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The arrival of summer will be celebrated in Garland this weekend, much like how Ukrainian families celebrated it many years ago. 

Kupalo Fest takes place Friday through Sunday, with special solstice ceremonies taking place on Saturday, along with workshops on Friday, and dances on both Friday and Saturday night.

Organizer and Artistic Director Anastasia Fyk explains why it's important to hold this festival.
 
"I really want to see life brought back to the area.  We have all of the infrastructure here.  It is such a beautiful and magical place here in Garland.  We are right on the edge of the Duck Mountains.  And, it is a really special place, and I just want to see traditions come back to life.  Traditions happening again and living culture."
 
Proceeds from the weekend will go towards humanitarian efforts in Ukraine, as well as to the victims of the Manitoba wildfires.
 
Tickets can be purchased at Ruff's Furniture & Appliances, in Dauphin; Old September, in Gilbert Plains; LB's, in Ethelbert; Sheila's Lucky Dollar, in Pine River; and, Kolisnyk's General Store, in Cowan.

It is a sombre anniversary today for residents in Dauphin and the surrounding area. 

It was two years ago that a bus collided with a semi truck at the intersection of Highways 1 and 5 near Carberry, taking the lives of 17 seniors from our area, while injuring 8 others. 

The city of Dauphin issued a statement on their social media accounts this morning, saying that the Mayor, Council, and staff pause to remember those we lost and to honour the families, friends, and loved ones who continue to carry their memory forward

It adds the city recognizes the strength and resilience that our community has shown in the face of unimaginable grief, and we stand together in remembrance and reflection.

The Roblin Playgrounds Revitalization Project is looking for your help in earning a special grant. 

Sandbox Mutual Insurance has named the group as one of six finalists for their annual grant, worth $25,000.
An online vote is taking place now until June 23rd, with the grant going to the group that collects the most votes. 
You can find the link for the vote on the Roblin Playgrounds Revitalization Project Facebook page.
Once you vote, you are encouraged to share the link with your friends so that they can vote as well.  

On Father's Day, Dauphin RCMP responded to a single-vehicle collision on 1st Avenue SE at about 4:30 p.m.

The 17-year-old female driver clipped a curb and hit a tree. The vehicle then ended on its side.

The female, who was the only person in the vehicle, suffered minor injuries. Alcohol is not a factor. There was a larger-than-normal police presence because of a shift change. 

There were 420 collisions involving cyclists in Manitoba last year.

Three of those resulted in fatalities and 236 injuries. Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) says fault is often shared between drivers and cyclists.

"The bottom line is, all of these incidents are preventable," said Tara Seel with MPI. "So when we see 420 collisions and three Manitobans dead because they were riding their bike, that's something to be concerned about. That's why we are really highlighting cycling safety."

Common safety tips for cyclists include wearing a helmet and obeying traffic control signals and signs. Cyclists should always ride in a straight line and never weave between vehicles.

"If you're going to share the road while on a bike, you need to follow the rules of the road," continued Seel. "You want to use hand signals to let vehicles know what you're doing. At the same time, we highly recommend you make eye contact with the driver. If you do that, you see each other. That will assure you're both giving each other the proper amount of space."

For drivers, reduce your speed and leave a safe following distance. You should also change lanes, if possible, to give cyclists plenty of room. 

"I can appreciate that there is frustration in that," ended Seel. "At the same time, are those three seconds that it will save you as a motorist worth someone's life? That's what we have seen, Manitobans losing their life while riding a bike in our province. Avoid using your horn, which can startle a cyclist. Watch for hand signals indicating they're going to turn or stop."

One wrong move can cost a life. Road safety isn’t optional — it’s everyone’s responsibility.

A Dauphin man arrested back in January on a drug charge and several outstanding warrants has appeared in court again.
29-year-old Clint Nepinak was changing a tire along Highway 5 near Ste. Rose when RCMP noticed his vehicle had no license plates, and later found out that he had no registration or proof of sale. 
A search of the vehicle and Nepinak turned up open liquor, and several bags containing what was believed to be crystal meth, prescription drugs, cocaine, empty baggies, multiple cell phones, and various gift cards.
Nepinak appeared in Brandon Provincial Court on Thursday, where he agreed to enter into a drug treatment program.

Hundreds of Dauphin and area residents packed Vermillion Park on Friday afternoon for the city's Pride Parade.

PrideParade

All those in attendance made noise, and there was an incredible sense of community, love, and inclusivity.

CKDM caught up with Richard Genaille, youth and recreation minister with the Manitoba Metis Federation, after the event.

"My thoughts, I am just overwhelmed," said Genaille. "The turnout was incredible in the City of Sunshine, just awesome."

Chance Henderson, president of the Mountain View Teachers' Association, led parade goers onto the streets with a megaphone. The hundreds started in Vermillion Park, made their way, and ended up back in Vermillion, where everyone gathered.

"The turnout here was phenomenal. The folks that walked in the parade showed such great spirit," said Henderson. "We couldn't have asked for a better bunch of folks. It was a good time."

Dauphin joined the string of Manitoba communities to host Pride events. It's an annual tradition like none other. It's all about education and learning about the 2SLGBTQ+ community and who they are. 

Genaille had a smile from ear to ear when reflecting on the event, which continues to grow every year.

"Look at the people, it's overwhelming," ended Genaille. "It brings butterflies to my stomach."

Once everyone got back to Vermillion, there were speeches and a hot dog feast. Among the festivities was an incredible group of young Parklanders who had a drumming session.

The weather was outstanding, the community support was great, and the love was felt. For Henderson, this event is critical for the city.

"It's very important. All folks belong," ended Henderson. "We need to get together to celebrate inclusion and diversity. We need to be accepting."

Pride 2025 has come to a close in Dauphin. Pride 2026 is already in the works and promises to be another special day of inclusion, love, and acceptance. 

Closures for several parts of Riding Mountain National Park have now been lifted following the recent completion of prescribed fires in several parts of the park. 

A total of 1,400 hectares were burned under the watchful eye of Parks Canada officials in the Menzie and Baldy Lake area. 
Among the areas closures now lifted are  Baldy Lake road and trail, Central Trail, Baldy Lake Trail, Gunn Lake trail, Long Lake trail, and Whitewater, Gunn Lake, and Long Lake backcountry websites.   
The fires were done in order to improve the forage for several types of wildlife, including elk and moose. 
They will also help to maintain and restore prairie grasslands and reduce the risk of dangerous wildfires in the park. 

Just in time for the start of summer..... the Splash Pad in Ste. Rose is now open. 

Located in Burnside Park, the splash pad is open daily from 10 am to 8 pm.
Lakeshore and Ste. Rose recreation invite everybody to check it out and cool themselves off at the same time.  

Chuckwagon and chariot races are set to return to Ste Rose this weekend, as the Parkland Horsemen's Association brings two days of action to the PHA racetrack just north of he community. 

PHA secretary Faye Soucy says all of the excitement begins Saturday afternoon. 
"We are going to be running chariots at 3 pm on Saturday, with the wagons going at 5.  We will also have the Redneck Ranch Petting Zoo coming to see us.  They will be there at 1 o'clock.  We have never had them here before.  They are a bunch of small animals, and it is going to be more hands-on."
Sunday races go at 1:30 for the chariots and 4:30 for the chuckwagons, with two Dash for Cash races taking place.
Also new this year is an Engine Death Pool, while the Beer Gardens will feature Owen and Wade Anderson, and Brad Johnson, all on Saturday night. 
Admission is $15 per day or $25 for the weekend.  

Gilbert Plains is set to be "country-fied" this weekend. 

Their 3rd annual Broncs, Bulls, Barrels and Ballgowns event goes on Saturday and Sunday at the rodeo grounds.  
Gymkhana events start Saturday morning at 10, with the rough stock and barrel events going on Sunday at 1.
Organizing committee member Courtney Roehl says they have a wide range of skill levels competing this weekend.
"We have a couple of professional riders who are coming for the rough stock events.  And then we have lots of locals, starting at the age of 5, with our oldest competitor in her 70s." 
Saturday will wrap up with a "Party in the Dirt" dance beginning at 8 pm.
Day passes are $10 each day, unless you want to attend the dance - then the Saturday pass is $20.
Weekend passes are $25 while tickets to just the Saturday night Party in the Dirt is $15.