Winter Fair sees modest boost in attendance

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As the Royal Manitoba Winter Fair wraps up today, organizers say admissions have seen a modest boost compared to last year and reviews from attendees have been overhwelmingly enthusiastic.

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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 30/03/2024 (735 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

As the Royal Manitoba Winter Fair wraps up today, organizers say admissions have seen a modest boost compared to last year and reviews from attendees have been overhwelmingly enthusiastic.

“Admissions are slightly up with a positive increase in attendance,” Provincial Exhibition of Manitoba general manager Mark Humphries told the Sun on Friday.

“With a week of good weather on our side, this year’s fair has had great reviews,” Humphries said. “Lots of happy attendees, new and old, have supported us by buying a ticket and spending the day. Staff and volunteers worked tirelessly to ensure that a quality event took place.”

Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew (centre left) is joined by assistant Seeon Smith (far left), Provincial Exhibition of Manitoba president Clint Swain and wife Jenna Swain in March 2024. (Matt Goerzen/The Brandon Sun)
Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew (centre left) is joined by assistant Seeon Smith (far left), Provincial Exhibition of Manitoba president Clint Swain and wife Jenna Swain in March 2024. (Matt Goerzen/The Brandon Sun)

In terms of observed trends, Humphries noted promising indicators within certain segments of the fair.

“It’s too early to determine overall trends, but we are seeing strong numbers within The Royal Food Court and The Royal Experience areas,” he said.

One notable aspect of this year’s fair, he said, was its global reach, made possible through a partnership with ACC’s media team, enabling the event to be broadcast worldwide.

“Due to our collaboration, we have been able to stream this event to a worldwide audience,” he said. “The media platforms of Clip My Horse and Showgrounds Live provided much-needed recognition and exposure for the Royal Manitoba Winter Fair, showcasing Brandon’s cultural and agricultural heritage to audiences across the globe.”

As the curtains close on the Royal Manitoba Winter Fair, Humphries reflected on the main takeaways and lessons learned that will shape future editions.

Sara van Renselaar from Brandon poses with her dogs, including Zero, the first-place winner in the Dog/Horse Relay, on Wednesday evening. (Matt Goerzen/The Brandon Sun)
Sara van Renselaar from Brandon poses with her dogs, including Zero, the first-place winner in the Dog/Horse Relay, on Wednesday evening. (Matt Goerzen/The Brandon Sun)

“The need to re-evaluate, update and modernize is always a hot topic within the organization,” he added.

“Education components within the program of events are key, as the distance from rural to city is growing wider with a lack of knowledge about how agriculture is so important to every living being.”

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First-place finishers in the Dog/Horse Relay, Piet Van Genugten and horse Kaiden GPH, pose with their winning ribbon inside Westoba Place on Wednesday evening. (Matt Goerzen/The Brandon Sun)
First-place finishers in the Dog/Horse Relay, Piet Van Genugten and horse Kaiden GPH, pose with their winning ribbon inside Westoba Place on Wednesday evening. (Matt Goerzen/The Brandon Sun)
Abbey McLeod, riding Dicontendro, jumps the CFB Shilo hurdle during the Manitoba Agriculture & Provincial Ex of Manitoba Cup jumping event on Tuesday evening as part of the Royal Manitoba Winter Fair. (Matt Goerzen/The Brandon Sun)
Abbey McLeod, riding Dicontendro, jumps the CFB Shilo hurdle during the Manitoba Agriculture & Provincial Ex of Manitoba Cup jumping event on Tuesday evening as part of the Royal Manitoba Winter Fair. (Matt Goerzen/The Brandon Sun)
Nine-year-old Savery Hatch of Oak Lake plays the Spotted Pony during the Fiddler’s Contest in the Manitoba Hydro Amphitheatre on Wednesday night. (Matt Goerzen/The Brandon Sun)
Nine-year-old Savery Hatch of Oak Lake plays the Spotted Pony during the Fiddler’s Contest in the Manitoba Hydro Amphitheatre on Wednesday night. (Matt Goerzen/The Brandon Sun)
Cadets silhouetted in a bright spotlight march out of Westoba Place on Monday night during the opening ceremony. (Matt Goerzen/The Brandon Sun)
Cadets silhouetted in a bright spotlight march out of Westoba Place on Monday night during the opening ceremony. (Matt Goerzen/The Brandon Sun)
A woman and a young child look at the figurines at the Mini Figures booth at the Keystone Centre. (Matt Goerzen/The Brandon Sun)
A woman and a young child look at the figurines at the Mini Figures booth at the Keystone Centre. (Matt Goerzen/The Brandon Sun)
Lexi and Dawson Leader race for the finish line with their buckets during the Provincial Ex of Manitoba Youth Obstacle Course on Wednesday evening. (Matt Goerzen/The Brandon Sun)
Lexi and Dawson Leader race for the finish line with their buckets during the Provincial Ex of Manitoba Youth Obstacle Course on Wednesday evening. (Matt Goerzen/The Brandon Sun)
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