After a two-year shut-down of summer fairs and events, there’s recreation aplenty planned for this summer of 2022 as fairs and community events are happening all around us.
MADESA
To catch the excitement of motocross racing head to MADESA, on July 10. Mark Cosgrove has developed a track on the beautiful Assiniboine Valley slopes, northeast of Virden. There will be an open practice on July 9, the day before the Round 4 spring race meet.
Shirtsleeve Classic
Are you ready to throw curling rocks in the summer? Or cheer on your favourite team? The three-day Miniota Shirtsleeve Classic is from July 15 to 17. Friday includes the start of the unique curling event that continues all three days. There’s a two-day car rally starting and an outdoor movie Friday night. Saturday, get swinging in the golf tournament, or slo-pitch tourney which continues on Sunday as well. A 5K colour run happens Saturday. A Saturday community supper is followed by a dance. Sunday the tractor pull is always popular, there’s a fireman’s rodeo and before you leave Miniota, sit down to a final community supper.
Summer Fairs
Elkhorn Fair is planning for Saturday, July 16 featuring a horse show, activities for children, and a canteen. Further events have not yet been finalized. But Friday night, July 15, there will be an outdoor movie.
Reston Fair is back with a two-day format starting Friday, July 22 which includes fireworks. Saturday, pancakes are on the griddle and a parade. Slo Pitch, gymkhana, a stage grand opening, kids’ activities and live music. To top it all off, Cloud 9 Wrestling.
Many of the small fairs have their prize list up already. On July 17-18, Oak River Fair kicks off the string of town fairs known as the Milk Run.
The 134th Annual Strathclair Ag Society Fair is on July 19. There’s a 9:00 a.m. parade, a decorated bike competition, and light and heavy horses and cattle will show. It’s a day absolutely packed with activities, a cold plate supper and gymkhana in the evening.
Shoal Lake Fair is scheduled for July 20. Again, a parade, food trucks, bouncy castles, a petting zoo, a kids’ corner, horse and cattle judging, a gymkhana competition, and new this year - horse jumping.
Hamiota Fair is next, July 21. You’ll need to be up early to enjoy their free pancake breakfast with grounds admission, ready from 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. Hamiota’s annual fair day parade starts at 9:00 a.m. To get into the mood, there’s a Show ‘n Shine on July 19, the night before the fair. There’s a food venue onsite, along with the ‘Art in Agriculture’ exhibition in the gallery, all on Maple Ave. (main street).
Harding Fair, known for its strong showing of cattle and horses, is going ahead on July 22. “I think there will be lots of interest in most of the divisions,” says secretary Bonnie Kent, adding, “There should be lots of handicrafts.”
Ever popular, the Oak Lake Fair returns on July 23. This year will see the return of some old favourites and some new ideas. Friday night, July 23, will kick off the fair with the fireworks display. Saturday morning will see the streets filled with the parade. Although last year’s Virtual Fair was very successful, seeing lots of entries, the Oak Lake Ag society says they are looking forward to having the curling rink once again filled with exhibits. Plans are underway for the slo-pitch tournament, kids’ activities, livestock shows, and more.
Western Weekend
Elkhorn Western Weekend, the two-day event held on July 30 and 31 will feature Manitoba Pro Chariot and Chuckwagon racing. There’s music both days with Lyle Baldwin, Virden’s Sweet Spot Bakery doughnuts and Elkhorn Grad Class of 2023 will work the canteen. There’s the Dash for Cash barrel racing and a slo-pitch tournament. There’s a pancake breakfast each morning.
Soapbox Races
Sinclair Soapbox Races sounds like fun. The Lions Club is sending up fireworks on June 17, following the races that start at 7 p.m. Bring your appetite, there will be a canteen available too.
Centennial Celebration
A Centennial Celebration will take place in Reston Memorial Park on July 6, with music featuring Tanya Martin. There will be a plaque dedication, activities for all ages, and food - strawberry shortcake and refreshments.
Rodeo & Wild West Daze
Virden Indoor Rodeo and Wild West Daze is Westman’s biggest rodeo event of the summer. It’s set to go on August 18, 19, 20 and 21. This four-day event is a story in itself. Watch for details in the Aug. 12 edition of the Empire-Advance.
Sandcastle Building
Oak Lake Beach Sandcastle Building contest is on July 30. It’s become a widely popular yearly event and a great weekend to attend the beach. Sunday, July 31 there’s a resort-wide garage sale.
Annual Drotar Car Show
On Sunday, Aug. 28, the 2nd Annual Albert Drotar Car Show will draw a crowd. There’s a pie auction held that day as well, all at the provincial park.
Kids’ Harvest Parade
Beach activities wind up with the Kids’ Harvest Parade on Sept. 4.
Welsh Show
The Virden Draft Horse show is taking a break this summer, but the Manitoba Welsh Pony and Cob Association will hold their annual Welsh Show at the Virden Agricultural grounds on Aug.27 and 28.
This does not pretend to be a complete list of scheduled, by any means. Westman is home to golf tournaments, ball tournaments, barrel racing events, drag racing, and motocross events held at MADESA northeast of Virden.
