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There are lots of smiles from everyone involved with Dauphin's Countryfest.
The three-day music festival wrapped up Sunday night, with President Duane McMaster projecting a 10-15 per cent increase in ticket sales from last year.
He feels the "90's Country" theme for this year's festival played a big part in that boost in sales.
"As soon as we announced the lineup, we got a ton of positive feedback about the lineup. I think that obviously had a lot to do with the ticket sales. And, yes, we are getting a lot of positive feedback from everyone that they really enjoyed it and that they like seeing and hearing 90's country. So we think we pulled a win out of the hat there."
McMaster is quick to realize that an event like Dauphin's Countryfest is a team effort.
"The event is put on by volunteers. We have a huge number of volunteers that put in time for this. Our sponsors have been fantastic, the community support has been fantastic this year. But I really want to throw out my kudos to my fellow board members. There is a 13-member board (in total) and they have went above and beyond this year to make this event possible. They have worked their butts off with every aspect of this festival to make it the great event that it is today."
McMaster says planning will begin almost immediately for the 2025 edition of the festival.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
The Dauphin Ag Society Fair was a focal point of family fun this weekend.
According to Terron Stykalo, President of the Ag Society, upwards of 7000 people walked through the gates to enjoy a summer staple in Dauphin.
Inside and out, there was no shortage of things to do. In Credit Union Place, a 35-foot-tall brachiosaurus immediately catches the eye, as the Dinomite Adventures had minigolf, displays, and dinos.
There was also the small animal display, featuring farm friends from geese to goats to even a zonky (zebra-donkey) for people to pet.
Just outside the doors of the CUP, the Select Shows midway was a symphony to the senses, with the smell of delicious fair food, screams of excitement, and bumping music creating an atmosphere like none other.
Friday, however, did have its hiccups, as a constant rain throughout the day drove off a lot of fair-goers, and even shut down the midway temporarily due to safety concerns.
That much water and electricity can be a bad mix.
Nonetheless, Saturday and Sunday had perfect weather to get out and experience what the fair offers.
The agricultural component, as always, was massive.
From the 4-H clubs from across the Parkland gathering for the Beef & Sheep Show & Sale, Stock Dog competition, the Chore Team Competitions, and horse showings, tons of powerful animals, and the people that care for them, were putting on their very best.
Due to the inclement weather, unfortunately the Chuck and Chariots were canceled for the year.
The race track was not dry in time for even the final showings, and there was just too much risk that a horse could slip and injure themselves in the mud.
In his closing statements, Stykalo says that all of this is only possible because of the community spirit that shines here in Dauphin.
"I'd like to, number one, thank the volunteers at the Dauphin Ag Society. They do a phenomenal job and they make me look way too good. Everyone thinks I work hard, but these people here certainly surpass in that aspect. I couldn't do it without them. All of our sponsors, this fair would not run without them. And, of course, all of the community support we have from everybody coming and attending the fair. We do this for you, so thank you so much for coming out and supporting us."
After experiencing the Dauphin Ag Society Fair, I'm excited to see what next year has in store!
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- Contributed by Michael Brossart
Monday is Canada Day and most communities within the Parkland have some form of activities planned to celebrate our country's 157th birthday.
Here in Dauphin, the Fire Department will be hosting fireworks on the DRS Grounds beginning at roughly 10:45 pm.
The public is reminded that there will be no parking allowed in the Manitoba Hydro Parking lot to watch the fireworks.
Communities like Swan River, Gilbert Plains, and McCreary will begin their celebrations in the afternoon and conclude their day with fireworks at dusk.
Fireworks are also being planned for Watson Park in Grandview, and near the Elk in Onanole.
Meanwhile, Riding Mountain National Park is hosting entertainment on the main beach at Clear Lake throughout the afternoon, beginning at 12 noon on Monday.
For a full list of Canada Day celebrations in our region, you can check out the Community Calendar on our website 730ckdm.com.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
Talks continue to be off-track between Canadian Pacific, CN rail, and the Teamsters union.
The Teamsters' Union overwhelmingly voted for strike action earlier in June but has been on hold due to federal moves to label rail lines as essential workers.
The union initiated another vote on June 14 to renew the strike mandate, which lasts only 60 days. The vote is expected to conclude on June 29, the day before the union’s existing mandate expires.
A Canadian Pacific statement thinks it's unlikely the Teamsters would be in a position to strike before mid-July.
There is a lot of concern on the effects that this strike could have if it overlaps with Harvest, and grinds grain movement to a halt.
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- Contributed by Michael Brossart
Applications are open for the Manitoba government’s new security rebate program, which offers a $300 rebate to homeowners, renters, and small business owners for purchasing security equipment.
In a statement, Justice Minister Matt Wiebe said “Every Manitoban deserves to feel safe in their home and their community", and this rebate aims to help toward that goal.
This one-time rebate is designed to offset the cost of security improvements for Manitobans who are increasing security on their property
Eligible upgrades include security cameras, doorbell cameras, alarm systems, motion detectors, reinforced doors or windows, anti-graffiti film and paints, security gates, pull-down protection shutters, and permanent security fencing.
Any purchase made after Sept. 1, 2023, is eligible to receive the rebate, and residents are encouraged to sign up early, as this program will run on a first come- first serve basis.
You can find the details and apply at The Manitoba Government's Website
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- Contributed by Michael Brossart
The Dauphin Ag Society parade highlights today's activities in the city, as two long time events continue.
The parade, which is one of the highlight events of the annual Dauphin Ag Society Fair, will start on Mountain Road and make its way west on River Avenue to Main Street before turning west on 4th Avenue south.
It will thern head towards the hospital and the personal care home before wrapping up at the corner of Jackson and Whitmore.
Other highlights of day two of the fair include light and draft horse shows, the Manitoba Cattle Dog Association finals, and chariot and chuckwagon races.
Meanwhile, at the Selo Ukraina site south of Dauphin, it is day two of the 35th edition of Dauphin's Countryfest.
Among the acts taking to the stage today are Beverly Mahood, Lisa Brokop, Patricia Conroy, the Frontmen, Diamond Rio, and headline act Diamond Rio.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
Despite laws that were introduced in 2010 that brought in hefty fines for distracted driving, it continues to be a significant issue on Manitoba roadways.
A recent study conducted by CAA Manitoba shows that 59 per cent of drivers in the province have witnessed a close-call collision or a distracted driving violation.
The survey found that 60 per cent of Manitoba drivers have been behind a driver in another vehicle who missed a traffic light change because that driver was distracted, while 51 per cent of those surveyed stated that they had met the criteria for being distracted drivers in the past.
The issue is fueling safety concerns for many Manitobans, as 89 per cent of drivers surveyed feel somewhat or very concerned about distracted driving.
The survey also found that 57 per cent of Manitoba drivers support increasing fines and penalties for distracted driving convictions.
According to Manitoba Public Insurance, using a mobile device while driving can result in a $672 fine and possible license suspension.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
Dauphin Co-op is currently dealing with a system-wide issue.
In a Facebook post, they say the issue is causing a few disruptions as follows:
- • Cardlock is unavailable - Gas Bars are working fine
- • Food Store Checkouts are working but you may experience issues with online shopping
- • Our website is unavailable but you can access info on the Co-op app.
The Ste. Rose Cardlock location is open to purchase clear fuel products with your Visa, Mastercard, or Co-op Cardlock card (green).
Dauphin Co-op apologizes for any inconvenience and appreciates your patience and understanding.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
Louisiana Pacific, near Minitonas, has seen its operating licence extended by five years after a new Memorandum Of Understanding was signed between the province and three First Nation governments in the area.
In making the announcement on Friday, Premier Wab Kinew said the agreement will keep hundreds of good-paying jobs in Swan Valley after years of instability.
That instability resulted in L.P.'s licence only being extended on a short-term basis in previous years.
Over the next five years, LP, local First Nations, and the Manitoba government will work together to create a 20-year forest management plan that meets the needs of both parties.
Premier Kinew noted that this act of economic reconciliation is good for the economy, Indigenous Peoples, and working-class Manitobans.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
Let the party of the summer get underway.
The 35th edition of Dauphin's Countryfest kicks off Friday and runs throughout the weekend.
Countryfest Board President Duane McMaster says he is looking forward to seeing the crowd that will flock to the Selo Ukraina site over the course of the weekend.
"I love going out there on a Friday or Saturday night and looking up at that huge crowd in the ampitheatre and just knowing that I was part of the crew that managed to put this together and part of that long history of bringing all of these people from all over the place to our little town and showing it off."
McMaster is extremely happy to see a rise in ticket sales conpared to the last two years.
He says festival attendees will notice one change this year, as they have dropped the food tokens system.
"We talked to a few different festivals that do food tokens and we did try it out for two years. It did not go very well the first year but we thought we would do it twice just to make sure. We thought we had worked the kinks out, but after two years, nobody was really a fan of it and it just was not functioning well on the logistics side on our end, and it was a lot of work for no real benefit."
It is a largely "90's Country" lineup this year, with headline acts including Clint Black Friday night, Alabama on Saturday, and Nitty Gritty Dirt Band on Sunday.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
These vouchers are valued up to the following:
$175 for female dogs;
$125 for male dogs: and
$75 for male cats.
In a press release, Mayor David Bosiak had the following to say about the new program.
“A key factor in responsible pet ownership is to spay and neuter dogs and cats, so we do not add to the problem our shelters are facing with limited space and overworked volunteers,” said City of Dauphin Mayor, David Bosiak. “We encourage residents to be a part of the solution by fixing their pets.”
To apply for SNAP, head to City Hall or online.
Proof of residency in Dauphin and a valid pet license are required for eligibility. Upon approval, the City will issue a voucher that can be used at either the Dauphin Vet Clinic or Uptown Pet Clinic. Pet owners are responsible for paying the remaining fees at the time of their appointment.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
