Submitted by: Michelle Buck | The Blue Sky Team Penning Club of Benito, MB closed out their 2015 season with a trail ride and team penning jackpot on the weekend of September 12 and 13, 2015. Pictured above: Carmi and Trey Hrabarchuk – photo by Sharon Foster Click any picture for a larger version. Twenty-one […]

Submitted by: Shirley Todosichuk | Giant Tiger Owner/Store Manager Cecile Bayona and Giant Tiger Regional Support Manager Chris Beblow presented Special Olympics Manitoba Parkland Region with a $700 donation on August 29, 2015 at the Giant Tiger Grand Opening in Swan River. Parkland athletes, including Darren Boryskavich (front row, third from right) from Russell, who […]

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 […]

Valleybiz Story | The Swan Valley Stock Car Club hosted their season ender on Saturday, August 29, 2015. The club capped off the season with a 4 cylinder demo derby – crashing and smashing until only one car was left running. Click any picture for a larger version. For one last time this year at […]

Submitted by: Rebecca Popoff | Baby Sophia’s Benefit BBQ hosted by Dufresne Furniture and Formo Motors on Wednesday August 26, 2015 was a huge success! Click any picture for a larger version. People could be seen flooding through the doors at Formo Motors eager to support the heart tugging cause, enjoy a hamburger for lunch […]

Submitted by: Rose Kovachik and Lee & Rita Cryderman | Rain, Rain go away! Even though the forecast for rain may have eventually damped the ground, it did not dampen the spirits of loyal and new participants. Pictures by: Rita Cryderman, Roseanne Coma and ValleyBiz Click any picture for a larger version. Almost twenty campers […]

Submitted by: Bev Leach | The Legion Park has one more option for those looking to stay fit while enjoying the outdoors. Gym in the Park, a Service to Seniors project funded through the New Horizons for Seniors grant took shape last week in the Legion Park in Swan River. Pictured above, the gym equipment […]

Submitted by: June McKenzie | Tuesday Nite Gals Golf was held on August 18, 2015 and saw 31 golfers enjoying the Fun Challenge. Click any picture for a larger version. Activities included golfing left-handed, manuevering thru a potato maze, wearing oven mitts to tee off, putting in the toilet seat plus many other challenges to […]

Submitted by: Angie Henkelman | Swan River Minor Hockey (SRMH) held an equipment Swap and Sale on Wednesday, August 19, 2015. Lots of equipment was on hand in preparation for the upcoming hockey season. Click Picture for a Larger Version. The SRMH Registrar, Heidi Langan, was also in attendance to collect registrations. If you missed […]

Submitted by: Shirley Todosichuk | Special Olympics Manitoba Parkland Region is grateful to receive the proceeds from Club Sapp VLT Gaming Centre’s 1st Annual Charity Golf Tournament on Sunday, August 9, 2015 at the Swan River Golf Course. Click picture for a larger version. Pictured Above: Club Sapp General Manager, Larry Lavallee (right) presented the […]

Submitted by: Zoe Zbirun | The Women’s Auxiliary Yard Sale took place in Benito on Friday, August 14 and Saturday, August 15, 2015 with proceeds going to fund Legion Hall repairs. Click any picture for a larger version. The turn out was amazing, and it was a huge success. We are really thankful for everyone […]

ValleyBiz Story | The 17th Annual Durban Demo Derby took place on Sunday, August 9, 2015. Roaring engines, spinning tires, flying mud and mangled metal are the ingredients for a good, old fashioned smashup, and fun for spectators of all ages. Click any picture for a larger version. Time between heats was spent on “precision” […]

Submitted by: Jaimie Walker | The video showcasing Swan River and making the case for a splash pad in Swan River has been chosen as one of 10 finalists in the $25,000 Manitobaville contest. Please help our community win $25,000.00 for a spray pad in our town by voting every day. Instructions: 1. Click here: […]

ValleyBiz Story | The track was fast, the cars were flying and the fans were cheering as the Swan Valley Stock Car Club celebrated their 30th anniversary with 2 days of racing on August 1 & 2, 2015. Click any picture for a larger version. The anniversary event brought in visiting racers with over 30 […]

Submitted by: Maureen Bowles | On July 15th and 16th, 2015 the North West Regional Library hosted a Photographic Post Processing Workshop. What to do with your photo once it is on your computer. Click any picture for a larger view. The workshops were full and everyone benefited from the instructions by René R. Coultier. […]

ValleyBiz Story | Riders rode, ropers roped, drivers drove, dust flew and the fans roared! It was time to get your yeehaw on for four days of grandstand action at the 2015 Northwest Roundup and Exhibition. Click any picture for a larger version. The pictures below capture some of the grandstand action.

ValleyBiz Story | The Northwest Roundup is something kids look forward to each year and this year there was even more ways for them to be involved. Two new events had kids running wild and woolly. Click any picture for a larger version. The Wild Pony Race is junior version of the Wild Horse Race. […]

Submitted by: Sheree Soura | Over 200 people enjoyed viewing the 7 beautiful gardens in Swan River on July 20 during the annual Garden Walk held by the Swan River Ladies Golf Club. Also included in the walk was the Swan River Arberatum. Click any picture for a larger version. This year the self guided […]

ValleyBiz Story | It was a beautiful sunny morning for the Swan Valley Chamber of Commerce Parade on Friday, July 24, 2015. Crowds of people gathered, enjoying the many entries and the excitement of children scrambling for candy. Click any picture for a larger version. The parade theme this year was “Showcasing the Valley” with […]

Submitted by: Jennifer Simpson | The St. Andrews United Church rodeo luncheon was the perfect place to get a great lunch, cool off and mingle with everyone after a fantastic parade!

ValleyBiz Story | The Northwest Roundup kicked off with the annual McKay BBQ at the Centennial Arena on Thursday, July 23, 2015 For just a toonie, the BBQ featured a burger, softdrink, ice cream and coffee. Click any picture for a larger version. With all proceeds going to local charities, live entertainment, friendly faces and […]

ValleyBiz Story | The newly amalgamated Municipality of Minitonas-Bowsman continued the tradition of the Minitonas Canada Day Pancake Breakfast. Breakfast was cooked and served by Minitonas-Bowsman Council members. Click any picture for a larger version. From 8 am to 10 pm a steady stream of people stopped by for some good food and good company.

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 | At dusk on Canada Day, a single firework signaled the show was about to begin at the Ag Grounds in Swan River. The patriotic sound of O Canada drifted out from under the grandstand. Click any picture for a larger version. Then came the barrage of thundering booms, pops and crackles – […]

Submitted by: Mark Simpson | Friends of the Golf Club FunDraising Bonanza was an over-the-top massive success!! Thank you to the Bowsman Lions and all service clubs, volunteers, club members, golf course staff and management and all of the sponsors! Click any pictures for a larger version. June 20th, 2015 marked a milestone in the […]

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 […]

Submitted by: Charlene Rooks | The Swan Valley Relay For Life took place on June 12, 2015 – outside at the Swan River Fair Grounds. Due to the awesome fundraising efforts by Relay teams and sponsors, the total amount raised reached $40,000! Click any picture for a larger version. Overall, it was a very successful […]

Submitted by: Barb Holms | Minitonas Knox United Church held a Spaghetti Supper on Friday, June 5, 2015 in the Minitonas Town Hall. Click any picture for a larger version. Everyone enjoyed the excellent homemade spaghetti sauce as there were many compliments and some requests for the recipe. The salads, garlic bread and dessert topped […]

Submitted by: Edgar Yacyshyn | On June 06, 2015, Durban Community celebrated the 85th anniversary of their hall by having a banquet and dance. We had guests from near and far, many from Saskatchewan and as far away as BC. Click any picture for a larger version. The band from Winnipeg, The Ukrainian Old Timers, […]

Submitted by: Minitonas 4H Beef Club The May 30, 2015 Minitonas 4H Beef Show & Sale was a fun filled day. All members in attendance! “Thank You” to all who came to watch the show and to all the buyers for purchasing the steers. Click any picture for a larger view. Special “Thank You” to […]

Submitted by: Gillian McGrath More than 60 people turned out for the annual Newcomer Pot Luck Supper. Great food and conversation enjoyed by all. Click any picture for a larger version.

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 […]

Written by: Rev Kathy Highmoor | May sunshine beat down upon the Hillsview Hikers on Monday, May 25, 2015 as they stepped off the 28km from Bowsman to Minitonas. Click any picture for a larger version. Hikers left Bowsman United with stomachs full of pancakes and ham. The group ranged in age from just months, […]

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: June McKenzie | Tuesday Night Gals Golfers held their first event “Opener” night on May 19, 2015. Best ball scramble, prizes, appetizers and exchange of ideas was enjoyed by 28 ladies. Above: Registration at Tuesday Night Golf Opener. Click picture for a larger version. Ken Treasure did an hour of free instruction/tips on […]

Submitted by: Tanya Staniland | The Lenswood Mother’s Day Dance was held Saturday, May 9, 2015 at the Lenswood Community Hall featuring music by Ken Thompson. Click any picture for a larger version. There was great music, great crowd, great dancing, and a lot of laughter 🙂

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: Shirley Todosichuk | The Special Olympics Parkland Region, Swan Valley Tiger Sharks held their first Fun Meet at the Swan Valley Credit Union Aquatics Centre on April 25, 2015. The athletes had great time with the Swan Valley Rapids Swim Club who joined the Tiger Sharks in an afternoon of demonstrations, relays and […]

Submitted by: Austen Anderson | High School Rodeo descended on Swan River on May 9 and 10, 2015 and it was a huge success. The Ag Society grounds as well as Main Street were full of contestants, family and spectators eager for some spring rodeo action. Pictures by Della Mckay, Joan Mosiondz & Lois Mosiondz […]

Submitted by: Shirley Todosichuk The ACL Resource Centre was rocking in the afternoon on Sunday, May 3, 2015 as the Parkland Region Special Olympic athletes moved and grooved at Dance Fever 2015. Click any picture for a larger version. A big thank you to all those who pledged our athletes; over $1300 was raised. DJ […]

Submitted by: Donna Marek-Jorundson | A small but enthusiastic group met on Thurs. April 30, 2015 at the Northwest Regional Library to discuss establishing a seed exchange day in Swan River. Click any picture for a larger view. It was decided that a seed exchange day will be held in the month of March 2016. […]

Submitted by: Ian Kitch | Twenty-five local basketball players attended an incredible basketball camp on May 2, 2015 at the SVRSS. Click any picture for a larger version. Coach Gil Cheung of the Brandon University Bobcat Basketball program brought players Mikaela Stanton, Keegan Robinson, Kenonte Ramsey and Earl Thompson Jr. to Swan River for a […]

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 […]