Submitted by: Holly Urban and Sherry Markle | Once again, the SVAPL banquet was completely sold out. It is always nice to see the community coming out to support a great cause. Click any picture for a larger version. Murray Wenstob was invited to give the blessing before the meal commenced. The crowd enjoyed a […]

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 […]

ValleyBiz Story | Although the day started out damp and dreary, about 60 dedicated participants and volunteers gathered to take part in the Terry Fox Run on Sunday, September 18, 2016. Just as the walk began, the rain cleared for most of the duration. Click any picture for a larger version. The total amount raised […]

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 […]

Submitted by: June McKenzie | “She”nanigans was the theme on September 13, 2016 for the last event nite for Tuesday nite gals golf. Each golfer could only chose 3 clubs to golf with which made for some “awesome” shots. Click any picture for a larger version. Everyone enjoyed the evening which included a delicous rib […]

Submitted by: Rose Kovachik | The annual Cowan Trail Celebration once again occurred on the fourth Saturday of August, being August 27, 2016 this year. Pictures submitted by: Rose Kovachik and Rita Cryderman What is Cowan Trail? – many people have asked. Well it is an event that was started some 18 years ago by […]

Submitted by: Michelle Buck | The Blue Sky Arena wrapped up their season this past weekend with a trail ride on Saturday, September 10, 2016 and a team cattle penning jackpot on Sunday, September 11, 2016. Click any picture for a larger version. Pictures by Carmi Hrabarchuk an Michelle Buck Saturday’s ride started and ended […]

Submitted by: Teresa McKay | The annual Tent Town Garden Fruit Festival was held Saturday, September 10th, 2016 at the Minitonas Town Hall. Many enjoyed pie and coffee with a variety of baking, vegetables, preserves and flowers for sale. Click any picture for a larger version. Door prizes and a chance auction also brought some […]

Submitted by: Carol Silverthorn | The Bowsman Community Skating Arena and the Bowsman Community Curling Club would like to thank everyone who came out to The Chase the Ace on Friday night, September 2, 2016, to help us celebrate our one year of hosting this event. Click any picture for a larger version. To date […]

ValleyBiz Story | Aspire Dental Centre held their grand re-opening on August 25, 2016. Mayor Glen McKenzie cut the ribbon for the new facility along with owner Dr. Gurinder Kler, former owner Dr. Siggi Sigurdson, many staff members and several town councillors. Click any picture for a larger version. Aspire Dental Centre is the new […]

Submitted by: June McKenzie | The Ultimate Challenge on August 16 was a huge success. If you wanted to combine golf and construction, this was your chance. Greens may have had pylons, hoses, or toilet seats. Now that was a challenge!! Click any picture for a larger version. After the golf, the ladies enjoyed a […]

ValleyBiz Story | The sun peaked through the clouds and the pouring rain came to a stop shortly after 4:00 pm on Saturday August 13, 2016 allowing the outdoor Metis Day games and eventsto get underway at the Elbert Chartrand Friendship Centre. Click any picture for a larger version. The obstacle course was a hit […]

Submitted by: Edgar Yacyshyn | On Sunday Aug 07, 2016 Durban had their Demo Derby. With great fans and beautiful weather it was a fun day. Crowds were entertained by the roar of the engines and the flying action of the cars. Click any picture for a larger version. Photos by ValleyBiz and Submitted Thanks […]

ValleyBiz.ca Story | The Northewest Roundup and Exhibition featured serveral wild and woolly events for participants of all ages. A large number of participants took part from across the Valley and beyond. Click any picture for a larger version. Many brave youngsters took a turn at Mutton Busting. The main strategy is “Don’t Let Go!” […]

ValleyBiz Story | Chariot and Chuckwagon races at the Northwest Roundup offered 4 days of North American Chuckwagon & Chariot Championship excitement. The grandstand was filled to capacity with cheering fans as the horses thundered around the track. Click any picture for a larger version.

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: Sheree Soura | On July 2, 2016 about 225 people enjoyed a glorious sunny day as they viewed some incredibly beautiful gardens during our annual Garden Walk held by the Swan River Ladies Golf Club. Click any picture for a larger version. Pictures by ValleyBiz There were seven yards, all unique and impeccably […]

Submitted by: Debbie (Bell) Soloway | It was great to see a wonderful group of people enjoying each other’s company and sharing stories and lots of laughter. Click any picture for a larger version. On Sunday July 24, 2016 the place to experience this type of enjoyment was at the tiny village of Renwer, MB, […]

Submitted by: Angela Mullin Written by: Craig Zamzow This spring the Dauphin Soccer Association and Swan Valley Youth Soccer joined forces to enter a team in the Manitoba Soccer Association Regional Festival. Click any picture for a larger version. As each Association season ended a team was created to begin practicing and also played the […]

Submitted by: Craig Zamzow | The Parkland Predators U11 Girls soccer team was started this spring with 7 players from the Dauphin Soccer Association and 5 players from Swan Valley Youth Soccer. Click any picture for a larger version. In June they had a game in Dauphin vs a boys team and lost 4-2. In […]

Submitted by: June McKenzie | Tuesday Night Golf on July 19, 2016 was a blast with an enthusiastic group of golfers trying not to lose their PINK ball. Weather was perfect, food was fabulous and fun was had by all. Click any picture for a larger version. Our amazing sponsor was Kal Tire. They donated […]

Submitted by: Barry Stephen | July 20, 2016 was a great day for a hotdog sale…. Thanks to  160 hungry supporters who came out to the Giant Tiger parking lot to enjoy a hotdog , chips and a drink. Click any picture for a larger version. Giant Tiger provided the goods and the Bowsman Curling […]

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 […]

Submitted by: Cheryl Ellingson | The weather was beautiful for the baseball and football clinics and approximately 30 athletes came to improve their skills. Click any picture for a larger version. They participated in both on field and off field sessions which focused on developing them as total athletes, physically, mentally and spiritually. The clinic […]

Submitted by: Tracy Maksymchuk | Parkland Boys U13 team hosted Team Norman for two games on Sunday, July 10, 2016 The 1st game ended in a 1-1 tie with Austin Terry scoring the only goal for Parkland. Click any picture for a larger version. This led to a 5 player shootout to decide the game, […]

Submitted by: Vivian Rooks | On Saturday, June 25, 2016 friends and relatives of Colleen Keefe’s got together for an enjoyable evening. The Big Woody Hall was packed to capacity and everyone had a great time. Click any picture for a larger version. The evening was organized by a few friends and relatives of Colleen’s […]

Submitted by: Leigh Osatchuk | Benito celebrated Canada Day 2016 with a full day of events. The day kicked off with a fantastic pancake breakfast hosted by the Benito Volunteer Firefighters Association. Click any picture for a larger version. At times the wait was a bit long, but in the end very worth the time […]

Submitted by: Shasta Scott | The Compassionate Friends group in Swan River hosted our annual balloon release Sunday, June 26, 2016 at the Legion Park. Click any picture for a larger version. It was a nice event with some new people attending this year to share in the celebration of our children. Thank you to […]

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 […]

ValleyBiz Story | On Thursday, June 23, 2016 the Social Justice League from the Minitonas Middle Years School participated in a World Vision Walk for Water to raise funds and awareness for water scarcity in Tanzania, Africa. Click any picture for a larger version. Students were required to carry between 2 and 6 litres of […]

ValleyBiz Story | School may be almost done but, for Mrs. Mullin’s Grade 4 Minitonas Early Years class, that doesn’t mean the learning stops nor does it mean that summer fun has to wait. Click any picture for a larger version. On Tuesday June 21, 2016 the class enjoyed a field trip to the Duck […]

Submitted by: Rose Kovachik The Father’s Day Brunch was held at the Cowan Community Centre on Sunday, June 19, 2016. The weather was bright and sunny and so were the smiles of the participants that attended this function. Pictures submitted by Rita Cryderman. Click any picture for a larger version. It was also a windy […]

Submitted by: Debbie Soloway | In the little village of Pine River on Saturday June 18th, 2016 the day was beautiful with the sun in the sky and a light breeze blowing. Click any picture for a larger version. The breeze made it very comfortable for people to walk or drive through the town looking […]

Submitted by: June McKenzie | Tuesday Night Gals Golf on June 14, 2016 saw 62 enthusiastic golfers out for “Wine & Cheese” event night sponsored by Formo Motors. A scramble format was followed. Click any picture for a larger version. Many new golfers came out for the evening and the “Formo Gals” (employees, family & […]

Submitted by: Corey Hurren Bowsman and District Lions Club The weather was beautiful and excitement levels were high for the Friends of the Swan River Valley’s 2nd Annual “Fun”draiser Bonanza at the Swan River Golf & Country Club on Saturday, June 18th, 2016. Click any picture for a larger version. Excitement levels were so high […]

Submitted by: Swan Valley Refugee Committee (SVRC) The Swan Valley Refugee Committee would like to thank the Minitonas Middle Years students for their donation. Click any picture for a larger version. The school has a ‘We Create Change’ student social justice group that fundraised a total of $500.00. Thank you for working so hard to […]

Submitted by: Sherry Martin | Swan Valley Animal Protection League was in attendance for the barbeque held at the Minitonas Community Store on June 18, 2016. The proceeds from the lunch will be donated to SVAPL in support of the shelter. Click any picture for a larger version. Rocky, one of the dogs adopted from […]

Submitted by: Shirley Todosichuk | The Swan River EMS Professionals celebrated Emergency Medical Services Week with a Fundraising BBQ on Thursday, May 26, 2016 at the Ambulance Garage in Swan River. Pictured above: Special Olympics Manitoba Parkland Region athletes (left) with Jarret Gingras accepting the donation for Special O from Sarah Gareau, Paramedic and EMS […]

Submitted by: Barb Holmes | On June 4, 2016 a retirement celebration was held for Rev. Kathy Highmoor. Kathy has ministered to the members of Hillsview Pastoral Charger for 35 years. Click any picture for a larger version. Her guidance and compassion have reached throughout the Valley during 808 funerals, 296 weddings, 312 baptisms and […]

Submitted by: Shirley Todosichuk | Special Olympics Manitoba Parkland Region held their 2nd Annual BBQ Hamburger Fundraiser at Home Hardware in Swan River on Wednesday, June 8, 2016 celebrating Special Olympics Manitoba Awareness Week. They had great community support making $1500 with over 400 burger combos sold. The Swan River Lions Club have always been […]

Submitted by: Knox United Church | On Friday, June 10, 2106, Minitonas Know United Church held a spaghetti supper and photo contest. Attendees purchased tickets to vote for their favorite photos. Pictured above: First place photo contest winners (left to right): Aleida Howard in the Flower Category Shauna Klekta in the Landscape Category Emily Soloway […]

Submitted by: Tammy Zaretsky-Denischuk The Swan Valley Co-Op Parking Lot was buzzing Friday, June 10, 2016 as the Co-Op and the Parents and Students of the SVRSS 2016 Graduating Class teamed together to host their “Smokie on a Bun Luncheon”! Click any picture for a larger version. The luncheon took place from 11:00 am to […]

Submitted by: Carla Dixon | The Association for Community Living – Swan River held their 55th Annual General Meeting at the Westwood Inn on Tuesday, June 07, 2016. Click any picture for a larger version. Approximately fifty-five people enjoyed the luncheon which was catered by the Westwood Inn at 12 PM with the meeting beginning […]

Submitted by: Jan Fawcett | On June 7, 2016 members of Swan River Royal Purple Elks Lodge #185 continued their 50+ years of community service by planting flowers in the bed at the bottom of the 9th Ave. N. entrance to Legion Park. At this time the Lodge also provides several subscriptions of the Star […]

Submitted by: Linda Gilchrist | Stan Struthers, newly elected member of the Canadian Diabetic Association, recently returned from his first meeting in Toronto. He willingly accepted an invitation to speak to the local diabetic group. Pictured above: Stan Struthers and Linda Gilchrist Click picture for a larger version. It was very interesting for the group […]

Submitted by: Gloria Stesenko | At the annual banquet of the Manitoba Good Roads Association, Bob Omeniuk, MGRA Board Member presented the Rebeck Shield to winners Judy and Randy Schneider of Benito for Best Country Non-Farm Home Grounds – District 5 Photo credit: Sandy Black Click any picture for a larger version.

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: Tammy Zaretsky-Denischuk The 2016 Safe Grad Committee received excellent community support for their Barbecue on Friday, hosted and sponsored by Kal Tire, Quik Stop, Royal LePage and the Bowsman and District Lions Club. Click any picture for a larger version. The weather was great and everyone had a chance, to visit and laugh […]

Submitted by: Gillian McGrath | Swan Valley Settlement and Immigrant Services (SVSIS) held their annual Newcomer welcome pot luck supper on Saturday, May 28, 2016. Click any picture for a larger version. The event was attended by Canadians and newcomers from the Philippines, Germany , USA, UK, South Africa, Jamaica and Ukraine.