The Countdown Continues for the 2023 Royal Manitoba Winter Fair
Brandon, MB. – The message is clear – the Royal Manitoba Winter Fair is back, and Provincial Exhibition of Manitoba
President Kathy Cleaver is encouraging everyone to come out and “Show us your Smiles”.
“I love the Fair….always have,” says Cleaver. “I look forward every year to reconnecting with friends, watching the horses
compete and seeing the smiles and pride of the volunteers helping to contribute to Manitoba’s largest indoor fair. It makes me
smile to watch the families and kid’s excitement when they are interacting with the animals and entertainers.” “It’s a great
week,” she added.
The six-day Fair, which is one of western Canada’s largest agricultural events, and one of only two fairs in Canada to receive
Royal designation from Queen Elizabeth II, kicks off on Monday, March 27th with the Sunrise Breakfast from 7-10 am in the
historic Dome Building.
After having both the 2020 and 2021 events cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Royal Manitoba Winter Fair
returned last year after the province relaxed a number of restrictions in February. While it was great to see the Fair back at the
Keystone Centre, general manager Mark Humphries says the fact that they’ve had more time to prepare this time around should
be beneficial to all. “They actually had five weeks to put on the event, which was just a sheer miracle for the staff and
volunteers,” he says. “They managed to pull the fair off, which was great.”
Making memories is a priority during the Fair, says co-chair Wayne Buhr. “It’s a place of first dates, first fairs with your kids,
times with grandma and grandpa,” says Buhr, who chairs the annual event with Clint Swain. “It is so great to see the
generations of families come together….the fair is a place to showcase the best production of agriculture and innovation.”
Among the many highlights expected to excite those in attendance this year include the Manitoba Hydro / Shur-Gro Farm
Services Entertainment Stage, the TD Ag Action Stage and Peavey Mart Petting Farm in the Flynn Arena / Curling Club as well
as an expanded trade show, cattle shows, horse shows and more.
One of the most popular attractions is back this year – the Fusion Credit Union Woof Jocks All Star Canine Show and Karen
Sandford, the production manager and host with the show recently told the Brandon Sun that they look forward to this fair every
year. “We were excited about being back (in 2022) but you’re wearing those masks all the time…and COVID-19 was still very,
very much in your mind. I think things will be different this year and I’m glad the fair is coming out in full force again.”
This will be the first winter fair with Humphries at the helm as he officially moved into the GM’s chair last September. Having
been a big fan of the Royal in the past, he’s looking forward to what should be an outstanding show from start to finish. “The
excitement is everywhere…. from both our staff and volunteers,” says Humphries. “You can really feel the buzz in the air. This
year promises to be great.”
The RMWF runs from March 27th to April 1st and for a complete look at this year’s schedule of events, be sure to visit
www.provincialexhibition.com
Fans can also purchase their tickets online, obtain “free” children’s tickets, courtesy of C&C Rentals and Recreation as well as
special discount tickets for RBC Family Day.
For more information, contact:
Mark Humphries
General Manager
Provincial Exhibition of Manitoba