the Northwest Roundup had been cancelled the last 2 years due to the pandemic. The parade theme was Horsing Around sing 1902 – Then and Now and some […]

ValleyBiz Story | On July 20, 2022 the Swan Valley Harley House committee hosted a special afternoon in honour of Rev. Murray Wenstob. A short program led by Scott Tibble included a brief history of the Valley and the Harley House, musical selections by Guy Dobbyn and poems by David and Michelle Minish. Following the […]

Submitted by: Tammela Bobick The Swan Valley Snowmobile Association had an amazing turn out for our Vintage ride held on February 26,2022. We had 57 riders including people from Yorkton, Dauphin and The Pas. For lunch, we enjoyed hot dogs, hot chocolate, donuts and coffee at the shelter. There was also tons of prizes and […]

Submitted by: Swan Valley Sport Fishing Enhancement (SVSFE) Thank you to everyone who submitted pictures for our photo challenge. SVSFE received 27 entries and what a great way to show Manitoba how our young anglers love fishing! SVSFE has decided everyone will be receiving a prize for their submission. Thanks again, keep on fishing, and […]

Submitted by: Candace Balbo | Over 750 people braved the cold to enjoy the Mistletoe Magic event at the Swan Valley Historical Museum on Saturday December 7, 2019. And a magical night it was with the return of a long time Valley favorite in the Kern Christmas display – refurbished and installed on the Museum […]

ValleyBiz Story | One of our readers from Russell, MB pointed out this little gem. On the November 5, 2019 edition of CTV Your Morning, co-hosts Anne-Marie Mediwake and Ben Mulroney have a short exchange about Swan River, MB. “It sounds like something from a fairy tale.” said Mediwake and, after remarking about how “delightful” […]

Submitted by: Rose Kovachik with pictures by Tammy Herntier and Jessica Kovachik The annual Cowan Trail Celebration once again occurred on the fourth Saturday of August, being August 24th this year and marking it the 21st. On Friday night, as usual, the Cowan Hall parking lot slowly filled with trailers, horses, and ATVs. By Saturday […]

Submitted by: Shawna Kostiuk | Shine up your scooters and skateboards!!!! Kingdom Enterprises from Steinbach MB, greeted the Benito community with the start of a brand new skate park on August 26, 2019. Ground breaking Construction took place today at the Recreation grounds and we couldn’t be happier. The project will be completed around September […]

Submitted by: Edgar Yacyshyn | On August 10, 2019 Durban held their annual demo derby. With the date changed from Sunday to a Saturday, the drivers appreciated the change giving them a chance to get home and recover from the rough and tough workout held during the crushing demo. With a new set of rules […]

ValleyBiz Story | The Swan Valley Speedway was buzzing with activity as the Swan Valley Stock Car Club hosted their annual invitational 2 day race on August 3 and 4, 2019. The weather was beautiful and the racing was great with close to 60 cars in attendance from Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Friendly fans, fantastic […]

Submitted by: Ellen Little with pictures by ValleyBiz.ca | A day of almost perfect weather on July 22, 2019 made the Annual Garden Walk, sponsored by the Swan River Ladies Golf Club, even more enjoyable. Five of some of the most beautiful farm yards in the Kenville area were on display. Merv & Jane Beasley […]

ValleyBiz Story | Here’s one last look at the racing action from the 2019 Northwest Roundup and Exhibition. The Roundup featured 4 days of heart-pumping, crowd-cheering, Chariot and Chuckwagon racing action.

ValleyBiz Story | On July 25, 2019, it was announced that the Trains at the Swan Valley Museum project will be receiving a grant in the amount of $32,500 from the Province of Manitoba under the Building Sustainable Communities program. The funding will cover 50% of the $65,000 cost for Phase 1 of the project. […]

ValleyBiz Story | The parade is a highly anticipated event each year during the Northwest Roundup and Exhibition and local businesses and organizations were all decked out in their parade day best to celebrate on July 26, 2019. The parade theme was Swan Valley Proud and the floats showcased many aspects of Swan Valley life […]

Submitted by: June McKenzie | The local Community In Blooms committee was honored to host the judges for this year’s competition on July 29, 2019. Hugh Skinner is from Roblin and Shonda Ashcroft is from Birtle. They were busy taking notes, photos and asking questions and generally admiring our beautiful town. Points of interest on […]

ValleyBiz Story | The Northwest Roundup and Exhibition in Swan River has something for everyone and the rodeo events are always a crowd-pleaser. The fast paced events offer plenty of thrills, spills and heart-pumping action. Bronc Riding Bull Riding Tie Down Roping Steer Wrestling Team Roping Barrel Racing

ValleyBiz Story | Each year kids look forward to the Northwest Roundup and Exhibition in Swan River on the last weekend in July. This year was no exception. The Roundup provides plenty of things to do, including opportunities for up and coming rodeo stars to get up close and personal with the action. The Mutton […]

Submitted by: Shirley Yaschyshyn | Benito was bustling on Canada Day with a full day of activities for all ages to enjoy. To start the festivities, the Benito Volunteer Firefighter’s hosted a Pancake Breakfast. Pancakes, sausages, coffee and juice were served to approximately 420 people with all money raised going to the CZ Miller Trust […]

ValleyBiz Story | Music filled the air on June 16, 2019 as the Swan Valley Regional Secondary School presented their year end concert at the Festival Stage in the Swan River Legion Park. The concert featured the Grade 9 band and Senior band along with a number of selections from the Toronto-Niagara Falls Tour Band. […]

Submitted by: Corey Hurren | On Saturday, June 15, 2019 the Bowman & District Lions Club and the Swan River Golf & Country Club had the 2019 Friends of the Valley Golf Bonanza “FUN”draiser. Proceeds from this event will be split 50/50 between the Bowsman Lions and the Swan River Golf & Country Club. The […]

Submitted by: Crystal Nepinak | What a fun-filled, action-packed weekend! Rough Country Kubota has definitely gained favor with Jace, who was Peter’s right hand man, next to Luke, in ground maintenance throughout the weekend. Jace continuously tells his dad from North Dakota that he needs a Kubota! As organizers, going back & forth from rodeo […]

Submitted by: Brett Church, Photos by Corey Hurren | Over 620 contestants showed up try and catch the big one at the 22nd annual Billy Beal Classic on Saturday March 16, 2019. A total of 20 fish were caught with the prize winner going to Pearce Roberts who reeled in a 16 pound pike! A […]

Swan Valley RISE Media Release | Swan Valley has one more thing to boast about. In addition to having spectacular skiing and trails, Thunderhill has something astonishing to experience on the way up; Magnet Hill, the first Manitoba Wonder in the province. Magnet Hill is a rare natural marvel you must experience to believe your […]

Submitted by: Susan Moshenko | Bellsite along with the help of the North Mountain Riders put on the 40th Annual Poker Derby on February 24, 2019. A great turn out considering cold weather. 172 driver hands 160 sleds. $4911 was paid out in prizes. A huge thank you to all those who went out and […]

Submitted by: Kari Goethe | There are 21 students from the Swan Valley Regional Secondary School who are participating in an Experiences Canada Exchange with 21 other students from Elgin, Ontario. Each Swan River student gets matched with a student from Elgin and they are considered “twins” during the exchange. Elgin is a small rural […]

Submitted by: Rose Kovachik | With pictures from ValleyBiz and Penny Boychuk The annual Cowan Trail Celebration once again occurred on the fourth Saturday of August (being August 25, 2018) this year and marking it the 20th. The event began on Friday night, as usual, with the Cowan Hall parking lot slowly being filled with […]

ValleyBiz Story | The Swan Valley Historical Museum held their annual Harvest Festival on August 26, 2018. It was a day appreciated by many generations. From those who remember the era when technology was in it’s infancy to children still to young to understand the significance of the past. Attendees of all ages were able […]

Submitted by: Edgar Yacyshyn | Photos by ValleyBiz and Submitted On Aug 12, 2018 Durban held their annually Demo Derby. With only a few more cars than last year the demo still went ahead. A couple cars were delayed in arriving but still made the event. Most cars were from previous years so there wasn’t […]

ValleyBiz Story | The Birch River Riding Club held their 23rd annual trail ride on August 11 and 12, 2018. Many people stayed at the base camp the night before and the day started off with breakfast and registration. The ride has built a loyal following over the past 23 years with many attendees travelling […]

ValleyBiz Story | The grandstands were full and the action was fast during the 2018 Northwest Roundup Rodeo events. Cowboys and Cowgirls competed in a variety of rodeo events. Barrel Racing Bull Riding Bareback Bronc Saddle Bronc 12-Horse Hitch Brett Fulford, born and raised in the Swan Valley (son of Ken and Linda Fulford of […]

ValleyBiz Story | The Northwest Roundup and Exhibition is a place of wonder and excitement for youngsters. The Down on the Farm exhibit lets kids get up close and personal with a larger variety of farm animals. It is a great place to take a break from the heat of the day and relax with […]

ValleyBiz Story | Click pictures for a larger version. The Swan Valley Chamber of Commerce Parade took place on July 27, 2018 at 10 am – a time honored tradition as part of the Northwest Roundup and Exhibition. Many have passed this tradition on to their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Each year the parade is […]

Submitted by: Sheree Soura | With additional pictures by ValleyBiz On July 23, 2018 despite the cool weather and a threat of rain, about 190 people attended the annual Garden Walk sponsored by the Swan River Ladies Golf Club. Eight beautiful yards in the town of Swan River were on display. It was a pleasure […]

ValleyBiz Story | The Swan Valley Folk Festival took place at the curling rink on June 15 an 16, 2018. Walking into the Folk Fest was a feast for the senses. People were able to taste and smell a variety of dishes from many cultural backgrounds. Booths were decorated with traditional items from their host […]

Submitted Story: Photos by Doug Watson, Dale Nobel, Brett Church | The Swan Valley Lions want to sincerely thank all the people that came out to enjoy the 21st annual Billy Beal Ice Fishing Derby at Whitefish Lake on March 17, 2018. Over 600 people that came out enjoyed the beautiful weather and great food. […]

Submitted by: Kim Lowes | We had an absolutely amazing day at our 2nd annual Swan River Sled for Eternity on February 10, 2018! We had 68 registered riders out on the trails and we were blown away by the faithfulness of our fundraisers with our final total coming in at close to $80,000 raised. […]

Corey Grandfield with the SVRSS Varsity Hockey Team receiving a grant for hockey jerseys. Submitted Story | The Community Foundation of Swan Valley (CFSV) held their annual granting night on December 7, 2017. “We are here tonight to harvest the fruits of philanthropy in the Swan River Valley,” said CFSV Board Chair Lorne Henkelman. Since […]

ValleyBiz Story | With kids headed back to school tomorrow, it is yet another sign that summer is coming to a close. It’s a good time to reflect on what an awesome summer it has been and what a wonderful Valley we have to enjoy it in. Click any picture for a larger version. The […]

Submitted by: Wade Kovachik | On Saturday, August 26th, the 19th annual Cowan Trail Celebration occurred in Cowan under a bright blue sunny sky. Click any picture for a larger version. Photos by ValleyBiz and Submitted Enthusiastic riders were arriving Friday afternoon – picking their campsites, sitting down by the campfire, and enjoying each other’s […]

ValleyBiz Story | The Swan Valley Historical Museum held their annual Harvest Festival on August 27, 2017. The home made bread was a must and the lineup started before the fresh baked bread was even out of the clay ovens. Click any picture for a larger version. The clay oven in the bake house can […]

Edgar Yacyshyn | The Durban Demo was held August 13, 2017. There were a lot less cars this year, but most of the action was the same. With more room in the ring, lot of banging and crushing going on. Click any picture for a larger version. Photos by ValleyBiz and Submitted With vehicles being […]

Submitted by: Denise Cazakoff | The 22nd Annual Birch River Trail Ride held August 12 – 13, 2017 was well attended by 100 participants including a couple who got engaged at lunch break on Saturday. Click any picture for a larger version. It was and awesome ride through the Duck Mountains south of Madge Lake. […]

ValleyBiz Story | The 2017 Northwest Roundup and Exhibition featured four days of Chariot an Chuckwagon racing, plus a bonus day of Heritage Chuckwagon races at the Canada 150 Celebration on July 26, 2017. Click any picture for a larger version.