ValleyBiz Story | Things got cooking at the McKay Night Barbeque on Thursday, July 29, picked up the next day at the St. Andrews United Church Rodeo Lunch and continued on Saturday and Sunday with pancake breakfasts sponsored by Formo Motors and Parrish & Heimbecker. Click any picture for a larger version. Throughout the day […]

ValleyBiz Story The Down on the Farm Exhibit at the Northwest Roundup and Exhibition in Swan River allows kids to get a close-up look at farming activities and learn about how agriculture contributes to their everyday life. Click any picture for a larger version. Interactive displays allow kids to dig potatoes, gather eggs, pick apples, […]

The annual Chamber of Commerce Parade marks the start of a weekend of family fun and excitement at the Northwest Roundup and Exhibition. 10am – the stores are closed, the streets are lined and people anxiously await the first glimpse of the parade. Click any picture for a larger version. The parade is an interactive […]

ValleyBiz Story | This young cowboy kept a careful watch over the grandstand last night as the first Pony Chariot and Pony Chuckwagon races of the 2012 Northwest Roundup and Exhibition got underway. Click any picture for a larger version. The sound of the horn, the thrill of the race and the cheers of the […]

ValleyBiz Story | On Monday July 23, 2012 the Swan River Ladies Golf Club held their annual Garden Walk featuring the creativity and hard work of 8 Swan River gardeners. It was an inspiring way for gardeners, photographers and people of all ages to spend a beautiful sunny afternoon . Click any picture for a […]

Submitted by: Tanya Chernyk Pictures and Race Results from the Swan Valley Stock Car Club race held Saturday, July 14, 2012. The mini demo scheduled to take place following the race was postponed until a later date. Click any picture for a larger version. 8 Cylinder Heat 1 1st-22 Dane Vessey 2nd-42 Colin Eisner 3rd-59 […]

Submitted by: Tanya Chernyk The Swan Valley Stock Car Club held a race on Canada Day, July 1, 2012 8 Cylinder 1st Heat 1st place- #3 George Lumax 2nd place- #42 Colin Eisner 3rd place- #89 J Tooley 2nd Heat 1st- #89 J Tooley 2nd- #3 George Lumax 3rd- #42 Colin Eisner Feature Race 1st- […]

ValleyBiz Story | What a beautiful day to celebrate Canada Day 2012 with a picnic in the park! The weather was great and there was ice cream for everyone at the Legion Park in Swan River. Click any picture for a larger version. The always popular Bowsman Lions train spent the day winding along the […]

ValleyBiz Story | Many people started Canada Day in the company of neighbours and friends at the Minitonas Arena. The pancake breakfast was served up by the Town and RM of Minitonas and was one of several held across the Valley. Click any picture for a larger version. Good food and good company… …what a […]

Submitted by: Tanya Chernyk It was a great race day and mud bog! Thanks to all our fans! And for everyone that helped out! 8 Cylinder Street Stock Class 1st place in the first 2 heats was #8 Brian Vanderpoole. Feature Race 1st place went to #8 Mark Maga, 2nd place- Dane Vessey, 3rd place- […]

ValleyBiz Story | A&W held their 11th annual Fathers Day Car Show on Sunday, June 17, 2012. Car enthusiasts braved our continuing stretch of rain to stop by and check out the vintage rides. The market shelter provided a refuge from the wet weather for the people in attendance and even for some of the […]

ValleyBiz Story | With the snow gone and signs of spring popping up, skiing and snowboarding may be the furthest thing from your mind, but not so for the dedicated members of the Thunder Hill Ski Club. Pictures courtesy Thunder Hill Ski Club As one of only a handful of non-profit ski hills in Canada, […]

Submitted by: Barry Stephen | If you missed the 15th annual Billy Beal Classic, you missed one of the best ever. If you were there you’ll know what I mean when I say the weather was unbelievable, the conditions were great, the food was awesome and the fishing was pretty good too. Click any picture […]

Submitted by Derek Sagert The Swan Valley Snowmobile Association held their 5th Annual Vintage Snowmobile Ride on Saturday, March 3, 2012. It was a beautiful day for all to enjoy. We had a great lunch, lots of laughs, visiting and many great memories. Over 40 vintage machines dated prior to 1990 attended the event.

Submitted by: Leona Sweetser | The 33rd Annual Bellsite Poker Derby took place on Sunday, February 26. There were 179 driver hands sold and 297 ghostrider hands sold. Click any picture for a larger version. 1st prize 20% of total Best Hand 4-8’s to Claudia Sutherland $834.00 2nd prize 15% of total Best Hand 3-A’s […]

Submitted by: Leona Sweetser | The first annual Porcupine Bash, started out with a guided snowmobile ride, with approximately 20 people. There were more sledders that chose to ride on their own. Click any picture for a larger view. Fire and Ice, had about 60 people stop in for Chilli and a bun. The home-made […]

ValleyBiz Story | Thanks to the dedication and hard work of our local snowmobile clubs, and with a little help from Mother Nature, the Swan Valley is buzzing with excitement as we share our snow with sledders from the snow-free parts of the Prairies. We are fortunate to have two snowmobile clubs in the Swan […]

Story by: Nancy McLennan | February of 2012 appears to be a turning point for Valley House Concerts. Since the House Concerts began in 2008, over 900 people have attended the shows and professional musicians have earned almost $13,000 in revenue. Pictures by Micheline Carstairs (Click any picture for a larger version) On Wednesday (Feb […]

Submitted by: Barry Waito | The Boots in the Backcountry Introductory session on Monday Feb 13th at 7:00 pm attracted 34 registrants. Of these, 27 were able to make the meeting with the balance requesting to be kept up to date with further sessions. The meeting started with Barry Waito introducing himself, talking about the […]

ValleyBiz Story | When Gerry Stevenson moved here from The Pas 13 years ago, he turned his passion for sled dog racing into an annual community event. The 13th Annual Birch River Sled Dog Race took place this weekend with 9 teams participating. Click any picture for a larger version. Following a circuit that includes […]

Submitted by: MaryAnn Friesen and Scott Tibble Several valley churches worked together to put on a Live Nativity at Scott and Cindy Tibble’s farm near Benito. There were approximately 90 volunteers and more than 350 people that attended. Click a picture for a larger version. Cars were parked at the parking lot with the help […]

ValleyBiz Story | On Friday, October 21, 2011 a commemorative plaque was unveiled at the Northwest Regional Library in honour of William “Billy” S. A. Beal in recognition of his significant contribution to the Valley during its formative years. Mayor McKenzie, Ernesto Griffith, Reeve Henkelman Click any of the pictures for a larger version. An […]

ValleyBiz Story | The Bowsman Hockey Arena was packed Friday Night with people from across the Valley looking to get their adrenalin pumping at the 8th Annual Bull-A-Rama, presented by the Bowsman & District Lions Club. With all proceeds from the event donated toward new cataract equipment in the Swan Valley, the event was a […]

ValleyBiz Story | Autumn officially arrived just a few days ago and has painted the Valley with its beautiful fall palette. With the sound of geese over head and leaves crunching underfoot this weekends sunshine warmed the crisp air and the made the colors shine. Click any picture for a larger version. Leaves in all […]

ValleyBiz Story | Pine Creek First Nation held their annual Pow Wow this weekend. The 3 day event featured lots of drumming, singing and dancing. People from various communities gathered together to celebrate their connections and honor their culture and heritage. Click any picture to see a larger version. Grand Entry Pictures by Shawn Klekta, […]

ValleyBiz Story | It was like stepping back in time on Sunday at the Swan Valley Historical Museum Harvest Festival. Against a backdrop of historical buildings and vintage machinery, with the smell of bread fresh from the clay ovens filling the air, it was the perfect place to celebrate the past. Click any of the […]

ValleyBiz Story | The Cowan Trail Celebration, which started 13 years ago and has become an annual tradition, took place Saturday, August 27. Approximately 70 riders saddled up their horses or hitched up their teams, then hit the trail for the 6 hour ride. Click any of the pictures for a larger version. The day […]

It was a great day of racing on Saturday at the Swan Valley Speedway. The forecasted rain and thunderstorms stayed away in favor of mostly sunny skies. Drivers raced for points and the day was topped of with the ever popular mud bog. Click any of the pictures for a larger version. Davion had a […]

The farmers market was buzzing on Thursday with people snapping up everthing from fresh vegetables and baking to local honey, flowers and preserves. For those who want to take home some the tasty wares, the farmer’s market is open Thursdays 4:00-6:00pm. Click any of the pictures to see a larger version.

ValleyBiz Story | The Gateway Valley Inn held their 6th annual Show & Shine car show on Sunday, August 14. The afternoon also included live entertainment and a barbeque with proceeds going to the Benito Vesselli Ukrainian Dancers. Click any of the pictures for a larger version.        Many stopped by to check out the […]

ValleyBiz Story | Harley House held an open house on Wednesday, August 10 to showcase restoration efforts made to date and to raise awareness about the project. Volunteers were honored for the many hours of hard work spent turning back the years on portions of the main floor. Click any of the pictures for a […]

ValleyBiz Story | Durban was filled with the sound of engines revving and metal crunching on Sunday for the 13th annual Durban Demo Derby. The sun was shining and many people came from all around the Valley to enjoy the afternoon of excitement. Here are some of our highligts from the day. Click any picture […]

Submitted by: Darcy Cameron | There was some great racing at the Swan Valley Speedway on Saturday during the Swan Valley Stock Car Club Annual Invitational Race. This weekend was not a points race but drivers raced for for money and trophies instead. Click any of the pictures for a larger version       

ValleyBiz Story | The youngest rodeo stars participated in Gymkhana Saturday morning. Beginners and more experienced riders demonstrated their ability with a focus on speed, skill and fun. Our gallery is a tribute to their hard work and determination. Click any of the pictures to see a larger version. Some other dedicated workers helped out […]

ValleyBiz Story | The Grandstand was the place to be this weekend with 4 days of racing, roping, bucking, heavy horse pulling action. From fast and furious rodeo events to adrenaline pumping chariot and chuckwagon races, there was never a dull moment. The grandstand was packed with clapping, cheering, whistling fans showing their appreciation for […]

ValleyBiz Story | The Down on the Farm Exhibit is always a hit with the kids. Lilianna poses with a little pig, one of the many different animals on display for the children learn about and meet. There were also a lot of hands on displays to keep all the children busy. Mason tries his […]

ValleyBiz Story | It was a beautiful sunny morning on Friday for the Swan River Northwest Roundup Chamber of Commerce Parade. There were many creative entries including the one from the Manitoba Aboriginal Head Start which featured some extremely adorable kids. In some pre-parade fun, giant beach balls were tossed, bounced and kicked along the […]

ValleyBiz Story | The Grandstand action got underway at the 2011 Northwest Roundup and Exhibition in Swan River this evening. The Pony Chariots were up first and after a short intermission came the Pony Chuckwagons … and the rain. Just as the first race was about to get underway, a downpour swept over the grounds. […]

ValleyBiz Story | The Swan River Ladies Golf Club organized the Minitonas Garden Walk which took place July 26. Six gardeners shared their labors of love with people of all ages who came out to enjoy the Garden Tour. There were so many treasures we cannot include them all here and while pictures are not […]

Submitted by: Carolle Cowan, Tournament Chairperson | 54 Ladies Enjoy Swan River’s New 18 Hole Course at the Ladies Open Tournament, July 17, 2011. Ladies from the Pas, Selkirk, Dauphin, Roblin, Madge Lake, Crystal Lake, Canora and Foam Lake joined local golfers under a rather “warm” sun, on a well-groomed course. A hard working prize […]

ValleyBiz Story | The Swan Valley Skate Plaza is taking shape and as construction wraps up it could be ready for use as early as this weekend, but it is not just the young that should look forward to this new fixture in the community. The vision for a new era of skate parks is […]

Submitted by: Darcy Cameron | It was a great day out at the track, the track conditions were very good which created some great racing in both the 8 cylinder and 4 cylinder classes. In the 8 cylinder second heat, all four cars were neck and neck all race with car 59 edging out car […]

Submitted by: Village of Benito | Benito’s Canada Day Celebrations included activities for both young and old. Everyone was enjoying the beautiful weather and and having so much fun there are not a lot of pictures from the day, but here are a few for you to enjoy. Click on any of the pictures for […]

The sound of happy kids filled the air as families gathered together in the Swan River Legion Park to celebrate Canada Day. There was plenty for people of all ages to do, with a variety of activities, entertainment and refreshments. Click any of the pictures for a larger version. The bouncers were a hit with […]

ValleyBiz Story | A&W held their 10th Annual Father’s Day Car Show in Swan River on Sunday, June 19th. Many families stopped by with Dad to check out the cars, get reaquainted with the sun and enjoy some frosty rootbeer. The Great Root Bear was on hand to entertain the crowds. In total there were […]

Submitted by: Susan Cowan | Centennial Folk Fest 2011 was held June 10th and 11th at the Swan River Curling Rink and was a successful community event. Several thousand people came through the doors to view the displays, sample some food and be entertained by singers and dancers. Photos by ValleyBiz Click any of the […]

Submitted by Darcy Cameron: The Swan Valley Stock Car Club held their season opener at the Swan Valley Speedway on June 11, 2011. Race 1 – 8 cylinder 1)59 2)3 3)3K 4)54 5)77 Race 1 – 4 cylinder 1)27 2)42 3)11 4)151 5)26 Race 2 – 8 cylinder 1)59 2)3K 3)77 Race 2 – 4 […]