Submitted by: David Ogram | This year’s Christmas Program was held at the Swan River Seventh-day Adventist Church on the evening of December 6, 2014. Click any picture for a larger version. Approximately 70 people watched and listened to a very inspiring program entitled “The Light Has Come”. The Program focused on the words of […]

Submitted by: Paula Jones | The Community Foundation of Swan Valley hosted their 5th Annual Dinner Theatre Fundraiser on Friday November 27, 2014 at Veteran’s Hall. The Valley Stage Player’s production of Hilda’s Yard by Norm Foster was a hit. Their comical portrayal of a middle class family in the 1960’s whose adult children return […]

Submitted by: Lloyd Gilchrist | The Valley Stage Players’ production of Norm Forster’s “Hilda’s Yard” received rave reviews from three very appreciative audiences over the weekend. Click any picture for a larger version. The production opened to an enthusiastic audience present at the Community Foundation of Swan Valley’s popular dinner theatre evening this past Friday […]

Submitted by: Pamela Bowles | On November 8, 2014 approximately 200 people attended the 4th Annual Harvest Celebration supper and dance hosted by the Shaker Misto Dance Club and the Benito Recreation Centre. Guests enjoyed a delicious supper of perogies, cabbage rolls, beet rolls, ham, and cream chicken. Following supper, they were entertained with Ukrainian […]

Submitted by: Tim Mueller| Calvin and Darla Leslie were overwhelmed by the response of a concert given to raise funds to aide in Darla’s medical expenses. Click any picture for a larger version. The Minitonas Coffee House Band provided accompaniment for many of the performers from around the Swan Valley area, as well as performing […]

ValleyBiz Story | Mike Beaudry from Bellsite, MB makes his debut on Gold Rush Season 5, Episode 4: Viking Ship. Gold Rush is a reality television series that airs on Discovery. Submitted Photo The show focuses on the mining of gold placer deposits found in the Yukon Territory, Canada by various teams of miners. Mike […]

Submitted by: Judy Biech | A large crowd attended the annual Lenswood Harvest dance Nov. 8, 2014 Everyone had a great time dancing and visiting to the music of Ken Thompson and Desmond Legace. A huge midnight lunch gave the dancers energy to boogie till 1:00 am. Thanks to everyone who came out to support […]

Submitted by: Lloyd Gilchrist | The Valley Stage Players are deep in rehearsals for their major production “Hilda’s Yard” which will be presented on November 29 and 30, 2014 at the Veterans’ Hall in Swan River. Click any picture for a larger version. This year’s production is a comedy written by the talented and successful […]

Submitted by: Beverley Polon | Hope you had a chance to visit Swan Valley Community’s That Care Spooktober Fest Haunted House! It was a great event which offered a Halloween experience for all ages. Click any picture for a larger version. There were between 800-900 visitors, who attended Spooktoberfest over the three days. All visitors […]

Submitted by: Lloyd Gilchrist | The Swan Valley Hoedowners started their new season with two fun-filled nights welcoming new dancers to their square dance club at the Senior Centre in Swan River on October 8 and 15, 2014. Linda Gilchrist, the club caller, provided the instructions as almost two squares of new dancers joined with […]

ValleyBiz Story | One of Swan River’s residents has recently had their work published in the popular Chicken Soup for the Soul book series. Linda Carpentier’s story “The Best Gift” has been included in the new book “Chicken Soup for the Soul: Christmas in Canada.” Linda Carpentier received her Bachelor of Arts degree from the […]

Submitted by: Patti Hack | Benito School Parent Council and Benito Child Care Center had an amazing turnout at the John Kaplan Magic Show. More than 400 children and adults turned up for the late afternoon event. Click any picture for a larger version. Doors opened at 3:00 and by 3:30 the Rec Centre was […]

Submitted by: April Maxwell The Swan Valley Fine Arts Festival Association held a special meeting at Fabriculous on September 30, 2014 to determine whether to fold completely as there were not enough members to successfully continue. Click any picture for a larger version. Our plea to the public was successful. with 5 new people attending […]

Submitted by: Rob Ter Horst | On June 26, 2014 Link Union held a bluegrass concert at Temple Baptist Church in Swan River. There were 170 people (including kids, youth and adults) at the concert. The family is so talented and they put on a great performance. Everyone enjoyed the music, and hopefully we’ll have […]

Submitted by: Donna Leming | The 6 Generation Quilt Show on May 17, 2014 was a resounding success. Approximately 80 people meandered up and down through the quilt lined corridors. Click any picture for a larger version. Fifty quilts created by Catherine Mae Epler and her descendants were displayed. Also on display were quick quilts […]

Submitted by: Shirley Todosichuk The Minitonas Early Years School Gym was the place to be in Minitonas on Friday, May 9th as parents, grandparents, friends and music lovers gathered for the 8th Annual Minitonas Fiddling Program Spring Concert. Click any picture for a larger version. Pictured above: Jesse Janzen, Wyatt Reader, Trinity Janzen, Talia Janzen, […]

Submitted by: Tanya Staniland Another successful Mother’s Day Dance in Lenswood!! Thank you to everyone who came out and had a great time!!! Thanks to Hair Mechanics for donating the Mother’s Day Pedicure gift certificate!

Submitted by: Evelyn Bredin The Swan Valley Fine Arts Association held their annual Festival Awards Concert on Tuesday, May 6, 2014 with 50 recipients honored for fine arts excellence. Click any picture for a larger version. Above: Desi Lagace playing double bass received Home & School Trophy for Senior Band solo and the Lloyd C. […]

Submitted by: Jayne G. Leadbeater The Swan Valley Community Band annual Spring Concert on Wednesday, May 7, 2014 was well attended with over 80 people in attendance, with some having to stand. Above: Barb Beadle — we have a really good time. Click any picture for a larger version. The Swan Valley Community Band performed […]

Submitted by: Lloyd Gilchrist More than seven squares of enthusiastic square dancers joined with the Swan Valley Hoedowners to wind up the square dance season with a fun-filled dance which was held at the Kenville Hall on Saturday, May 3, 2014. Click any picture for a larger version. Dancing began at 2:30 p.m. and continued […]

Submitted by: Renate Wille Exhibitors: Alex Stupak, Jean Hunt, Naomi Nemez, Mary Jane Eichler, Barb L’Abbe, Wilma Barkman, Barb and Terry Filuk, Martyn Snell, Shirley Nemez and Renate Wille. The annual event was worth the drive into the countryside! Click any picture for a larger version. The show exceeded all expectations as to the art, […]

Submitted by: Carolle Cowan | On Thursday, April 26, 2014, parents, teachers and friends gathered to enjoy Beginner Fiddlin’ sessions with students of Mr. Desmond Legace in the Lower Hall of the Temple Baptist Church. Click any picture for a larger version. Mr. Legace accompanies his students, young boys and girls. In the afternoon and […]

Submitted by: Christine Klimuk The Dolyna Dancers held their annual year end dessert concert this Saturday April 26, 2014. The audience was treated to performances by dancers of all ages from Sodochuk to Senior. Click any picture for a larger version. There were also guest performances by the Dolyna Adult Dancers and our own instructors […]

Submitted by: Donna L D Burghart | April 25, 2014 the Bowsman Legion Hall was the venue for the 7th Annual BAM Spring Concert. The Bowsman Accomplished Musicians is the fiddle & guitar program under the Bowsman School PAC. Click any picture for a larger version. Mr. Desmond Lagace works with the students one day […]

Submitted by: Lloyd Gilchrist “Circle left, circle right, promenade, right and left grand, swing your partner, weave the ring” were just some of the moves called out as the Swan Valley Hoedowners hosted guests at their square dances April 9 & 16, 2014 Click any picture for a larger version. Several new dancers were welcomed […]

Submitted by: Donna L D Burghart With our highest number of participants, reaching 58, BAM Jam Camp was an inspirational 2 days. With the generosity of local sponsors, 32 of these students were able to participate through this sponsorship. Thanks go to the Bowsman Lions Club, The Swan River Lions Club, Minitonas Lions, The Royal […]

Submitted by: Michele Poole The Swan School of Dance held their annual recital on Wednesday, March 26th, 2014 in front of a packed house, at the SVRSS. People were entertained by tap, jazz, ballet, hip hop, and lyrical dances. Click any picture for a larger version. With the theme of “This Is It”….. Michele Poole […]

Written and Submitted by: Debbie Soloway On Friday March 14th, 2014 Rachel & Darwin Dancsok of Esterhazy, Saskatchewan entertained to an audience of 45-50 people by singing and playing great country gospel favorites. Click any picture for a larger version. Rachel is an award winning country gospel singer, starting at the early age of thirteen […]

Submitted by: Betty MacCumber The February Minitonas Coffee house was held Saturday, February 8, 2014 at the Minitonas Hall. The coffee house was a great success with about 100 people including performers. The Minitonas Coffee House is held the second Saturday of every month from 7pm until 11pm. We welcome all the performers and singers […]

Submitted by: Donna Burghart On Sat. January 25, 2014 the Bowsman Legion hall was filled with some great tunes to raise funds for the Bowsman School BAM fiddle & guitar program. Maclyn Burghart (left) showcased her skills on the mandolin.Click any picture for a larger version. Three generations of Lagace’s entertained the crowd with their […]

Submitted by: Donna Burghart | On November 29, 2013 the Bowsman School BAM fiddle program had guest instructor Donna Turk from Calgary, AB instruct workshops in the afternoon. Click any picture for a larger version. Pictured above is first year fiddler, Damien Stevens getting some help with his bow hold. The advanced group got instruction […]

Submitted by: Jayne Leadbeater Swan Valley Community Band started Sept. 1994, after our director, Julie Kooistra placed an ad in the Star & Times for those interested in playing again. Click any picture for a larger version. The beginning numbers were small, about 15, but has swelled to a steady number in the last 7-8 […]

Submitted by: Tammy Zaretsky-Denischuk The Dolyna Dancers once again danced to a filled SVRSS Cafeteria this past Tuesday evening, during their 3rd Annual Old Fashion Christmas Concert! Friends and family were entertained by our dancers’ newest dances, instructed by Joe Synk and new to our instructional team, Kelsa Ewashko. A number of Traditional Ukrainian Carols […]

Submitted by: Swan Valley Settlement and Immigrant Services The festival of trees saw well over 100 people through the doors during the two days. There were 11 trees and 21 gingerbread cottages. Click any picture for a larger version. 1st prize tree went to the Communities in Bloom entry. 1st prize gingerbread went to KA […]

Submitted by: Lloyd Gilchrist | Three appreciative audiences enjoyed the Valley Stage Players’ weekend production of Norm Foster’s comedy, Office Hours at Swan River’s Veterans Community Hall. Click any picture for a larger version. Friday night’s performance was presented in partnership with the Community Foundation of Swan Valley who sponsored the evening as a dinner […]

Submitted by: Teresa McKay Friday evening, Nov. 22, was an excellent evening at the Veteran’s Community Hall in Swan River. The dinner theatre evening was hosted by the Swan Valley Community Foundation in partnership with the Valley Stage Players. Many enjoyed a delicious meal prepared by Dianne Simms Catering, followed by an entertaining presentation by […]

Submitted by: Shirley Yaschyshyn On Saturday, November 16, 2013 the Benito Recreation Centre and the Shaker Misto Dance Club hosted a Harvest Celebration Supper and Dance. Click any picture for a larger version. The evening started off with a delicious meal of perogies, cabbage rolls, beet niks, stuffed pork loin, mushroom and sweet and sour […]

Submitted by: Judy Biech | The Lenswood Hall was vibrating with good music and good times on Sat. Nov. 16, 2013 at the annual Harvest wind-up dance. Click a picture for a larger version. A large crowd of folks, of all ages, from all over the valley & beyond danced to the lively music of […]

Submitted by: Debbie Soloway The Pine River Community Centre hosted a special coffee house on October 26th, 2013 that included great entertainment and talented performers. Click any picture for a larger version. The afternoon started off with introductions, organizer Debbie Soloway introduced Honorable W. Yvon Dumont as the MC for the event (Past Lieutenant Governor […]

Submitted by: Irene Hartwig | There were Pumpkins, Mice, Spies, and Scarecrows, just to name a few of the creatures that came out to dance and visit during the Swan Valley Air Cadets’ Halloween Dance on Friday, October 25th. Click any picture for a larger version. Our DJ, Tim Kemash, who is a former Air […]

ValleyBiz Story | The 10th Annual Bowsman Bullarama put on by the Bowsman and District Lions Club was an awesome event. Watch some of the highlights in the videos below. The Wild West Shootout is a must see – even if you saw it in person. Videos Submitted by: Kevin Penner. Wild West Shootout Main […]

ValleyBiz Story | The Bowsman and District Lions Club hosted an Old Western Family Steak BBQ and Saloon on Saturday, October 5, 2013. The event included wagon rides, live music and dancing, a saloon and a wild west show. Click any picture for a larger version. Kids played cowboy on a rocking horse and poeple […]

Submitted by: Lloyd Gilchrist | The Swan Valley Hoedowners Square Dance club got the new season rolling on Wednesday by welcoming several new dancers to their weekly dance. Click any picture for a larger version. Caller Linda Gilchrist began the evening by putting all the dancers in a large circle and explaining and practicing some […]

Submitted by: Christine Marek-Matejka | Home Routes is proud to present an eclectic mix of superb professional musicians from across our great country and beyond. Left: Acoustic blues artists, Hills and Lemelin, throw it down on Sunday afternoon at the Matejka’s. Click picture for a larger version. With the fall season upon us, community volunteers […]

Submitted by: Lloyd Gilchrist Callers Linda Gilchrist and Brad Slepicka hosted a mid-summer square dance on August 3, 2013 in the fellowship hall at the United Church Camp at Wellman Lake. Click any picture for a larger version. Dancing began at 2 p.m and continued until 8 p.m with a break for a delicious potluck […]

Submitted by: Melodie Smith | After our first annual community family dance, I feel it was a great start to celebrating our youth in the Valley. Great family fun! Click any picture for a larger version. The Skateboard Union would like to thank all the parents and youth who came out to dance. All monies […]

Submitted by: Wade Dale | Bowsman United Church Prayer Quilt Group 3th Annual quilt Show “Joy” was held at the Bowsman Legion on Saturday June 1, 2013. Click any picture for a larger version. It takes a lot of work to set up such a large quilt show. Luckily the quilters spouse, children and friends […]

Submitted by: Tanya Staniland The Lenswood Mother’s Day Dance took place at the Lenswood Community Hall on Saturday, May 11, 2013. Click any picture for a larger version. It was a great evening of music and dancing. Thanks to all those who attended and supported the Lenswood Community and Hall.

Submitted by: Jayne G. Leadbeater (Minish) Secretary/Public Relations Swan Valley Community Band Swan Valley Community Band has been in operation since the Fall of 1994, 19 years, with Julie Kooistra, our Founder and our Director. Click any picture for a larger version. People have come & gone over the years, but the group seems to […]

ValleyBiz Story | On Friday, May 10, 2013 the Swan Valley Regional Secondary School Drama Club presented the musical Beauty & the Beast Jr. Additional performances were scheduled on: Sat. May 11 at 7pm Sun. May 12 at 2pm Click any picture for a larger version. The students brought the enchanted world of Disney’s Beauty […]