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 | The grandstands at the Northwest Roundup were filled and the crowd was ready for 3 days of rodeo excitement. Cowboy events included Team Roping, Steer Wrestling, Tie Down Roping, Bareback and Saddle Bronc, Bull Riding and Barrel Racing. Click any picture for a larger version. As a special feature Harvey McFarlane, of […]

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: 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: 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: 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 […]

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: 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: Michelle Buck | The Blue Sky Arena celebrated the May long weekend with a trail ride on Saturday, May 21, 2016 and a team cattle penning jackpot on Sunday. Saturday’s ride started and ended at the Blue Sky Arena south of Benito, MB. Click any picture for a larger version. Eighteen riders and […]

Submitted by: Angela Mullin | On May 13 – 15, 2016 Swan River was host to Manitoba High School Rodeo (HS Rodeo), Little Buckaroos Rodeo & Manitoba Barrel Racing. Click any picture for a larger version. We started the weekend with a MBRA race, there were 29 entries between the Open, Youth and Peewee. Swan […]

Submitted by: Shannon Fullerton | On Saturday, May 14, 2016 it was a beautiful, crisp morning to enjoy delicious, fluffy pancakes, sausage patties and great conversation. Click any picture for a larger version. We had excellent support from many High School Rodeo contestants, parents and Swan Valley community members. This event was hosted by the […]

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 […]

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” […]

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 […]

Submitted by: Jen Dahl | Well the 2014 camp season for Wellman Lake Bible Camp has drawn to a close. We had a wonderful season, with amazing weather, a great staff of enthusiastic directors and councilors and many wonderful volunteers. Click any picture for a larger version. New friendships were made and old ones renewed […]

ValleyBiz Story | It was hard to miss the change in Durban this weekend on Sunday, August 10, 2014. Cars filled up the old schoolyard and lined nearby streets. The sound of cheering fans and grinding metal filled the air. Click any picture for a larger version. The annual demo derby offered lots of action, […]

Submitted by: Jocelyn Beehler The Shaker City Disc Golf Course in Benito has been in use just over a year now. Interest and participation in this sport has far exceeded expectations. As long as the weather is decent, there are people on the course day and night. Click any picture for a larger version. Bug […]

ValleyBiz Story | Although rain pounded the Valley this weekend, the weather was just right for the Northwest Roundup Chamber of Commerce Parade on the morning of Friday July 25, 2014. With a variety of entries and lots of candy, the parade is great family fun. Click any picture for a larger version. The humorous […]

ValleyBiz Story | On Monday, July 21, 2013 the Swan River Ladies Golf Club hosted their annual Garden Walk. Each year the walk provides an opportunity for visitors to enjoy the beauty, character and tranquility of some Swan Valley’s lovely private gardens. Above picture by Autumn Klekta. Click any picture for a larger version. The […]

Submitted by: Debbie Soloway The Renwer – Fisher’s Siding Annual old fashion picnic and potluck supper took place on Sunday July 20th, 2014 in Renwer at the old Fisher’s Siding School. Click any picture for a larger version. The small committee sponsored a special celebration back in 2002 and have held the annual picnic on […]

Submitted by: Leigh Osatchuk | The skies opened and the sun was out for a beautiful Canada Day Celebration. The Benito Rec Centre hosted a terrific day full of fun events for all ages. Click any picture for a larger version. Starting the day was a pancake breakfast hosted by the Benito Volunteer Fire Dept. […]

Submitted by: Phyl Friesen | In Swan River, Canada Day was celebrated in the Legion Park. We had great day, beautiful sunshine and lots of people. Click any picture for a larger version. There was live entertainment, rides in the Lions train, kids bouncers, ice cream and more. Everyone seemed so happy to get outside […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 | 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: 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 […]

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 […]

ValleyBiz Story | On Canada Day 2013 the Swan Valley celebrated with plenty of sunshine to go around. Many of the communities hosted organized activities where families, friends and neighbors gathered together to celebrate the birth of our country. Click any picture for a larger version. Several communities in the Valley started the day with […]

Submitted by: Karla Weir | Bowsman Community Skating Arena hosted their Family Fun Day on Saturday, and with a few modifications most activities went ahead in spite of the rain. The dreary weather didn’t get the kids down; they still enjoyed the rides. Click any picture to see a larger version The Lions Train, Bowsman […]

Submitted by: Kathy Highmoor Walk with me, I will walk with you… Pictures courtesy of: Kathy Highmoor Jocelyn Marchuk Gale Wagner Click any picture for a larger version. After enjoying conversations and a tasty breakfast, hikers stepped out into radiant sunshine. The 2013 Hillsview Hike was underway. Students from Bowsman School, along with their teachers, […]

Submitted by: Jocelyn and Scott Beehler (on behalf of the Disc Golf Committee) Frisbee golf is a relatively new and upcoming sport in the province of Manitoba. It is played with Frisbees or discs. A group of volunteers (Disc Golf Committee) is pursuing the installation of an 18-hole course in Benito this spring/summer. Disc golf […]

ValleyBiz Story | Harvest is a busy time marked by early mornings and late nights, supper in the field and everyone helping out. The golden crops and swathed rows and vibrant sunsets also produce some beautiful imagery, a tribute to our agricultural roots. Click any picture for a larger version.

ValleyBiz Story | Approximately 90 riders, including participants from across Canada and the US gathered in Cowan on Saturday, August 25, 2012 for the Cowan Trail Celebration. Click any picture for a larger view. The sun peaked through the clouds, warming the cool air and holding back the rain just as the riders headed out […]

ValleyBiz Story | On Monday July 23, 2012 the Swan River Ladies Golf Club held their annual Garden Walk featuring the creativity and hard work of 8 Swan River gardeners. It was an inspiring way for gardeners, photographers and people of all ages to spend a beautiful sunny afternoon . Click any picture for a […]

ValleyBiz Story | What a beautiful day to celebrate Canada Day 2012 with a picnic in the park! The weather was great and there was ice cream for everyone at the Legion Park in Swan River. Click any picture for a larger version. The always popular Bowsman Lions train spent the day winding along the […]

Submitted by: Barry Waito | The Boots in the Backcountry Introductory session on Monday Feb 13th at 7:00 pm attracted 34 registrants. Of these, 27 were able to make the meeting with the balance requesting to be kept up to date with further sessions. The meeting started with Barry Waito introducing himself, talking about the […]

ValleyBiz Story | Autumn officially arrived just a few days ago and has painted the Valley with its beautiful fall palette. With the sound of geese over head and leaves crunching underfoot this weekends sunshine warmed the crisp air and the made the colors shine. Click any picture for a larger version. Leaves in all […]

ValleyBiz Story | The Cowan Trail Celebration, which started 13 years ago and has become an annual tradition, took place Saturday, August 27. Approximately 70 riders saddled up their horses or hitched up their teams, then hit the trail for the 6 hour ride. Click any of the pictures for a larger version. The day […]

Submitted by: Ian Kitch | Swan Valley Sport Fishing Enhancment and the Fisheries Enhancement Fund hosted a Fishing Camp at the United Church Camp (Wellman Lake) from August 5-7.        Fourteen campers enjoyed 3 days of fishing, fisheries education/research, boat/canoe safety, outdoor survival, geocaching and a special presentation from Manitoba Conservation’s Park Patrol. Thanks to […]

ValleyBiz Story | The Swan River Ladies Golf Club organized the Minitonas Garden Walk which took place July 26. Six gardeners shared their labors of love with people of all ages who came out to enjoy the Garden Tour. There were so many treasures we cannot include them all here and while pictures are not […]

Submitted by: Village of Benito | Benito’s Canada Day Celebrations included activities for both young and old. Everyone was enjoying the beautiful weather and and having so much fun there are not a lot of pictures from the day, but here are a few for you to enjoy. Click on any of the pictures for […]

The sound of happy kids filled the air as families gathered together in the Swan River Legion Park to celebrate Canada Day. There was plenty for people of all ages to do, with a variety of activities, entertainment and refreshments. Click any of the pictures for a larger version. The bouncers were a hit with […]