Submitted by: Beth Gust, Pictures and Video by Kevin Penner | Swan Valley Museum was the venue last Saturday, December 16, 2017 for a Live Nativity Event. Valley churches organized the scenes which included a marketplace manned by local vendors showing their wares and a manger scene, complete with the Biblical characters, musicians, and live […]

Pictured above: Crowd Favorite, Solid Rock Youth Group Tree Submitted by: Maureen Bowles | The North-West Regional Library was dressed for the Christmas Season at the Festival of Trees on December 5th to the 9th, 2017. It was a very festive atmosphere with decorated trees, gingerbread Houses, Christmas music, cookies and hot apple cider. Eighteen […]

Submitted by: June Jamieson | Celebrating Christ’s Birth Through Word & Song was the theme of the Hymn Sing at the Seventh-day Adventist Church on Sunday, December 10, 2017. More than sixty people got together to sing carols and listen to the Christmas themed presentation by various musicians from through the Swan River Valley. We […]

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 […]

Submitted Story | The Minitonas Knox United Church held their Ladies Christmas Program on Monday, December 4, 2017. The evening included some beautiful special music by Brenna Smith on violin. The short program told the wonderful sweet Christmas story featuring various candies and Christmas Carols throughout. First, there was the “Rocky Road” travelled by Mary […]

Submitted by: April Maxwell | The Swan Valley Fine Arts Festival Association held its 54th annual Carol Festival on Sunday, December 3, 2017 at Temple Baptist Church in Swan River. This concert takes place the first Sunday in December every year and is the only non-adjudicated festival that we organize. The program showcased a variety […]

Submitted by: Nicole Clouson | The Swan River Dolyna Dancers put on a short and sweet presentation of what they’ve been working on so far this year. The evening was also a chance for our youngest dancers, the Sadochuk’s to get a taste of dancing in front of a crowd. These little ones are always […]

Submitted by: Susan Hrycyk | We had a great turn out for the Lenswood Harvest Wind-up dance on Saturday Nov. 18, 2017. We had approximately 160 people attend the social with ages ranging from a few months old to 70+ years old. It is always nice to see families come out and enjoy themselves, we […]

Submitted Story | The Community Foundation of Swan Valley (CFSV) held their third annual Cultural Gala on November 10, 2017 at the Veterans Hall in Swan River. The sold-out event was once again an evening to remember. As guests walked in the door they were surrounded by elegance in a room richly decorated in red […]

Submitted by: Al Berkan | Lumber River Quartet from Lumberton, N.C. USA presented a concert at Temple Baptist Church in Swan River on October 8, 2017. Considering it was thanksgiving weekend, there was a good number of people out that enjoyed good southern gospel music. Their gospel songs they sang were reflective of their goal […]

Submitted by: Lloyd Gilchrist | The Swan Valley Hoedowners square dance club have swung into a new season of dancing with two special dances. The club welcomed new dancers on September 27 and October 11, 2017 at the Swan River Senior Centre. New dancers enjoyed these two free dances in order to experience the fun […]

Submitted by: Mark Matejka | Pictures by ValleyBiz The Swan Valley Band Directors once again joined forces to hold the SVSD’s annual Beginner Band Workshop on Sept. 29-30, 2017. This opportunity is annually offered at no cost to parents and students, thanks to the Swan Valley Band Booster Parents’ fundraising. There were about 39 beginning […]

Submitted by: Violet Plett | The 4th Annual Barrows Gospel Jamboree was held July 14 – 16, 2017. This year we had record attendance. Friday evening and Saturday were nice and warm and sunny. Click any picture for a larger version. Sunday morning we had some rain and strong wind, so we had to move […]

Submitted by: Kristina Kotyk | To celebrate Canada 150th Birthday on Canada Day 2017 Swan River hosted a Picnic in the Park at the Legion Park. The afternoon was packed with fun for all ages. Click any picture for a larger version. Activities included two kid’s trains (one by the Bowsman Lions’ Club and one […]

Submitted by: Tanya Powell | National Aboriginal Day was celebrated at the Elbert Chartrand Friendship Centre on Wednesday, June 21, 2017. The Celebration featured many different activities and events throughout the day. Click any picture for a larger version. The day started with a Sunrise Ceremony at 6am followed by a free Pancake Breakfast. The […]

Submitted by: Corey Hurren | Over 100 golfers came out to play in the rain at the Friends of the Swan River Valley’s 3rd Annual Golf Bonanza “FUN”draiser which was held at the Swan River Golf & Country Club on Saturday, June 24th, 2017. Click any picture for a larger verion. If you were brave […]

Submitted by: Bev Leach | St. James Anglican Church hosts the residents of the Personal Care Home and the Lodge at a coffee morning on the third Wednesday of each month during the warm weather. Click any picture for a larger version. The idea behind the Company’s Coming initiative is to provide a time for […]

ValleyBiz Story | The Valley’s finest jazz students from Swan Valley Regional Secondary School (SVRSS), Ecole Swan River South School (ESRSS), Minitonas Middle Years School (MMYS) and Benito showcased their talents to a captivated audience on June 7, 2017. Click any picture for a larger version. The evening included performances by 5 individual bands along […]

Story Submitted by: Nicole Bobick Our first Wellness Day exceeded our expectations – it was a lot of fun! The goals were to share a day with Benito School, make new friends and experience a variety of wellness activities. Above picture by Nicole Bobick Other Pictures by ValleyBiz – Click for a larger version. Students […]

Submitted by: Edgar Yacyshyn | In the year 1930, 87 years ago the town of Durban, with a lot of community and valley supporters decided to build a community hall. Click any picture for a larger version. With volunteers back then and now the hall is still active with dances, suppers, and lot of special […]

Submitted by: Nicole Clouson | The Swan River Dolyna Dancers celebrated their 40th Anniversary with a Zabava on May 20, 2017. Guests were treated to quite the show, starting with our own young dancers. Click any picture for a larger version. Next up was a hearty Ukrainian meal, prepared by our group, along with family […]

Submitted by: Renate Wille Once again this year, the Little Woody Little Woody Baptist Church Art Show was a very successful and fun event. The variety, quality and love for the art and crafts could clearly be seen. Click any picture for a larger version. About 100 visitors came to view the displays, enjoy the […]

Submitted by: Jennifer Simpson | On Wednesday, May 3rd, 2017 the SVRSS Performing Arts class had their spring concert. The students performed a wide variety of music from Shawn Mendes to High Valley and everything in between. Click any picture for a larger version. They performed 13 different songs, some with the whole group while […]

Submitted by: Jayne Leadbeater (Commuications, PR, Manager) On Monday, 1 May 2017, the Swan Valley Community Band presented their Spring Concert, “Music Monday!” In 1994, Julie Kooistra had a Dream and that Dream is now celebrating its 23rd year. Click any picture for a larger version. In all those years, there have been many musicians […]

Submitted by: Nicole Clouson | The Dolyna Dancers performed to a full house as always on April 29, 2017. All of the dancers gave their best performance of the year and gave the audience an amazing show. Click any picture for a larger version. The senior dancers welcomed our guests with the traditional Pryvit, with […]

Submitted by: Gwenda Wotton | Birch River Northern Neighbors Annual Jamboree was held on April 30, 2017 and was another huge success. There was lots of singing, guitar picking, violin playing, and dancing was enjoyed by everyone. Click any picture for a larger version. I even seen some JIGGIN going on in the corner. THANK […]

Submitted by: Shirley Todosichuk | The Minitonas Fiddling Program held their 11th Annual Spring Concert on Wednesday, April 26, 2017 at the Minitonas Early Years School Gym. Click any picture for a larger version. Music instructor, Lyneta Grenier and the students had worked very hard to prepare for the wonderful evening of music and were […]

Submitted by: Bethany Matejka | People from around the Valley enjoyed the presentation of Carl and Brenda Ens at Christian Fellowship Church in Birch River on April 23. Carl presented his one-man drama production, “Stand in the Gap.” Click any picture for a larger version. The drama tells the story of powerful prayer warrior and […]

Submitted by: Robin Warner | Aladdin was a huge success at Taylor School this weekend! The students worked so very hard and it really showed. Click any picture for a larger version. The performances were Friday night and Saturday night, April 21st and 22nd, 2017 at 7pm, and the energy was high. The entire school […]

Submitted by: Linda Gilchrist | The winners of the 2017 Fiddlin’ Festival were recently presented with trophies by Fiddlin’ Chairperson, Linda Gilchrist. Pictured above: Ensemble Winners Erica Thomas, Emily Mykula, Isla Mykula, Logan Smith, Grace Kirk. Click any picture for a larger version. Beginner Winner: Liv Leadbeater Intermediate Winner: Madison Bronconnier Advanced Solo Winner: Layna […]

Submitted by: Shirley Todosichuk | On Saturday, April 8, 2017 Special Olympics Parkland Region held its 6th Annual Dance Fever following a great day of bowling at our regional tournament. Click any picture for a larger version. We were fortunate to have athletes and coaches from Russell and Winnipegosis join us for the potluck dinner, […]

Submitted by: Rob Ter Horst | Tim & The Glory Boys brought their Hootenanny Tour to Swan River on April 7, 2017. There was a great turnout for the concert on Friday night with 217 people in attendance. Click any picture for a larger version. There was a great crowd of multiple generations at the […]

Submitted by: Tracy Burick | This past weekend’s three day run of the musical, 7 Days, was performed at CBF Church in Swan River on April 6, 7, 8, 2017. This production was the creative genius of Martyn Snell who had composed the original musical back in 1978. Pictured above: Melanie Bird, Rita Thiessen and […]

Submitted by: June Jamieson | God Cares for Us was the theme of the hymn sing held at the Seventh-day Adventist Church on Sunday, April 2, 2017. Christians from several local congregations gathered to sing together. Click any picture for a larger version. Attendees also enjoyed presentations by local musicians and the Potorieko family from […]

Submitted by: Michele Poole | The Swan School of Dance entertained a full Auditorium on Wednesday night with dances that had been performed from their previous 25 years. It was an evening of talent, entertainment, tossed in with a little nostalgia. Click any picture for a larger version. Their 115 students performed the instructors favorites […]

ValleyBiz Story | A group of 42 students from various schools across the Swan Valley traveled to Dauphin on March 9 – 11, 2017 to participate in the 23rd Annual Parkland Norman Honour Band (PNHB). Submitted photos. Click any picture for a larger version. PNHB provides outstanding junior, intermediate and senior instrumentalists with an opportunity […]

Submitted by: Laurie Evans Minitonas Skating Club held their annual figure skating carnival on March 3, 2017. “Under the Big Top” was a great success and fun was had by all. Click any picture for a larger version. Thanks to the skaters for putting on a great show and to the parents for all their […]

ValleyBiz Story | The Swan Valley Fine Arts Festival Association kicked off the 2017 Festival season with the Band Festival on February 21 through 24. The Band Festival features music students from across the Swan Valley. Click any picture for a larger version. Performances by individuals, ensembles and bands were held during the day at […]

Submitted by: Leigh Osatchuk | This weekend Benito School students and Staff hosted a Dinner Theatre on February 24 & 25, 2017. Country-Ella is an interactive play set in a hillbilly county. Click any picture for a larger version. Based on the story Cinderella, narrated from the country point of view. Over 100 people were […]

Submitted by: St. Andrew’s United Church The 6th Annual Loving Hearts supper and entertainment was held on February 11, 2017 with approximately 190 guests enjoying the great food and entertainment. Click any picture for a larger version. Our decorators did a splendid job of decorating the hall with valentine hearts, and the pretty red decorations […]

Submitted by: Violet Plett | The Gospel concert at Indian Birch (Wuskwi Sipihk) Hall on January 5, 2017 was well attended and enjoyed by all. People came from various towns in the valley. Click any picture for a larger version. We had a great evening of listening to good gospel music and praising God together. […]

Submitted by: Robin Warner | We would like to thank the Swan River community for helping so much to make our Crafty Flea Market a big success. The event was held in the Taylor School Gym on Saturday, December 10th, from 12 noon until 4pm. Click picture for a larger version. So many volunteers made […]

Submitted by: Leila Richard | Approximately 65 people attended the Pine Creek First Nation Coffee House on December 18, 2016. Committee members along with attendees served a delicious Christmas Meal with a large variety for all to enjoy. Click any picture for a larger version. Pictured right are several dancers that were eager to learn […]

Submitted by: Maureen Bowles | The Swan River Library was dressed up for the Christmas season with the FESTIVAL OF TREES event held from December 6 through December 10, 2016. Click any picture for a larger version. This event is jointly sponsored by the library and the Chamber of Commerce. Sixteen trees and twenty-five gingerbread […]

Submitted by: Jayne Leadbeater | On December 7, 2016, the SVRSS Cafeteria was ringing with music which included performances from the Swan Valley Community Band, Tarnished Brass Quintet, and St. Andrew’s United Church Senior and Junior Choir. Click any picture for a larger version. The Concert was attended by a enthusiastic capacity crowd. And, as […]

Submitted by: St Andrew’s United Church November 25, 2016 – a lovely but very busy evening in Swan Valley saw The Great Plains at St. Andrew’s United Church for the fall concert tour! Click any picture for a larger version. Saskia and Darrel sing a mix of country, and gospel and gave us a little […]

Submitted by: Nicole Clouson | The Swan River Dolyna Dancers held their annual Old Fashioned Christmas concert on Monday December 5, 2016. As usual they performed to a packed house, a nice short and sweet show. Click any picture for a larger version. Each group got to present the crowd with what they’ve learned so […]

Submitted by: April Maxwell | Swan Valley Fine Arts Festival held its 53rd annual Carol Festival on Sunday, December 4, 2016 at Temple Baptist Church. It was a full house. Click any picture for a larger version. The audience was entertained with traditional Christmas carols as well as jazzy festive numbers. The participants ranged in […]

Submitted by: Lloyd Gilchrist | The Veterans Community Hall was the location this past weekend for a very successful production of the comedy, “Virgil and the City Slickers” by the Valley Stage Players. Click any pictures for a larger version. The production opened Friday night on November 25, 2016 to an enthusiastic audience who responded […]

Submitted by: June Jamieson | The “Let’s Just Praise the Lord Sing-along” at the Seventh-day Adventist Church was held on Sunday, Nov. 20, 2016. Click any picture for a larger version. The voices of the fifty attendees combined to make a wonderful choir, singing along with old-time hymns. Special selections were given by a group […]