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ROYAL MANITOBA WINTER FAIR LAUNCHES PLANS FOR 2024

February 9, 2024

Brandon, MB. – ROYAL MANITOBA WINTER FAIR LAUNCHES PLANS FOR 2024

The countdown has begun for the 2024 Royal Manitoba Winter Fair and the Provincial Exhibition of Manitoba is excited to announce that final preparations are well underway for the annual show.

The Fair, which will run from March 25-30th in Brandon’s Keystone Centre, will feature everything from family entertainment and attractions to trade shows and agricultural exhibitions and events. In recognition of the Fair, which as been a staple in Brandon since 1882, the event Chairs Clint Swain, Wayne Buhr and Candace Bowles are excited to unveil this year’s Theme and Poster.

“I love the images displayed on this year’s poster,” says Provincial Exhibition President and Royal Manitoba Winter Fair Chair Clint Swain. “From the heavy horses to the food concessions and main arena showring, the colours and the look really seem to capture this prestigious event.”

“The poster really encourages all Manitobans to ‘Take the Leap’ and come to the Fair,” says Swain, who was voted in as President of the Exhibition during Tuesday night’s Annual General Meeting, after spending the past two years as Vice President.

This year’s poster features the work of renowned artist Weiming Zhao and offers a unique view of the Royal Manitoba Winter Fair, which is one of only two fairs in Canada to receive Royal designation from Queen Elizabeth II.

ABOUT THE POSTER AND THE ARTIST;

Zhao’s captivating journey from his upbringing in the remote northwestern part of China during the Cultural Revolution to his flourishing career as a prolific painter is set to be showcased at the Royal Manitoba Winter Fair. Zhao’s incredible story unfolds as he utilized his passion for painting and drawing as a refuge during tumultuous times in the 60s. Having taught himself English in the late 70s, Zhao embarked on a 10-year career in teaching English as a second language in China before pursuing further studies at Brandon University in 1991. Following a five-year separation from his wife and daughter, he reunited with his family in Canada in 1995 and made Brandon his home.

Despite a nearly three-decade hiatus from painting and drawing, Zhao’s artistic flame was reignited in the summer of 2003 at Lake of the Woods, Ontario. Since then, he has tirelessly created a stunning portfolio of over 6000 paintings and sketches en plein air, leading to 18 solo exhibitions. His artwork has garnered international acclaim, with collections in Canada, the United States, Russia, England, and China. Notably, 14 of his paintings are part of the prestigious Manitoba Provincial Art Collection.

“We are thrilled to announce that he has generously donated his captivating artwork images to the Provincial Exhibition of Manitoba for reproduction on the official poster of the 2024 Royal Manitoba Winter Fair,” says General Manager Mark Humphries. “The event poster features his evocative creations, providing a visual feast and celebrating the fusion of art and culture at this iconic event.”

 

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