Submitted by: Jan Fawcett | On Saturday September 24, 2016 the Bowsman United Church Quilt Group led a workshop “A Trip around the Quilt” at the Bowsman Legion Hall. Click the picture for a larger version. Sessions led by Group members provided an overview of the process of making a quilt from choosing fabric, cutting […]

Submitted by: Jayne Leadbeater | On Wednesday, 21 Sept 2016, Swan Valley Community Band launched their 23rd year of existence with Beginning Day, at the Swan Valley Regional Secondary School Band Room. Click picture for a larger version. At this time, new members are welcomed into our midst, new music is handed out, and returning […]

Submitted by: Rev Kevin Sprong | The first harvest and flower festival held at the United Church in Swan River delighted visitors on September 9 through 11, 2016. Click any picture for a larger version. Flower festivals are common in the United Kingdom but something new to the Valley, so when Rev. Dr. Jenny Sprong […]

ValleyBiz Story | At 10am on the last Friday in July (July 29th in 2016) the Chamber of Commerce parade gets rolling down main street in Swan River, to the delight of crowds gathered along the route. Click any picture for a larger version. The sound of sirens is the first signal that the parade […]

Submitted by: Violet Plett | Another Barrows Gospel Jamboree has come and gone. It was a great weekend. The crowd was not very big but everyone there, that we heard from, enjoyed the singing, fellowship, praising God, and good food. Pictured above: Ivan and Bernice Chartrand Click any picture for a larger version. People came […]

ValleyBiz Story | A celebration in recognition of National Aboriginal Day took place at the Elbert Chartrand Friendship Centre on June 21, 2016. It was a beautiful sunny day and the celebration featured tradional music, singing, dancing and food. Click any picture for a larger version. Morning entertainment was provided by Robert Severight from Cote […]

Submitted by: Edgar Yacyshyn | The 86 Anniversary Saturday Night Dance was held Saturday June 04, 2016 at the Durban Hall. Good People Good Food Good Music Click any picture for a larger version. A band called Prairie Crocus, from the Interlake area plus two local musicians entertained the dancing crowd with great music. A […]

Submitted by: Shirley Todosichuk | The Minitonas Fiddlin’ Program celebrated 10 years of instruction, promotion and preservation of Fiddling music at their 10th Annual Spring Concert in Minitonas on Wednesday, May 18, 2016. Click any picture for a larger version. This was a wonderful milestone for the Minitonas Fiddling Program and for all of the […]

Submitted by: Jackie Spencer | The Benito Vesselli Dance Club celebrated their 34th year of dancing at their year end concert with approximately 200 guests in attendance. Click any picture for a larger version. Guests were greeted at the door with live entertainment from Bill Macooh and Les Rolsky. The club’s 26 dancers started off […]

Submitted by: Susan Hrycyk | A good time was had by all at the Lenswood Mother’s Day Dance held on May 7, 2016. There were over two hundred people in attendance. Click any picture for a larger version. Lunch was served at midnight and enjoyed by all!! Thank you to all those that helped out […]

Submitted by: Nicole Clouson | The Dolyna Ukrainian Dancers performed to a packed house for the annual year-end Dessert Concert on April 30, 2016. Photos by Christine Klimuk. Click any picture for a larger version. The entertainment was top notch and included dances from various regions such as Poltava, Hutzul, Bukovanian, Transcarpatian and Polissia. The […]

Submitted by: Gwenda Wotton | Birch River Northern Neighbors hosted their 27 the annual Western Jamboree on April 30, 2016. About 20 participants took part. Click any picture for a larger version. Singing,Harmonica and Guitar playing was enjoyed by all that came out to enjoy the evening. Lots of good toe tapping music to dance […]

Submitted by: Evelyn Bredin | The Swan Valley Fine Arts Festival Association encourages artistic growth and appreciation of the arts in the Swan River Valley. Click any picture for a larger version. It provides a public platform, in a supportive atmosphere, for artists at any level and age, assisting in their development through an adjudication […]

Submitted by: Bethany Matejka | Christian Fellowship Church hosted the Ignite vocal ensemble group from Steinbach Bible College on Tuesday, April 26, 2016. The group of 10 students and 2 staff members had a great evening planned. Click any picture for a larger version. There was lots of musical numbers, some sharing about their college […]

Submitted by: Brenna Smith | Bowsman United Church and Minitonas Knox United Church held two performances on April 23 and 24, 2016 of the Cantata “Come To the Table” at the Bowsman Legion Hall and Knox United Church. Click any picture for a larger version. A great message was received by many about going forth […]

Submitted by: Jessica Bergen | Greg Wood is a children’s speaker & illusionist from Winnipeg. He performed many slight-of-hand magic tricks and illusions for nearly 70 children and adults on Friday, April 22 at Temple Baptist Church. Click any picture for a larger version. He has worked in 10 countries bringing joy and the message […]

Submitted by: Maria Kent | The Valley was in for a treat this year at the The Swan Valley Fine Arts Festival’s Visual Arts Exhibition, which was held from April 12-15, 2016. Click any picture for a larger version. Valley residents displayed their work in categories like Drawing, Painting, Sculpting, and Photography. The end result […]

Submitted by: April Maxwell | Swan Valley Fine Arts Festival Association held the Speech Arts & Music Festivals at Temple Baptist Church on April 13 – 15, 2016. Click any picture for a larger version. Elizabeth Rotoff from Winnipeg was the adjudicator and it was a pleasure working with this very talented woman. Congratulations to […]

Submitted Story: The Sons of the Pioneers rode in to the town of Swan River this afternoon leaving behind a clean tire trail on the snow covered mountain highway. We had all travelled north, leaving from Brandon after an early breakfast this morning! Pictures by Lana Graham | Click any picture for a larger version. […]

Submitted by: St. Andrew’s United Church | THE GREAT PLAINS CONCERT by Saskia and Darrel Delaronde held at St. Andrew’s United Church on Sunday April 3, 2016 was attended by 188 folks from around the valley! Click any picture for a larger version. What a wonderful night of music by these talented musicians! They share […]

Submitted by: Myrna Zinkiew | 110 people attended an early morning Easter Service held on the river bank of Walter and Myrna Zinkiew on Sunday April 27, 2016. The weather was good, a little cool but no wind. Click any picture for a larger version. The Easter drama included the scene of 3 crosses: the […]

Submitted by: Michele Poole | The Swan School of Dance held their 24th annual dance recital on Monday, March 22, 2016. A large crowd was entertained by students showing off their hard work and talent in Tap, Street Jazz, Hip Hop, Lyrical and Ballet. Photos by Jennifer Paige Photography Click any picture for a larger […]

Submitted by: Edgar Yacyshyn | Durban dance which was held on the afternoon of Sunday February 21, 2016 was fun and enjoyed by all who attended. Thanks to the band called Border Connection for supplying the great old time music which everyone complemented on. Click any picture for a larger version. The afternoon was a […]

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: Maureen Bowles The North West Regional Library was a busy spot as the host the Festival of Tree December 1 -5, 2015. The public support was tremendous. Hot apple cider , cookies and Tim Bits were enjoyed by all. Pictures by ValleyBiz Click any picture for a larger version. Fifteen trees were decorated […]

Submitted by: Nicole Clouson | The Dolyna Ukrainian Dancers held their annual Old Fashioned Christmas Concert Monday December 7, 2015 at the SVRSS Cafeteria. Click any picture for a larger version. Each dance group performed one dance and gave the crowd a glimpse of what they’ve been working on and what’s to come at our […]

Submitted by: Lloyd Gilchrist | A near capacity crowd gathered to enjoy the Swan Valley Fine Arts Festival’s fifty-second annual carol festival held Sunday, December 6, 2015 at the Temple Baptist Church. Click any picture for a larger version. President of the festival association, Janene Stewart, welcomed the audience and expressed her thanks for all […]

Submitted by: Lloyd Gilchrist | The Valley Stage Players’ production of Billy St. John’s comedy, “Senior Follies” played to very appreciative and enthusiastic audiences on November 27, 28 and 29, 2015 at the Veterans Hall in Swan River. Click any picture for a larger version. The comedy told the hilarious tale of two con artists […]

Submitted by: Lynda Leslie | Community Foundation of Swan Valley Gala was hosted on Friday October 30, 2015 at the Veteran’s Hall in Swan River. The evening opened with invited guests mingling over appetizers and background music by Martyn Snell. Click any picture for a larger version. Emcee for the evening was Travis Stewart from […]

Submitted by: Temple Baptist Church Temple Baptist Church hosted the Lumber River Quartet on Friday evening, Oct 2, 2015. The quartet is a well know Southern Gospel Ministry that travels and ministers all across the US and Canada. Click any picture for a larger version. Ronald, Glenn, Greg and Les have appeared on TV, Radio, […]

Submitted by: Violet Plett | Despite rain, cold, and hordes of mosquitoes, everyone had a good time of fellowship, and praising God at the Jamboree. Pictured left Josephine Laquette and Milly Jackson relaxing between their turns to sing. Click any picture for a larger version. The main singers for the weekend were Kene and Milly […]

Submitted by: Benito Rec. Board | Canada Day in Benito offered day long entertainment for young, old and everyone in between. The community gathered together to celebrate Canada Day with many different events and activities. Click any picture for a larger version. This day started with a pancake breakfast put on by the Benito Volunteer […]

ValleyBiz Story | Approximately 2,000 people attended the Swan Valley Folk Fest on June 12 & 13, 2015 at the Swan River Curling Rink. The curling rink was filled with the sights, sounds, smells and tastes of 13 different countries and cultures. Click any picture for a larger version. The entertainment lineup featured a variety […]

Written by: Rev Kathy Highmoor Hillsview Pastoral Charge On May 22, 2015 concert band, Country Blend entertained a crowd of over 100 people with, what they describe as “a tribute to the legends of country music.” Click any picture for a larger version. Songs made famous by Rita McNeil, Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, Dolly Parton […]

Submitted by: Elaine Hunt | On the evening of May 22, 2015, Greg Wood, a comedian illusionist, performed for a crowd of 90 children and adults at Temple Baptist Church. Click any picture for a larger version. Everyone that attended was treated to many fun-filled, humorous, and surprising acts. It was obvious the audience enjoyed […]

Submitted by: Jennifer Simpson | On the evening of Saturday, May 9, 2015 at the Elks Hall, Martyn Snell & his students from Avenue Music presented “On Broadway” to a full house. Click picture for a larger version. Guests were treated to songs from Broadway musicals throughout the years, as well as a lovely selection […]

Submitted by: Jayne Leadbeater | The Swan Valley Community Band held their Spring Concert on May 7, 2015 in the multipurpose room of the SVRSS. Over 70 people in the appreciative audience, stopping for doughnuts & coffee afterwards. Above: Julie Kooistra has been Directing, and Founder of SV Community Band, since September 1994. Click any […]

Submitted by: Donna Burghart | The final performance of the year for the Bowsman Accomplished Musicians, held on April 30, 2015 was a success! All year the students have practiced under the instruction of Mr. Marcel Hapel. Thursday nights concert showcased all the hard work. Pictured above: Intermediate Fiddlers Kierstin Griffith & Jillian Hrycyk performed […]

Submitted by: Renate Wille | The Art Show was worth the drive into the country. You opened the church doors and entered a world of colour, arts and crafts: God given talents shared to be enjoyed. Click any picture for a larger version. The food and a chance to visit with friends were a drawing […]

Submitted by: Shirley Todosichuk | The Minitonas Fiddlin Program held its 9th annual Spring Concert on April 24, 2015 at the Minitonas Early Years Auditorium. Picture by Jen Zamzow – Click for a larger version. The spotlight was placed on 38 of our grade 1 to grade 8 young musicians in the program under the […]

Submitted by: Leigh Osatchuk | The Vesselli Dance Concert was held on Saturday, April 25, 2015. The Benito Gymnasium was busting at the seams with family and friends of the dancers, and terrific community members. Click any picture for a larger version. The afternoon was sure to be a fantastic performance for everyone. The audience […]

Lloyd Gilchrist | More than forty awards, scholarships, and trophies were awarded to particpants in this year’s fiddling and guitar, speech arts, keyboard and vocal, and band festivals. This year’s awards concert also celebrated 80 years of festivals in the Swan Valley. Click any picture for a larger version. Displays showing memorabilia from past years […]

Submitted by: Nicole Clouson | The Dolyna Dancers once again performed to a packed house at the Annual Dessert Concert on April 25th at the SVRSS. The “Pryvit” or “Welcome Dance” gave the audience a glimpse of what the evening would hold. Click any picture for a larger version. This dance included several Ukrainian regions, […]

Submitted by: Gwenda Wotton | The 26th Annual Jamboree, held on April 25, 2015 in Birch River was again successful. There were many great talents showcase and young and old enjoyed the evening. Click any picture for a larger version. Isabelle Davy and Eunice Rosteski started this evening 26 years ago. The Rosteski Children have […]

Submitted by: Lloyd Gilchrist | This year’s fine arts festival concluded it performance sessions with the band festival on April 13 through April 17, 2015. Click any picture for a larger version. Sessions began on Monday with sessions held in Benito School, carried on in Minitonas on Tuesday at the Minitonas Middle Years School, at […]

Submitted by: Lloyd Gilchrist | The keyboard, vocal, and choral portions of the Swan Valley Fine Arts Festival were held this past Wednesday to Friday, April 8-10, 2015 at the Temple Baptist Church in Swan River. Click any picture for a larger version. Festival president April Maxwell (left) opened the session and welcomed prominent Winnipeg […]

Submitted by: Donna L D Burghart BAM Jam Camp held March 30 & 31, 2015, put on by the Bowsman School Parent Advisory Council, was once again a great success! Click any picture for a larger version. This was the 5th Anniversary for BAM Jam Camp and proved that the talent in our Valley just […]

Submitted by: Michele Poole | On Wednesday, March 25th, 2015 the students of the Swan School of Dance “wowed” a packed audience with a spectacular show! The two hour long recital featured 28 excellent dance numbers. Photos are courtesy of “Captured by Jennifer” Photographer. Click any picture for a larger version. From our tiny “Movers […]

Submitted by: Lloyd Gilchrist | The Swan Valley Fine Arts Festivals began another season of festivals with a very successful ‘Fiddlin’ Festival held at Temple Baptist Church on Friday, March 20, 2015 Click any picture for a larger version. The day began with an early morning session where fiddling students performed for adjudication. This year […]

Submitted by: Patti Hack On February 27 & 28, 2015 the Benito School held a dinner theatre, presenting Uncle Phil’s Diner. Audience members were thoroughly entertained. A great time was had by all! Above: Cast members of Benito School Uncle Phil’s Dinner Theater 2015. Click for a larger version.