After two years of cancellations and battling the challenges of Covid-19 restrictions, the Provincial Exhibition of Manitoba is excited to announce that the Royal Manitoba Winter Fair is returning to the Keystone Centre.
The Fair, which has been cancelled the past two years because of covid-19, will be held from March 28 – April 2 at the Keystone Centre in Brandon and will feature many of the events and attractions that western Manitobans have come to expect at the annual event.
Provincial Exhibition President Kathy Cleaver says that with the recent announcements by the province, fair-goers will have the opportunity to once again experience much of what they have come to expect at the event, from agricultural displays and exhibits to family entertainment and world class equestrian events.
“Having to cancel the 2020 and 2021 Winter Fair was a huge disappointment to our organization,” says Cleaver, who assumed the role of President in early February. “While the decisions were hard, we recognized that it was the only decision that could be made for the health of our community. The staff and directors re-positioned and did the best we could do to meet our financial obligations and to ensure we were able to host a fair when the time was right.”
“The directors and I are excited to again be doing what we do best, hosting Fairs,” she went on to say. “We’re looking forward to greeting old friends and meeting new ones.”
Earlier this month, the province announced plans to remove proof of vaccination requirements effective March 1. Meanwhile mask requirements and other restrictions will be lifted on March 15.
“We will continue to follow the current recommendations and guidelines set by Manitoba Health,” she added.. “We look forward to welcoming exhibitors and patrons to the Keystone Centre but at the same time, recognizing the responsibility to the community that this entails.”
Having the opportunity to host the Fair, considering what everyone has managed to go through the past two years, is something that Cleaver is excited about.
“We believe that our community is ready to come together to celebrate spring and our Winter Fair. Come out and enjoy the Woof Jocks, Doodles the clown, Horse Jumping and Junior Cattle shows to name a few of the attractions… not to mention one of my favorites, the thrilling sound of the Draft Horses thundering down the ramp and into the arena. The Fair continues to create memories for families that last generations.”
While most of the popular events and attractions will be returning, one change will see the unofficial kick off to the Fair – the Sunrise Breakfast – will now be held during the morning of Monday, March 28 at the historic Dome Building. Another change will see the Shur Gro Entertainment Stage moving to the Manitoba Hydro Amphitheatre from the MNP Hall as the annual Trade Show will be situated there because both the Manitoba Room and UCT Pavillion tied up with vaccination / immunization and testing stations.
Tickets to the 2022 Royal Manitoba Winter Fair will go on sale on this coming week by visiting www.provincialexhibition.com. Additional details on special ticket packages and “free” children’s tickets to be announced in the coming days.
As well, local businesses interested in helping to promote the event with special RMWF banner wrap are encouraged to stop by the Dome Building, beginning Tuesday, March 2.
For more information contact:
Rick Dillabough
Manager of Operations and Sponsorship Lead
Provincial Exhibition of Manitoba