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: 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.ca Story | The Swan Valley Stock Car Club held their season opener points race on Saturday May 21, 2016. Race day saw 4 cylinder, 8 cylinder street stock, 8 cylinder pure stock, and b mods flying around the track. Click any picture for a larger version. The weather was beautiful and a large crowd […]

Submitted by: Lynda Leslie | It was a wonderful day in Minitonas to celebrate the “Friendship Tulip Garden” at the Cenotaph Square on May 18, 2016. The sun was warm, a breeze was offering a gentle coolness, and best of all, the tulips were in full bloom. Pictures by Lynda Leslie & ValleyBiz | Click […]

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: Corey Hurren | The 2016 Billy Beal Ice Fishing Derby was held on Saturday, March 19th at Whitefish Lake. 525 people came out to enjoy the beautiful weather and another great day of ice fishing at the 19th annual Billy Beal derby. Click any picture for a larger version. The event is an […]

Submitted by: Leigh Osatchuk | The weather co-operated on Sunday March 6, 2016 for the Annual Thunderhill Ski Area Mardi Gras. People of all ages came from all over the Valley and Saskatchewan, as far away as Inglis and Brandon, MB. Click any picture for a larger version. Everyone enjoyed the conditions and friendly atmosphere […]

Submitted by: Connie Beaudry | Bellsite’s 37th Annual Poker Derby took place on February 28, 2016. We had a fresh cover of snow to start the day. Prime winter temperatures gave us a near perfect day to be on the trail. Click any picture for a larger version. Good sponsorship from local businesses for donations, […]

Submitted by: Colin Baldwin | The Swan Valley Snowmobile Association held their 9th Annual Vintage Ride on Saturday, February 27, 2016. The day started out with a pancake breakfast hosted by the Bowsman and District Lions, which once again was a great success. Click any picture for a larger version. The vintage ride, even with […]

Submitted by: Carolyn Baldwin | Thunderhill Ski Club Inc. opening day on January 1, 2015 was a huge success. 91 people enjoyed a beautiful day on the slopes with frosted trees making it very scenic. Click any picture for a larger version. The conditions are very good, Markin Trail is excellent skiing and the Hogs […]

Submitted by: Corey Hurren | The Bowsman and District Lions Club would like to thank everyone who came out or helped support our 12th Annual Bowsman Bull-A-Rama and made it another huge success. Pictures by Corey Hurren and ValleyBiz.ca – Click any picture for a larger version. The medical equipment fundraiser was held on Saturday, […]

ValleyBiz Story | Fall has arrived in the Swan Valley in all its splendor. The warm sunshine cutting through the fresh, crisp air, the sound of leaves crunching under foot, and miles of country roads lined with beautiful colours against the bright blue sky. Click any picture for a larger version. The rolling hills, rivers […]

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: 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: 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 […]

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 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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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: 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: Mike Rusk | Over 500 competitors took to the ice at Whitefish Lake on March 21, 2015. The weather was good and it was a great day. Celesta Church (pictured left) was the first prize $10,000 winner. Click any picture for a larger view. Kyle Lafreniere won both hidden time, and hidden weight […]

Submitted by: Swan Valley Snowmobile Association The Swan Valley Snowmobile Association held their 8th Annual Vintage Ride on Saturday, March 7, 2015. There were 36 vintage machines this year and 65 people came for the pancake breakfast. Click any picture for a larger version. Thank you to the Lions Club for doing breakfast and all […]

Submitted by: Leigh Osatchuk The conditions were great, and many came out to support Thunderhill’s Annual Mardi Gras. 117 guests came out to enjoy an Easter Egg Hunt, Costume Party and Downhill racing. There was something for everyone. Above: McKenna Staples & Jessica Hack enjoying the sunshine Click any picture for a larger version. Kristen […]

Submitted by: Connie Beaudry | The Bellsite Poker Derby took place on February 22, 2015. The 75 mile poker derby trail is part of North Mountain Riders Snow Riders Magazine’s most favourite sledding destination of 2015 and it wasn’t a disappointment. Click any picture for a larger version. Sure the weather was cold , minus […]

Province of Manitoba Media Release | The recipients of the 2014 Manitoba Excellence in Sustainability Awards were announced January 28, 2015 by Conservation and Water Stewardship Minister Gord Mackintosh. “We are constantly striving to reduce our impact on the environment and it’s great to see those efforts supported with projects like these,” said Minister Mackintosh. […]

ValleyBiz Story | The end of 2014 also marked the end of voting in the Sledtown Showdown Final. With all the votes in, the final numbers showed Swan Valley in the lead with 4998 votes, a 647 lead over Valemount, BC at 4325. Beginning with 64 destinations across the 4 western provinces, the contest had […]

ValleyBiz Story | The Swan Valley Historical Museum held their annual Harvest Festival on Sunday, August 31, 2014. Many people stopped by to enjoy a sunny afternoon and a taste of yesteryear with fresh bread, ice cream from the general store and rides in the Model T. Click any picture for a larger version. This […]

ValleyBiz Story | History comes to life at the Swan Valley Historical Museum in Swan River. The museum has done a beautiful job of preserving a collection of items that portray early life in the Valley and to pay tribute to the early pioneers. Click any picture for a larger version. The Pioneer Village features […]

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 | The Northwest Roundup was the place to be this weekend for lots of great riding, roping, wrestling rodeo action. The fast paced events were sure to get your adrenaline pumping and send your boredom packing. Click any picture for a larger version.

ValleyBiz Story | If you visited Down on the Farm and the Homecraft & Horticulture Exhibits during the Northwest Roundup and Exhibition you were rewarded with unique way to explore and celebrate some of the traditional aspects of rural life. Click any picture for a larger version. Interactive displays and activities provided kids with a […]

ValleyBiz Story | The Pony Chariot and Pony Chuckwagon races at the Northwest Roundup and Exhibition offers 4 days of racing excitement. The fans came out rain and shine to enjoy the fast paced action and to cheer for their local favorites. Click any picture for a larger version.

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 […]

ValleyBiz Story | The Swan Valley Stock Car Club held a stock car points race and 4 cylinder mini crash derby on Saturday, July 12, 2014 at the Swan Valley Speedway. Families, friends and fans gathered for an exciting day of racing, demo and tasty concession treats. Click any picture for a larger version. Two […]

ValleyBiz.ca Story | The Grandstand at the Swan River Ag Grounds was bursting with excitement in Celebration of Canada Day. The fireworks got underway just after 11:00 pm delivering a unique and colorful display. Click any picture for a lager version.

Submitted by: Don Baldwin The Swan Valley Snowmobile Association hosted their 7th Annual Vintage Ride on Sunday, March 16th. There were over forty vintage sleds that attended the ride with over a hundred sleds visiting the shack including newer models. Click any picture for a larger version. The ride was approximately a 35 mile round […]

Submitted by: Corey Hurren About 600 people came to Whitefish Lake on Saturday, March 15th to see who was going to pull the winning $10 000 fish through four feet of ice when the Valley Lions held their 17th annual Billy Beal Ice Fishing Derby. Click any picture for a larger version. Pictured above is […]

Submitted by: Patti Hack The Elbow Lake SnoDrifters 18th Annual Snowmobile Derby took place as scheduled on Saturday, March 1, 2014. Click any picture for a larger version. The frigid weather (-51 with the wind chill when we woke up Saturday morning) kept many people away however, for those of us who braved the winter […]