Submitted by: Diane Rooks | It was a great day at the Minitonas Christmas Market on Saturday, November 18, 2017! Lots of people came out to shop and have lunch. Even Santa came to check out what was there and take some pictures with the kids.

ValleyBiz Story | The opening ceremonies for the 2018 Canadian Mixed Curling Championship presented by Westman Communications Group, were held at the Swan River Curling Club on Sunday, November 12, 2017. Lloyd Lawson from the 1979 Provincial Championship team from Swan River threw the first ceremonial rock along side team members Lorraine Goodman, Mary Todorchuk […]

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: Brenda Fisher | Our 38th Annual Calico Corners Craft Sale held on November 3, 2017 was a huge success. The wintery weather definitely got everyone into the festive shopping mood. There was a large variety of crafters displaying their wares for the browsing public. Shoppers could then enjoy a delicious warm bowl of […]

Submitted by: Al Berkan |The 55th Annual Rotary Radio Auction was held on November 2, 2017. The bell rang 140 times as individuals got the item they were hoping to acquire. These items donated by local businesses resulted in us raising over $13,000 to be used to support local Rotary projects. The main projects this […]

Submitted by: Barb Lewis | Dispute the snowy weather, the Swan Valley Air Cadets Squadron #519 had a good turn out for the garage sale on November 4th, 2017! We want to thank everyone who donated and who shopped, ate chili and drank coffee!! The cadets also sold poppies at various sites throughout Swan River […]

Submitted by: Debbie Soloway | On Saturday October 28th, 2017 the Pine River Community Centre opened the doors to celebrated Canada’s 150th birthday with just under 50 people in attendance. The centre was decorated in Canadian pride with red and white balloons decaled with maple leaves and Canadian flags. The balloons were placed in vases […]

Submitted by: Gwenda Wotton | On Saturday, October 28, 2017 the Birch River Senior Group held their annual craft sale. Over 20 tables of crafts, baking, sewing, knitting, local frames, pictures available for sale. Thank you to everyone that came out. Lots of Chili and visiting was enjoyed by all. A BIG Thank You to […]

Submitted by: Beverley Polon | We hope you had a chance to visit the Swan Valley Communities That Care (SVCTC) Spooktober- Fest Haunted House! It was a smashing event which offered a Halloween experience for all ages. There were over 1640 visitors, who attended Spooktober-Fest at the SV Historical Museum over the three days of […]

ValleyBiz Story | The Swan River Valley Agricultural Society (SRVAS) invited representatives from various community groups and organizations for a “Community Conversation” to help determine the desired future for the Ag Society. About 40 people attended the planning session on October 26, 2017. Liz Roberts, President of Liz Roberts & Associates, a consulting firm out […]

Submitted by: Leigh Osatchuk | The 5th Annual Benito Fireman’s Steak Supper was a great success as the Fireman served and fed close to 300 hungry supporters. Neighboring communities with volunteer services were also in attendance to show their support and appreciation of the work these men and women do. Over and above the ticket […]

Submitted by: Susan Ross | Pictures by Jennifer Simpson | On Friday October 27, 2017 Swan Valley Band Booster held a new and exciting fundraiser. A paint night with local artist Suzanne May was held at the SVRSS cafeteria. In just 2½ hours participants received step by step instruction to complete a beautiful fall themed […]

To our family, friends and community members, You have truly touched our hearts with your love and friendship. Special thanks to Colinda, Corina, Crystal and Darlene for organizing such a wonderful fundraising supper Saturday, October 21, 2017. Special thanks to Lee Graff, Tripp Family, Murley Family, Emerson Family, Lana Sagert, Louisiana Pacific, Minitonas Community Store, […]

Submitted Story | Minitonas Knox United Church held their fall tea on October 21, 2017. Our youngest helper cheerfully revealed the winner of each of the silent auction items. Guests were treated to pie and coffee or tea and many visitors took home some yummy treats from the bake table. The young servers kept the […]

Submitted by: Mike Hobson | The Swan River Golf and Country Club held their Annual General Meeting on Wednesday, October 18, 2017. The meeting went very well and there was lots of positive feedback which was great to hear. Overall the year was a success as we have improved in most revenue streams. The pro […]

Submitted by: Tanya Powell | The Elbert Chartrand Friendship Centre Craft and Small Business Sale held on October 14, 2017 was a great success. The sale was attended by over 300 eager shoppers. There were over 35 tables of goods displayed and many new crafts to choose from.

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: Edgar Yacyshyn | On Oct 1st, 2017 Durban Community had their fall supper starting at 4:30 and ending at 6:30, a busy time serving over 300 hungry patrons. Everyone helped themselves to breaded chicken breast, meat balls, cabbage rolls, and of course perogies, and with all the other complements, plus angel food cake […]

Submitted by: Joyce Trevellyan | Royal Purple Elks Lodge #185 hosted about 30 guests to the grand opening of the Bocce Ball Courts on Thursday, September 28, 2017 in Legion Park. Special Olympics Coach Bev Lumax explained the goals & rules of Bocce play. Members of the Swan River “Fireballs” team did a demonstration. One […]

Submitted by: Lynda Leslie, Tent Town Garden Club (TTG Club) | With additional pictures by ValleyBiz Our goal was to have our Canada 150 Circle of Friends cement pad, sidewalk and sign installed before the snow and it is completed and beautiful! The existing material was removed, the cement forms were installed, and the next […]

Submitted by: Community Foundation of Swan Valley | Last year the Community Foundation of Swan Valley (CFSV) Cultural Gala wowed guests with stunning decorations, fantastic food, superb service and spectacular entertainment. Above: 2016 Community Foundation Cultural Gala Planning for this year’s must attend event began last fall and it promises to be another night to […]

Submitted by: Erin Brown | Swan River is pleased to be hosting the 2018 Canadian Mixed Curling Championship. The curling takes place November 12 – 18, 2017, and will have 14 teams from across Canada join us here in Swan River for a great event! And everyone knows, you can’t host a national mixed curling […]

Submitted by: Henry Barkowski | Approximately 35 people attended an Open House on September 2, 2017 at the Pioneer Lodge in Minitonas. The purpose of the event was to inform seniors living in Minitonas of services, supports and opportunities available to them. Pictured above: (left-right) Marlene Lasuik, Carroll Henderson, June Hart, Ida Theodore, Pat Foster, […]

Submitted by: Jayne Leadbeater | On September 20, 2017 the Swan Valley Community Band had their 24th Beginning Day with new members joining the group. SVRSS Band Room is our venue for rehearsals, with performances either in the MPR or Cafeteria. Having just finished 23 years, the Band is anticipating another successful year of activity […]

Submitted Story | For the first time ever, the Tigers have claimed the MHSAA provincial golf title and will have a banner to hang in the SVRSS gymnasium. The Tigers Girls foursome travelled to the Gilbert Plains Country Club on Friday, September 22, 2017 after earning the zone crown the previous week. They would face […]

Submitted by: Sherry Martin | SVAPL enjoyed a very successful and sold out banquet on September 23, 2017. Everyone had a great time visiting before dinner and checking out the items on the auction tables. Click any picture for a larger version. Dinner was a delicious meal catered by Verneece Eggie and her crew. Nobody […]

Submitted by: Gloria Kutynec | The Swan River Valley Health Auxiliary held a “Ladies Nite Out” on September 18, 2017. The room in the Westwood Inn looked inviting with candles and fall leaves and berries. Click any picture for a larger version. Gayle Dunnett, president of the Swan River Valley Health Auxiliary, welcomed everyone to […]

ValleyBiz Story | The Minitonas Hall recently received some significant upgrades and the new kitchen is definitely the star of the show. The kitchen was completely gutted and re-designed to create a beautiful and functional space. Click any picture for a larger version. The kitchen features new cupboards, shelving and movable island work spaces as […]

Submitted Story | The Swan Valley Splash park recently received a donation from Westwood Inn in the amount of $1,000. The donation will go toward the building of a splash park in Swan River. Submitted Picture: Splash Park Board Member, Jaimie Walker receiving the cheque from Brent Scales on behalf of Westwood Inn. “Just one […]

Submitted by: Jim Webster | The 37th annual Terry Fox run held in Swan River Manitoba on September 17, 2017 was a huge success. We had approximately 60 participants including volunteers as well that took part. ValleyBiz photos. Click any picture for a larger version. We raised almost $9700 from this year’s run. The top […]

Submitted by: Wayne Markle | The Swan River Lions Club held a dog walk in aid of the Dog Guide Program of Canada on Saturday Sept 16, 2016 in the Legion Park. The day was cool but the enthusiasm of all participants was high. Click any picture for a larger version. There were 26 dogs […]

Submitted Story | The Community Foundation of Swan Valley (CFSV) is now receiving applications for the 2017 Granting Period. The CFSV is a charitable organization founded by local citizens to help people invest in building a community that is a better place to live, work and play. Since its inception in 2005, the CFSV has […]

Submitted by: June McKenzie | The final event nite for Tuesday Gals Golf sponsored by Aspire Dental Clinic was held on Sept. 12, 2017 and was a huge success. The Canada 150 theme brought out some patriotic outfits. Click any picture for a larger version. 45 ladies had perfect summer weather to enjoy a fun […]

Submitted by: Patti Henkelman | It was a busy evening at the Swan Valley Credit Union Mass Registration held at the Swan River Curling Rink on September 7, 2017. Click any picture for a larger version. The community had the opportunity to register for many programs such as the new martial arts academy, as well […]

Submitted by: Carla Dixon | A Proclamation was issued by Scott Fielding, Minister of Families declaring the week of September 10–16, 2017 “Direct Support Professional Recognition Week” in Manitoba. Click any picture for a larger version. ACL Swan River once again presented heartfelt tokens of gratitude to 51 Direct Support Professionals employed by the organization. […]

Submitted by: Formo Motors | The Ford Drive 4UR Community Event for the Youth Soccer League held on September 2, 2017 was very successful!! Click any picture for a larger version. Thank you to the soccer club for partnering, the Lions Club for all the volunteer help, The Elbert Chartrand Friendship Centre for the venue, […]

Submitted by: Lynda Leslie | Amidst the busy harvest season of 2017, the Minitonas Tent Town Garden Club hosted their annual Fruit Festival on Saturday September 9, 2017. Click any picture for a larger version. The hall was decorated in keeping with the theme of the year – Canada 150 – with red and white. […]

Submitted by: Bernice Bohnhardt | On Saturday, Sept 2, 2017 approximately 160 people (young & old) came out to celebrate the 90th birthday of Lydia Koop. Pictured above: Daughters; Nadine and Deloris, Lydia(90) Nettie(Lydia’s sister from AB – 92 yrs), Marilyn, Bernice. Click any picture for a larger version. Everyone who knows Lydia, is accustomed […]

Submitted by: Violet Plett | Our fundraiser held on September 4, 2017 for the Barrows Gospel Jamboree went well. The weather was mostly nice with only a light shower for a short while. Click any picture for a larger version. Thanks to all who were playing ball and watching who supported our food booth. A […]

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 Stock Car Club had so much fun this year they weren’t ready to stop for the season. One last race was scheduled for August 27, 2017 and there was plenty of excitement at the track. Click any picture for a larger version.

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 […]

Submitted by: Jaci Zbirun | The Benito Ladies Auxilary were pleased to accept a very generous donation of $500 from Ag Shield Manufacturing for the renovations of the Benito Legion Hall. Pictured above: Tom and Debbie McCrea of Ag Shield Manufacturing and Cora Coutts Past President of the Benito Ladies Auxilary. Click any picture for […]

Submitted Story | The Swan River Day Care Centre now has a very handsome gazebo in its fenced-in play yard which provides shade to little ones during these hot summer days. Click picture for a larger version. As the largest and longest standing child care facility in the valley, it serves over 70 families every […]

Submitted by: Susan Ross | Valleys North 4-H clubs celebrated Canada 150 at the Northwest Roundup and Exhibition with a display that showcased local 4-H from yesterday, today and our hope for the 4H clubs of tomorrow. Click any picture for a larger version. The yesterday section, hosted by Georgina Mosiondz, provided a look back […]

ValleyBiz Story | It was a hot one at the 2017 Northwest Roundup and Exhibition. As the temperatures soared, so did the action at the grandstand. Here are some highlights of the fast paced, scorching action. Click any picture for a larger version.

Submitted by: Barry Stephen | Wow… what a super fantastic weekend… the weather was unbelievable and the patrons were there by the hundreds! We had three great pancake breakfasts. Click any picture for a larger version. Friday was at Formo Motors with close to a couple hundred hungry people that came out before the parade. […]

ValleyBiz Story | The theme of this year’s Chamber of Commerce Parade at the Northwest Roundup was Celebrate Canada 150. Floats and participants were all decked out in Red and White and all things Canadian Eh! Click any picture for a larger version. The RCMP and Veterans led the parade. Participants showed off their True […]