ValleyBiz Story | The Minitonas & District Arena held their annual Skate-A-Thon fundraising event on Sunday, October 27, 2013. Approximately 50 skaters participated, raising over $2,500 for the arena. Click any picture for a large version. The kids had a great time skating, then took some time to rest, visit and snack on the hot […]

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 […]

Submitted by: Patty Gattinger On Saturday, October 26th the Swan Valley Ducks Unlimited committee hosted their 32nd Annual Banquet and Auction at the War Veterans Community Hall. In 2013 we are also celebrating the 75th anniversary of Ducks Unlimited in Canada. Click any picture for a larger version. About 180 guests were greeted to a […]

Submitted by: Paull Funeral Home On Wednesday October 16th, 2013 Paull Funeral Home held their first annual “Fall Lantern Lighting Ceremony”. Click any picture for a larger version. The Lantern Lighting Ceremony was a celebration of remembrance for those who have passed away not only in the 2013 year but also for those passed away […]

Submitted by: Tammy Webster The Parkland AAA Bantam’s were able to sweep their way through the Melville tournament with a perfect 4-0-0 record. Click the picture for a larger version. Parkalnd VS Estevan 10-4 WIN Parkland VS Melville 7-4 WIN Parkland VS Regina Roxes 6-4 WIN A Side Final Parkland VS Yorkton 7-3 WIN Players […]

Submitted by: Corinna Wood A fundraiser was held on October 12th to raise money to help pay the fees for the adoption of a special needs boy from Eastern Europe. The Janzen sisters entertained us with fiddle music throughout the day and raised over $30 that way, which they then donated. The event was very […]

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 […]

Submitted by: Lion Corey Hurren | Despite rumours of wanted outlaw “Bad Bart” coming there to cause trouble, well over four hundred people took their chances and came to the Bowsman Curling Rink to enjoy the Old Western Family BBQ on Saturday, October 5, 2013. Click any picture for a larger version. The Wild West […]

Submitted by: Jocelyn Beehler A small committee started with a vision (last fall) to install a disc golf course in Benito. That vision is now a reality. The grand opening for the Shaker City Disc Golf Course was July 20th and the sport has caught attention of Benito residents. At the grand opening there were […]

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 […]

ValleyBiz Story | On September 28, 2013, members of the Swan River Trap Club held their Annual Turkey Shoot which raises funds for the club. The annual trap shoot provides the opportunity for people to come out and take a shot at winning a turkey or a ham. Click any picture for a larger version. […]

Submitted by: Sherry Martin | Swan Valley Animal Protection League’s second annual Banquet and Fundraiser was once again a huge success, with a large crowd in attendance for a great dinner catered by Verneece Eggie and her hardworking crew. Click any picture for a larger version. Special guest speaker Doug Speirs, humour columnist for the […]

Submitted by: Erin Hodgson | The Wonderbra Barbies is a group of local girls (Caitlynd Sutherland, Kristy Ashcroft, Erin Hodgson, Saree Parker, Taryn Cords, Kiera Floyde) who participate in the Run for the Cure in Brandon each year. Click any picture for a larger view. On Thursday, September 26, the Wonderbra Barbies hosted Shake It […]

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 […]

ValleyBiz Story | On Friday, September 20, grandmothers, teachers, family and friends joined students from the Swan Valley Regional Secondary school on a walk to raise awareness about the exploitation of children. Click any picture for a larger version. The walk also served as show support for the students in the Swan Valley. “Many students […]

Submitted by: Angela Mullin Swan Valley Co-op, Swan Valley Stampeders Booster Club & The Swan Valley Stampeders hosted a successful season opener tailgate party. Click any picture for a larger version. The Stamps season opened with a tailgate party at the Centennial arena parking lot, sponsored by Swan Valley Co-op. Hot Dogs & Drinks were […]

ValleyBiz Story| Sunday, September 15, 2013 marked the 33rd Annual Terry Fox run. In Swan River, 62 registered participants and 10 volunteers joined others across Canada and across the world. Over $7200 was raised locally in support of cancer research. Click any picture for a larger view. Terry Fox’s legacy was honoured by those who […]

ValleyBiz Story | The Grand Opening of the Pine River Memorial Park was held on Sunday, September 15, 2013. Originally a hay field, the park was established by the Pine River Local Urban Distruct (LUD) and dedicated to the Pioneers who founded Pine River. Click any picture for a larger version. The vision for the […]

Submitted by: Michelle Buck | Sunday, September 8, 2013 saw 40 teams participating in the annual fall Blue Sky Team Cattle Penning Jackpot just south of Benito, MB. Click any picture for a larger version. The weather was perfect for cows, horses, and riders, and the slightly lower than usual turnout for teams meant there […]

Submitted by: James Wigley On September 10, 2013 at the Temple Baptist Church community members came together to participate in the Community Awareness Walk which was to bring awareness about suicide and fight the stigma that comes with suicide. Planning committee pictued above – click for a larger version. Back L-R: Susan May, Rob TerHorst, […]

Submitted by: Valerie Mitchell Friday August 23, was a Fabulous night in Bowsman for our first ever Fundraiser Fashion Show, with the proceeds going to the Bowsman Lions Cataract Equipment Fund! Door Prizes were given away, Silent auction items won and even an incredible outfit giveaway! The night was filled with fabulous women checking out […]

Submitted by: Tanya Chernyk | The Swan Valley Stock Car Club held their final race of the season on Saturday, August 24 2013. A Mud Bog took place after the races concluding with the famous foot race. Click any picture for a larger version. 8 Cylinder 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Heat 1 3 […]

ValleyBiz Story | On August 24, 2013 the 15th Annual Cowan Trail Celebration got underway. After a hearty breakfast, participants readied themselves and prepared their horses for an afternoon of riding the scenic trails. Click any picture for a larger version. Many enjoy seeing the wagons and horses head out, making their way across the […]

ValleyBiz Story | It’s easy to step back in time at the Swan Valley Historical Museum. On August 25, 2013 the annual Harvest Festival provided visitors with the perfect opportunity to take a ride down memory lane – quite literally, in the 1916 Model T. Click any picture for a larger version. Throughout the afternoon, […]

Submitted by: Linda McCullough Though small in numbers, we had an interesting time a Vacation Bible School on August 12-16, 2013: singing, listening to nature stories and learning about God’s great love for apostle Paul and each of us. Click any picture for a larger version. The children were excited about the creations they made […]

Submitted by: Michelle Buck Despite haying going full swing right now, twelve members showed up for team penning practice at the Blue Sky Arena on August 16, 2013 – some with multiple horses in tow, and the bleachers were full with spectators. It was great to see some new faces! Click any picture for a […]

Submitted by: Wayne Bass | On August 9 to 11, 2013 16 teams competed in the annual competitive slo-pitch tournament in Swan River. The Swamp Donkeys of Flin Flon, MB (pictured left) were this years “A” Side Champions. Click on any picture for a larger version. Tournament Organizer, Wayne Bass presented Brain Zerbin, team captain […]

Submitted by: Carolyn Gordon, Town of Minitonas The Minitonas Town Hall roof desperately needed shingling to stop the leakage and protect the structure from damage. Pictures courtesy ValleyBiz. Click any picture for a larger version. The Town Council explored the idea of hiring a local contractor for the project but the cost of approximately $20,000 […]

Submitted by: Stephanie Burnett This year the Playground Program went really well. Overall it was a successful summer. In the 6 weeks the program ran we had a total of 279 kids participate in the program. Click any picture for a larger version. The themes for those six weeks were, Animals, Countries (Brazil, England, China, […]

ValleyBiz Story | The afternoon started with a bang at the 15th Annual Durban Demo Derby on Sunday, August 11, 2013. A spectacular hit in the first heat created this amazing masterpiece of metal. Click any picture for a larger version. Drivers Derrick Krochak and Clint Burtanak emerged from their vehicles to pose in front […]

ValleyBiz Story | The Birch River Riding Club held their 18th Annual trail ride on August 9th through 11th. Although the two days of riding are the main event, there are also many other aspects that make it an unforgettable multi-day event. Click any picture for a larger version. People came from all corners of […]

Submitted by: Sherry Martin The Swan Valley Animal Protection League held a very successful and busy Open House on Wednesday, August 7, 2013. Click any picture for a larger version. Despite the cooler weather, over a hundred people came out to tour the facilities, enjoy coffee and dainties, and meet the cats and dogs. The […]

Submitted by: Communities in Bloom On Tuesday Aug. 6th volunteer committee members hosted provincial Co. In Bloom Judges Tiara Kopeechuk and Carol Bender as they toured the town evaluating five different areas in the community. Click any picture for a larger version. The community was judged on Urban Forest, Floral Displays and Landscape, Environmental Awareness […]

Submitted by: Heyes Child Care Centre Heyes Child Care Centre held a garage and bake sale at the Farmers Market stand in Swan River on Saturday, August 11, 2013. Great bargains were found by all who came out to support our new daycare facility.

Submitted by: Tanya Chernyk | Pictures and Race Results from the Swan Valley Stock Car Club races held Sat/Sun August 3/4, 2013. What an excellent weekend of racing! Thanks for everyone that came out and watched and raced! Click any picture for a larger version. August 3, 2013 Race Results 8 Cylinder 1st Place 2nd […]

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 […]

ValleyBiz Story | The sound of the horn, the thunder of hooves, the roar of the crowd – the Northwest Roundup Grandstand never disappoints. The action is fast and furious, a thrill to watch and exciting to photograph. Click any picture for a larger version. Hang on to your hats, here is our coverage of […]

ValleyBiz Story | While there is always lots of excitement at the Northwest Roundup and Exhibition grandstand, there are many unique and interesting events to see in the show ring as well. Here are a few picture we took during the Jumping Classes. Click any picture for a larger view. Jumping is a test of […]

ValleyBiz Story | The Wild Horse Race was a popular event this year at the 2013 Northwest Roundup and Exhibition. Local teams got in on the action to catch, saddle, mount and be the first to chase, pull or ride the horse across the finish line. Click any picture for a larger version. It was […]

Submitted by: Jayne G. Leadbeater | St. Andrew’s United Church, Swan River has been having the Rodeo Luncheon for four years now. The Church took over from the Diabetic Association of Swan River after 20 years of sponsoring it. Click any picture for a larger version. It always follows the Rodeo Parade for the Swan […]

ValleyBiz Story | The fun at the Northwest Roundup and Exhibition got started Friday morning on July 26, 2013 with the Chamber of Commerce Parade. Everyone gathered to enjoy the nice weather, pick up some candy and for an all around good time. Click any picture for a larger version. Marching RCMP and War Veterans […]

Submitted by: Garry Kennedy | The Rodeo Run this year was well attended. 26 runners showed up at the Arena on Friday morning, July 26th at 7:30. This was the 6th Annual. The 7 Kilometer run took in both Rotary and Legion Parks as well as a few residential streets in Town. Click on any […]

ValleyBiz Story | Scales Drug Store hosted a BBQ at the Elks Hall on Thursday, July 25, 2013 celebrating customer appreciation days along with their 60th anniversary. Click any picture for a larger version. Brightly colored t-shirts and specially decorated cakes were created in celebration of 25, 37 and 50 years of Dedicated Service. Cake […]

ValleyBiz Story | On Monday, July 22, 2013 the Swan River Ladies Golf Club hosted their annual Garden Walk. The Garden Walk is a pleasant and intriguing self-guided tour through some of the prettiest gardens in Swan River. Click any picture for a larger version. Each garden offered a unique experience, from manicured blooms and […]

Submitted by: Jocelyn Beehler | Scott Beehler and I (on behalf of the disc golf committee) wanted to thank everyone who came out to the Shaker City Disc Golf Grand Opening. The event surpassed our expectations. Click any picture for a larger version. The opening was on Saturday July 20th. The day started with a […]

Submitted by: Ian Kitch | The Swan Valley Rapids Swim Club hosted their 1st Annual Swim Meet on July 21st, 2013 at the Kinsmen Pool. Teams from Beausejour, Neepawa and Winkler participated in the event. Click any picture for a larger version. The Team consists of Chandra Chambers, Jordan Chambers, Erica Forsyth, Sydney Gilroy, Britton […]

Submitted by: Meghan Rose | The first farmers’ market of the 2013 season welcomed seven new vendors, four returning vendors and many interesting products. Click and picture for a larger version. The market was very well attended and the Swan Valley Interagency had a successful BBQ fundraiser selling hotdogs and smokies with a drink for […]

Submitted by: Tanya Chernyk The Swan Valley Stock Car Club held their race day on July 15, 2013. Races were followed by a 4 cylinder demo derby. Click here for our coverage of the demo including new video from Kevin Penner. Click any picture for a larger version. 4 Cylinder 1st Heat 2nd Heat Feature […]

Submitted by: Tanya Chernyk | The Swan Valley Stock Car Club held a 4 Cylinder Demo Derby following the stock car races on July 14, 2013. Click any pictures for a larger version. Video Courtesy of Kevin Penner : Demo Derby Results Heat 1 Winner: Jessie Campbell Heat 2 Winner: Frank Markin Consolation Winner: Noah […]