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It's an annual tradition that brings the community together for three days of fun, laughs, and good times.
The Dauphin Fair runs from Friday to Sunday. On Friday, the Fusion Credit Union gates open at 9:00 a.m. with Credit Union Place hopping from 11:00 to 8:00 with the kids' play zone, dinomite adventure, and the small animal display.
Terron Stykalo with the Dauphin Ag Society says it'll once again be a weekend to remember.
"Of course, the countdown is real as we work our way through the week here," said Stkyalo. "We're excited, there is a ton going on. Everyone is excited, and we can't wait to put on a great show."
The select shows midway runs from 2:00 to 11:00 on Friday, noon till 11:00 p.m. on Saturday, and noon until 8:00 p.m. on Sunday. Toss in the extreme dog stunt show all three days, the extreme lumberjacks, and chucks and chariot races, and there is something for everyone.
Whether you're five or 85, the Dauphin Fair has something for you.
"Whether it's our home living centre, our livestock exhibits, the extreme dogs," said Stykalo. There is a corn maze this year. We don't want to change much from previous years; we want something for everyone."
Chariot races are 2:00 p.m. daily at the grandstands, and the chuckwagons are at 5:00 p.m. daily. On Sunday from 2:00 to 5:00, the Rotary Arena plays host to the car show, which will be a thrill for all you car enthusiasts.
Stkyalo thanks Dauphin Rec for allowing them to use the Rotary.
"We're honoured we're able to use it all the time. We try to put events in there so we can take advantage of that space," commented Stykalo. "It's fantastic. We couldn't be happier that we're able to use it every year."
An event like the Dauphin Fair requires plenty of manpower. From the volunteers to sponsors and everything in between, it's a community event.
"Everyone is important and plays a role in the success of this event," ended Stkyalo. "We can't thank our volunteers enough, our board of directors. We have a fantastic crew. We're honoured by the support we receive every year. We're quite excited and honoured to put on this event every year."
The home living section, sponsored by 730CKDM, is a must-visit. It is in the curling rink from 2:00 to 8:00 on Friday, and 11:00 to 6:00 on Saturday and Sunday.
"You know, there is some history in there. Some arts and crafts in there," ended Stykalo. "People put in a lot of time to make that display something special. It's something that everyone should take in. If you have a chance, make sure you go into the curling rink and check out the home living section."
Advanced tickets are $15 for those 13 and over, while those 6 to 12 years old are $5. Each ticket goes up $5 at the gate. Ride all-day bracelets for select shows midway are $40 in advance and $45 at the fair.
You can see a full schedule of events for the Dauphin Fair here.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
After the Swan River Elks Lodge #384 sold its building, they were looking to give back to the community.
What came next is the highest level of generosity and the definition of giving back. They donated $60,000 to the Swan Valley Fire Department. The Fire Department used those funds to purchase a Can-Am Defender side-by-side and trailer.
It marks the largest financial donation our department has ever received, and its impact will be put to great use and will be felt throughout the region for years to come.
Joel Fedorchuk is the captain of the department.
"Oh, it's awesome. We are extremely blessed to receive that donation," said Fedorchuk. "It'll help us a lot with rescues, grass fires, and more."
The side-by-side seats three firefighters in the main cab and is also equipped with an 85-gallon water tank with a hose reel and pump that is capable of putting out grass fires in hard-to-access areas. The rear of the side-by-side is also designed to carry one patient in a sked (rescue stretcher) if a rescue, with an injury, were required. There is also a compartment that stores medical gear such as a medical pack, C-collars, and straps.
Fedorchuk says the addition of the side-by-side is critical.
"Especially for ATV rescues and grass fires," he added. "Before we got it, for ATV rescues, we had to rely on personal-use ATVs. For grass fires, it's going to save a lot of man-hours and bodies."
The donation is another case of the Elks' unwavering committment to supporting the Swan Valley and the organizations it serves.
Fedorchuk has now been with the department for 14 years. He was promoted to captain four years ago, which was an honour for him. It's a testament to his hard work and dedication to serving and protecting the Swan Valley.
"It was good, it was awesome," Fedorchuk added. "It's added some responsibility, which I love. It's fun."
Fedorchuk says he loves helping the community. He enjoys doing it. While some moments are tough and stressful, he said, at the end of the day, it's always worth it.
The Department currently has 26 members, just shy of the 30 maximum.
"We have a great crew there. Great crew of guys and gals," ended Fedorchuk. "They're a lot of fun to be around. It's a family atmosphere. We're there for one another."
The Department is currently recruiting new members. If you're interested, you can call the Fire Chief at 734-4403. You can also email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
Charges have been laid in the shooting that seriously wounded two RCMP officers in Melville earlier this week.
On Sunday night at about 9:30, Melville RCMP were sent to a home on 8th Avenue West. A suspect fired a gun multiple times, and two officers were hit. The shooter has now been identified as 55-year-old Markus Dodge of Melville.
Dodge faces two counts of attempted murder, two counts of aggravated assault, and two counts of firing a gun with intent, among other charges.
The RCMP say the injured officers remain in the hospital. They are in stable condition; however, their injuries are serious and potentially life-altering in nature.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
A Saturday afternoon crash on the Keeseekoowenin First Nation has claimed the life of one person from that community.
Yellowhead RCMP say the crash happened on Highway 354 at around 2:30 pm.
Officers found an SUV on its side, then learned that three men in the car at the time were taken by a passerby to a nearby business.
One of the men, a 56-year-old, was eventually transported to hospital in Minnedosa, where he died.
The two other males were not seriously injured.
The driver, 35-year-old Vincent Bone of Keeseekoowenin, is charged with o perating a vehicle while prohibited; and two counts of failing to comply with a release order.
He was also ticketed under The Highway Traffic Act for driving an unregistered vehicle, which carries a $298 fine.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
On May 21, the community of Ebb and Flow was buzzing.
Students from the high school and elementary school took part in flag football drills and played games. Former Winnipeg Blue Bomber all-star Brandon Alexander was in attendance for the event, led by the Winnipeg Blue Bombers Alumni.
For high school principal Edith Lavallee, it was a tremendous day full of smiles, and skill was on full display. Edith lives and breathes Blue Bomber football. She goes to at least one game every year and loves watching on TV.
On Thursday, Edith will be at Princess Auto Stadium in Winnipeg when the Bombers host Edmonton. And not only will she be at the game cheering on the Blue & Gold, but she will be on the sideline before the opening kickoff.
Right after the national anthem, Edith will hand the game ball to the referee. Being a Bomber fan for more than two decades, Edith is thrilled about the opportunity.
"Oh, I'm so excited. The Blue Bombers are my life," she said. "I love football, and I love watching the Blue Bombers. I was so excited when they sent me an email about it and then called me."
Kickoff on Thursday is slated for 7:30. That means Edith will hand the game ball to the referee just before. Then she'll be cheering her heart out as the Bombers look to bounce back following a 10-point loss two weeks ago.
The best part about the opportunity for Edith is that she will be representing the Ebb and Flow School. She spent 17 years as a resource teacher and is wrapping up her third year as the principal. She said this opportunity is an honour.
"I sent a message to the kids and let them know that I am there to represent our high school," ended Lavallee. "It's also Indigenous Day at the game. So I will be wearing my Indigenous attire, as well."
The game will be televised on TSN.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
The City of Dauphin is making another step towards improving the City's active transportation network. Construction will soon start on an expanded multi-use trail along a section of Mountain Road.
Lisa Gaudet, Deputy City Manager, said though the City has been making some pretty good improvements to trail networks in recent years, it's about time that section of Mountain Road got an update.
"At the time, [the Mountain Road trail was] one of the City's first major active transporation investments, and since then the network has expanded significantly, with projects such as a Kingsway Trail and the Allan Dohan Campus Connector...as we've gained experience, and as active transportation planning has continued to evolve across Canada, there's been growing recognition that separated, off-street facilities provide a comfortable and accessible option for a wider ranger of users, so the new boulevard multi-use trail reflects these evolving best practices," said Gaudet.
Once shovels are in the ground, Gaudet said she expects not many big delays. The project will take around three weeks to complete, and residents and people walking or driving through the area might see some minor disruptions.
"Construction is scheduled to begin on June 29th along Mountain Road, between River Avenue and Davidson Avenue. And this is the first phase of improvements, that will widen sections of the existing sidewalk to create a multi-use trail on the boulevard...residents will see sections of the sidewalk widened to accommodate both pedestrians and cyclists, and the work will take place on the boulevard rather than the roadway itself, but the protective bike lane barriers in this area will be removed," said Gaudet.
Because of the size and type of equipment needed for the work, Gaudet said motorists might face some delays in the area as well, but even those delays will not be major.
Gaudet wanted to stress that the project isn't about taking away Dauphin's existing active transportation network, it's about expanding on what's worked well for the City in the past few years, and improve it with proven best practices from across Canada.
"There may be some temporary construction-related disruptions while the work is underway, but the work is being done on the boulevard, so we don't anticipate any major disruptions...this project isn't about removing active transportation infrastructure, it's about improving it. So we're building on what we've learned over the past several years, and continuing council's long-term vision of creating a safe, accessible, and connected active transportation network throughout Dauphin," said Gaudet.
Recent improvements to Dauphin's active transportation network, and planned improvements like collaborations with Northgate Trails, show that the City of Dauphin is making active investments in our trails.
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- Contributed by Ian Gillingham
June is Pride Month, and there have been many events in the Parkland this month.
Winnipegosis, Swan River, and Dauphin are three communities that hosted events to celebrate the 2SLGBTQ+ community. Just down the road on Friday, Ashern will host its pride event from 11:00 to 3:00.
Megan Harrison was a vendor at last year's event and said it went very well. This year, organizers are sprucing things up and hoping for an even larger turnout.
There will be music, vendors, yard games, and face painting.
"It's such an important opportunity to bring people together to celebrate diversity and build community," said Harrison. "We know there are 2SLGBTQ+ members in our community. They live here, work here, raise families, and contribute. We want everyone to feel like they have a place here."
There will also be sidewalk chalk art, information, and resources. There will be walk through pride history. That's where you can explore stories, moments, and milestones that have shaped the 2SLGBTQ+ community.
There's also a Subway sandwich sale. It's a fundraiser in support of the Lakeshore Family Resource Centre.
If you're in the Ashern area on Friday, Megan says stop by, say hi, and enjoy a great afternoon of inclusivity and community.
"Yeah, it's for everybody. One of the sayings we're using is everyone belongs," ended Harrison. "It means exactly that. No matter the age, background, culture, identity, or orientation, everyone can come. Everybody belongs and deserves to be safe, respected, and valued in the Northwest Interlake."
All are welcome and everyone belongs.
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Tuesday will be a busy day for high school graduations within the Park West School Division.
The biggest one takes place in Russell, as 65 students graduate from Major Pratt School.
The ceremony begins at 3:30 at the hall, followed by a grand march, and then a parade at 6 pm.
Meanwhile, 20 students are set to graduate from Birtle Colegiate.
Stacie Stonehouse is their principal
"Our ceremonies starts here at the school at 1:30 pm. Following our graduation ceremony, we will have our grand march within or gymnasium as well. And then when that wraps up, we head down to the faairgrounds, and people will line the main streets of Birtle as we do a grad parade."
The day wraps up with an evening Safe Grad event at the hall.
And 20 students are set to graduate from Hamiota Collegiate on Tuesday.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
The countdown is almost over.
Dauphin's Countryfest starts on Thursday. It's set to be a four-day festival to remember, beginning with the Rockin' Thursday Night Kickoff Party.
"I've always enjoyed the Rockin' Kickoff Party," said Duane McMaster. "I'm looking forward to some of the acts that'll be up there. JJ Wilde, The Haileys, the Revolving Doors. We've got some good acts coming in. It's going to be a lot of fun."
Four-day general admission passes are still on sale, as are Fisher Quiet Campground passes. The Sean Taylor Band opens the main stage on Friday, while Tyler Hubbard will close it. Cameron Whitcomb starts at 9:00 on Saturday, and Jelly Roll shuts down the main stage starting at 10:30.
On Sunday, the good times and vibes continue with The Martin Boys on the main stage at 3:30. Nate Smith is the final act on the main stage starting at 9:30 on Sunday night. Those are just the main stage acts.
Toss in Aaron Pritchett, Kate's Outlaw, Charlie Major, Petrick, and Club Wagon Creek, to name a few. It's going to be epic. If you've been waiting to get your tickets, don't wait any longer.
Dauphin's Countryfest returns on Thursday, and the country party of the summer is on.
"Like, we probably haven't had anything this good in the past eight or 10 years," ended McMaster. "This is quite a step up compared to what we've been able to do for the last few years. In response to our patrons, they were missing big-name entertainment. So, we went out and found some big-name entertainment, and have brought them in."
Get ready everyone, the time is almost here.
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The front door and glass window were smashed. Garbage was tossed all over the lawn.
On June 21 at 12:35 a.m., Dauphin RCMP responded to a break and enter at a home in Dauphin. Once officers entered the home, it was trashed, with wooden cabinets tipped over, a smashed mirror, a caved-in microwave, and other items all over the floor.
Officers spotted the 17-year-old suspect smashing the top of an oven with a pan. The homeowner wasn't home.
She attempted to flee, but was taken into custody in the backyard. The 17-year-old faces a charge of break and enter. She was held overnight, then released. She will appear in court at a later date.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
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