Provincial Ex set for Winter Fair

The Provincial Exhibition of Manitoba is ready to host the Royal Manitoba Winter Fair, which kicks off today at the Keystone Centre.

Preparations are finalized and exhibitors have moved in to ensure a successful event, Provincial Exhibition president Clint Swain told the Sun over the weekend.

“We are fully set for the fair,” Swain said. “Exhibitors have moved in their horses and trade show displays. Although the official start is today, some jumping classes began on Sunday.”

This year’s fair will feature more than 150 horses, with full entries for jumpers, eight tour teams, 10 Hackney horses, and six heavy hitches. Attendance is anticipated to reach approximately 60,000 people throughout the week, he added.

New attractions include a canine circus replacing the previous wolf jocks show, a mounted shooters display starting Wednesday, and the Soil Superheroes exhibit, which is making its Manitoba debut on loan from the Canadian Agriculture Museum. Additionally, a historical exhibit, “History in the Making,” will celebrate 55 years of the fair’s royal designation and showcase its evolution over the past century.

The weather posed some initial challenges for exhibitors travelling from western provinces, but Swain confirmed they arrived on time.

The fair was to kick off this morning with the Sunrise Credit Union breakfast.

“It’s shaping up to be a fantastic week,” Swain said.

For many participants, the Winter Fair is a long-standing tradition. Kate Curry, co-owner of Curry Stables in Stonewall, has attended since childhood and is excited to compete again this year.

“It’s a great show,” Curry said. “We don’t get atmospheres and crowds like this at many horse shows. It’s an amazing experience, especially for young riders.”

Curry Stables brought 16 horses and students to the fair, with expectations of a positive and enriching experience.

David Hultin, communications lead for Manitoba Beef Producers, emphasized the significance of the event for his organization, which has been involved for over two decades.

“We always find it important to be here,” Hultin said. “It’s fun to meet with producers, and consumers, and just be part of the fair. We’ll have a cow-calf pair on display, our Guardians of the Grasslands exhibit, and interactive activities for kids.”

Despite minor logistical challenges in transporting materials from Winnipeg, Hultin noted that the setup had gone smoothly and that the team was looking forward to a busy and engaging week.

Similarly, exhibitors like Saddle Ridge Farm from Wawota, Saskatchewan, are prepared and eager for the fair.

“This is our third year here,” co-owner Danielle Fredrickson said. “The first year, we didn’t know what to expect, but now we’re ready. The organization of the fair has been great, and everything is going according to plan.”

The Royal Manitoba Winter Fair, running from March 25 to March 30, promises a mix of equestrian events, agricultural exhibits, entertainment, and family-friendly activities. “We are optimistic about the week ahead, inviting the public to experience one of the province’s premier annual events,” Clint added.

» aodutola@brandonsun.com

» X: @AbiolaOdutola