Fair ‘kickoff to summer in Brandon’
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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 05/06/2019 (2420 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
The Manitoba Summer Fair is roaring into town today, bringing with it a joyous celebration of the community and the hot weather.
The fair runs today through Sunday and includes an array of outdoor and indoor activities for the whole family, Provincial Exhibition of Manitoba general manager Ron Kristjansson said.
“It’s a kickoff to summer in Brandon — we got a long, cold winter in this part of the world, and we’re ready to have some fun outside,” Kristjansson said.
The events officially begin today when the gates open at 4 p.m., following a citizenship ceremony in the Dome Building, which is being held from 1 to 4 p.m. Approximately 100 new Canadians will be welcomed into the fold.
Kristjansson recommends coming early and having a plan so one can see everything the fair has to offer.
The opening day culminates with a fireworks show at 10:30 p.m.
“We’ve got a new fireworks provider that’s promised a bigger and better show than what we’ve had, and the last few have been pretty impressive,” Kristjansson said.
Over the week, people can try out a great selection of rides with approximately 40 that adults and kids can try out, he said.
“The motto of the midway is we’ll party as long as people are here,” said Kristjansson, who personally recommends the bumper cars.
Fairgoers can have their fill of fancy food by sampling a selection of treats from both the North American Midway and local food trucks.
A highlight to look for at the fair will be NorthFIRE Circus, Kristjansson said. The stage act features a unique brand of fire circus entertainment.
“They do a bit of strolling too. They’ll pop up in unusual places,” Kristjansson said. “All of a sudden there will be someone on stilts beside you.”
One can observe amazing feats of strength at the daily West Coast Lumberjack event that includes log rolling and tree climbing.
A unique activity has been added to the roster this year with a human foosball tournament in the beer gardens.
People can compete along with three other teammates.
“We’re going to have a fun tournament as it develops over the week,” Kristjansson said.
The Summer Fair has placed an emphasis on celebrating everything local this year.
Music aficionados will be able to take in local groups including the Roulette Band, Whiskey River, Dirt Road Pilots, Prairie Whiskey and others over the course of the week.
As part of rejoicing in the local, the fair will be featuring the Blue Hills Fibre Festival over the weekend, including potential sheep shearing, at the curling rink.
“They’re making the connection between where it (fibres) come from and where it goes,” Kristjansson said.
A Home Craft section will be featured in UCT Pavillion at the Keystone Centre. The event continues to grow each year and will include photos, art, quilts and more.
History buffs can also find displays in the Dome Building, which were featured last year and proved to be extremely popular.
“We’ve pulled out a bunch of our old photo albums. … A lot of the people who came through the building, quite often I would hear them (saying) ‘There’s mom! There’s dad,’” Kristjansson grinned.
Thursday will feature a seniors tea and dance followed by bingo at the Dome Building.
The event of the day on Saturday will be the Travellers’ Day Parade, which will run from Sixth Street and Rosser Avenue to the Keystone Centre grounds.
An indoor horse show will be kicking up dust at the Westoba Credit Union Agricultural Centre of Excellence starting with a Barrel Racing jackpot on Friday night. Saturday and Sunday will feature shows with miniature, Hackney and draft horses.
On Sunday, early risers can get their fill of pancakes at the Cando Breakfast under the Dome at 9 a.m. followed by an Ecumenical church service.
“It’s a service that anybody is welcome to, any religion, any community member can come and celebrate our good fortune,” Kristjansson said.
Fans of classic cars can explore the south end of the grounds during Chrome in the Trees, and then watch some cars get destroyed in a demolition derby in the afternoon.
Parking is available on the south end of the Keystone, one can enter via Richmond Avenue or Queens Avenue.
“We have a great lineup of family entertainment,” Kristjansson said.
» ckemp@brandonsun.com
» Twitter: @The_ChelseaKemp