OF AGRICULTURE & COMMUNITY A ROYAL CELEBRATION OF AGRICULTURE & COMMUNITY MARCH 30 - APRIL 4, 2026 OF AGRICULTURE & COMMUNITY
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2026 • WINTER FAIR • THE BRANDON SUN
TABLE OF CONTENTS
02 A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT Provincial Exhibition, Tim Rowan A MESSAGE FROM THE MANAGER OF OPERATIONS /ACTING GM Kristen Laing Breemersch 04 CO-CHAIR MESSAGE Candace Bowles and Clint Swain 06 WINTER FAIR A LASTING TRADITION 12 FAIR BEEFING UP YOUTH INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE 15 CRAFTING A ROYAL SHOW JUMPING COURSE
18 ENTERTAINMENT HIGHLIGHTS 22 WINTER FAIR MAP Keystone Centre 26 CANINE CIRCUS: Dog show 32 QUALITY PORK Competition and Luncheon 37 MOUNTED SHOOTING A competitive sport 43 THEME DAYS 44 SHOW INFO
10 MONDAY, MARCH 30 14 TUESDAY, MARCH 31 24 WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1 30 THURSDAY, APRIL 2 36 FRIDAY, APRIL 3 40 SATURDAY, APRIL 4 DAILY EVENT SCHEDULE
Welcome all exhibitors, visitors, and competitors to the 2026 Royal Manitoba Winter Fair.
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THE BRANDON SUN • WINTER FAIR • 2026
120 Years of fair excellence and tradition
T his year is a truly special milestone for the Designation. For more than a century, the Royal Manito- ba Winter Fair has brought people together to celebrate agriculture, education, and community. Earning the Roy- al title in 1970 was a proud moment in our history, and it continues to symbolize the excellence and tradition that define this event today. On behalf of our Board of Directors, staff, volunteers, sponsors, and partners, I am proud to welcome you to the Royal Manitoba Winter Fair (RMWF) at the Keystone Cen- tre. Whether you are joining us as a competitor, exhibitor, long-time supporter, or first-time guest, you are part of a Provincial Exhibition of Manitoba as we cele- brate 120 years of the Fair and 56 years of Royal legacy that has shaped our province for generations. Agriculture remains the cornerstone of everything we do. From world-class equestrian competition to hands- on agricultural education and interactive exhibits, the RMWF offers a unique opportunity to connect with the people, animals, innovation, and industries that feed and fuel our communities. We are proud of the strong part- nerships we share with Manitoba’s commodity groups, businesses, and organizations who help us deliver mean- ingful and memorable experiences for all ages. As we celebrate 120 years, we also look forward. The Royal Manitoba Winter Fair continues to evolve, creating new opportunities to engage youth, showcase excellence, O n behalf of our entire team, it is my great plea- sure to welcome you to this special event. We are truly grateful to have each of you here today. Your presence means a great deal to us and helps make this occasion both meaningful and memorable. The Royal Manitoba Winter Fair is a celebration of ag- riculture, community spirit, and tradition. We invite you to join us throughout this year’s fair and experience the excitement, entertainment, and educational opportuni- ties that make this event so special. Lasting memories of agriculture, entertainment, and community await. Events like this give us the opportunity to come together, share ideas, celebrate achievements, and strengthen the relationships that make our community and organization so strong. We are proud to host this gathering and excited for everything the fair has in store. On behalf of the entire Provincial Exhibition of Manitoba team, I would also like to extend our heart- felt thanks to our sponsors for their generous support and partnership. Your continued commitment plays a vital role in making the Royal Manitoba Winter Fair a
and highlight the vital role agriculture plays in our daily lives. Our commitment remains the same as it was in 1906: to provide ex- ceptional value, foster learning, and create a gathering place where rural and urban com- munities come together. Anniversaries are not only about reflecting on the past, but about recognizing the people who make events like this
Tim Rowan, supplied photo
possible. Thank you to our dedicated volunteers, gener- ous sponsors, exhibitors, competitors, and loyal patrons. Your continued support ensures the strength and success of the Fair for years to come. Please join us in celebrating 120 years of history, 56 years of Royal tradition, and the bright future ahead for the Provincial Exhibition of Manitoba. Welcome and enjoy the 2026 Royal Manitoba Winter Fair.
Tim Rowan Provincial Exhibition of Manitoba President
Celebration of agriculture and community history
resounding success. Without your invalu- able contributions, we would not be able to showcase such a remarkable event that celebrates rural agricul- ture while contributing to the local economy in meaningful ways.
Kristen Laing Breemersch, supplied photo
I would like to thank our Board of Directors, staff, volunteers, and everyone who helped organize this event, as well as all of you who took the time to attend. Your support and participation are what make events like this possible. We hope you enjoy the program, connect with oth- ers, and leave feeling inspired. Thank you for being here, and welcome.
Kristen Laing Breemersch Provincial Exhibition Manager of Operations/Acting GM
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THE BRANDON SUN • WINTER FAIR • 2026
Candace Bowles - Executive Board of Directors and Clint Swain - Past President
Co-Chair Message: A Royal Celebration of Agriculture and Community
W e would like to welcome you to the 2026 Royal Manitoba of agriculture and community! Months of planning have gone into this one-of-a-kind event, and we hope you will enjoy the sites and sounds as much as we have enjoyed planning them for you. Whether you are coming for horse jumping, The Canine Circus pre- sented by Fusion Credit Union or the delicious food – there is something for everyone. Each year, this cherished tradition brings together compet- itors, families, agricultural leaders and community members to celebrate excellence in equestrian sport, livestock and rural life. The fair is more than an event – it’s a gathering place where heritage meets innovation and memories are made. We are incredibly proud of the dedication and passion shown by our exhibitors and volunteers whose hard work and commit- ment make this week so special. Your contributions ensure that this long-standing tradition continues to thrive for future Winter Fair – a royal celebration generations and we couldn’t be more thankful for that. At the show, our Ag Education stage is full of demon- strations from sheep shearing to cattle handling. The Royal Farmyard lets you experience dairy, poultry and hog operations as well as some memory making with the ani- mals in the petting Farmyard. Enjoy our Royal Food Court
in the Manitoba Room where there will be interactive entertainment for the kids along with tradeshow and food vendors. In the MNP Hall there is an entertainment stage with different acts featured throughout the day. The am- phitheater has a packed schedule all week as well that will be sure to entertain the whole family. The Canine Circus presented by Fusion Credit Union perform multiple times per day in the main arena. Our feature horse shows provide great competition and animal elegance at both ends of the facility. Our Heavy Horse show will once again have chore competitions demonstrat- ing hard work and skill of both animal and driver. Something special this year – our Memorial Grand Prix will take place Saturday night to wrap up the show. During the week many volunteers work hard with the support of companies such as Mazergroup who keep our staff and volunteers equipped with New Holland equipment for those tough jobs. On behalf of Candace and Clint, the co-chairs of the Royal Manitoba Winter Fair, we welcome you to our event. It’s al- ways a pleasure to see everyone come together from near and far. When you are here, please make sure that you show grat- itude to our volunteers and take notice of the many sponsors and exhibitors who have helped us bring you this great show. We look forward to sharing an unforgettable fair with you!
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THE BRANDON SUN • WINTER FAIR • 2026
2026 • WINTER FAIR • THE BRANDON SUN
Winter Fair a lasting tradition for Manitobans By Connor McDowell
A western Manitoba tradition that has lasted for 120 years has returned again this year, bringing with it a week of agricultural education, competition, and a wealth of food and entertainment, just in time for spring break. The Royal Manitoba Winter Fair is set to run from Monday, March 30 to Saturday, April 4. A host of main attractions are returning as well, such as the Manitoba Mounted Shooting Association, fan-favourite Doodles the clown, and the Canine Circus presented by Fusion Credit Union and Dogs Do Magic acts, said man- ager of operations Kristen Laing Breemersch. World-class show jumping will headline the event again, and heavy horse competitions and livestock displays will return to bolster culture and education in agriculture. As the event spans Good Friday and leads into the Easter weekend, this year’s events will feature an egg hunt, and manager of operations Kristen Laing Breemersch said there will be a variety of related entertainment for kids and families.
Kids from the Westman 4-H Archery Club hold up their banner while waiting to march into the main arena. Matt Goerzen/The Brandon Sun
“We have an area with an Easter Bunny for photos, and an opportunity to decorate easter eggs by painting and co- louring throughout the weekend,” Laing Breemersch said. “We’re hoping to celebrate Easter as best as we can at our event with the families that come and take part with us.” The Winter Fair this year is marked by themed days with special activities: Monday starts with “Heroes Day” in hon- our of public safety workers and military members; Tues- day marks “4-H Day” in celebration of the next generation of agricultural leaders; Wednesday is “RBC Family Day” for family friendly fun and entertainment; Thursday is “For- ever Royal Kids Day” dedicated to kids; Friday is themed “Multicultural Day” to celebrate the diversity of music, culture and food of Manitoba; and the final day of the fair, Saturday, is “Indigenous Celebrations Day” in honour of culture and history of Indigenous people. Visitors will notice that there are more vendors, trade show exhibitors, and food trucks in the Manitoba Hall this year, as the entertainment stage was moved into the MNP Hall. Laing Breemersch said this was done for a better en- tertainment experience and to better organize space. “We’ve just tried to change the feel of that,” Laing Breem- ersch said. “It allows us to open up the Manitoba Room
with more vendors and more options, extra food trucks and extra trade shows.” The Manitoba room will still be used as the Royal court- yard with family entertainment trade show vendors, food vendors and a seating area. The fair has seen a small increase in the number of ven- dors setting up shop for the winter fair this year, said trade show and vendor co-ordinator Kaila Lapointe. Multi Cook Brandon, a Ukrainian cuisine franchise, will be coming for the first time, she said. “We have a lot of vendors that really enjoy doing the winter fair. and we have a lot of ones that keep coming year after year,” Lapointe said. “I think, word of mouth, and ad- vertisement, and more and more people are catching on.” It is the 56th year since the fair was designated as Royal by Canada’s late monarch Queen Elizabeth II. Horse jumping will continue to be the lead competitive element of the Winter Fair. Live streaming will return of these competitions, increasing the viewership and accessi- bility, Swain said. “Because we have exhibitors traveling from coast to coast, and some from the USA coming up to compete, it gives those family members an opportunity to watch.
A bunny lays still in a wooden crate in the Royal Farm Yard. Matt Goerzen/The Brandon Sun
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THE BRANDON SUN • WINTER FAIR • 2026
2026 • WINTER FAIR • THE BRANDON SUN
Sometimes it’s a father or mother bringing their child, so it allows the family members, the grandma, grandpas, uncles to watch the live jumping rounds as they’re happening,” Swain said. The Winter Fair has expanded its Indigenous Celebration programming and multicultural programming this year, Clint Swain, co-chair of the Winter Fair, told the Sun. Building on programs that were successful last year, and looking to reach more audiences, the organizers expanded the schedule of events compared to last year. “We’re actually trying to manage that stage all day in the MNP Hall, dedicated towards the different cultures within our community and showcasing what they bring to our commu- nity,” Swain said. “Usually, in the past, we had it limited to a couple hours.” “The same with the Indigenous Celebration Day,” he said. “Last year, we had a renowned hoop dancer come, and then there were some Red River jiggers, and they were just a couple of sessions. But now we’re expanding that to bring different pow wow dancers, the jiggers, the hoopers, and we’re looking to focus that stage basically all day towards celebrating in the Indigenous culture.” The fleshed out schedule for multicultural and Indigenous events is a way to build upon audiences that showed success in recent years, Swain said. Organizers witnessed large crowds at these programs last year when there was smaller sched- ules of multicultural and Indigenous programming – so they decided it would be a good place to expand upon.
Beef programming for children and young adults will continue this year, with the return of a steer sale that has been discontinued since the COVID pandemic, said Laing Breemersch. “In order to breathe more life in and grow the junior cattle show, I’ve spent the last year talking to families and companies that might potentially bid on these steers to bring it back,” Laing Breemersch said. “It’s an outstanding way for kids … to be able to market an ani- mal that they have raised.” Laing Breemersch said the beef programs will also be a way to connect city families with the farming culture that surrounds them. If people don’t often get to see cattle, the livestock area allows for a zoo-like experience that is also educational and local, she said. “They can walk in amongst the animals. They can touch them, if they ask for permission, and get pictures, and just are able to enjoy showing their kids these ani- mals,” she said. I’m anticipating that there’s going to be close to 100 head of cattle just going off of the last two years worth of numbers.” Whether it’s visiting cattle, vendors or educational showcases, the programming at the fair is set to plant the seed of rural culture for families again this year.
Fair goers get a chance to pet a rabbit at the Royal Farm Yard. Hugo Girouard photo
The number of trade show vendors has increased in 2026 from last year. Hugo Girouard photo
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THE BRANDON SUN • WINTER FAIR • 2026
Monday, March 30, 2026
TIME
EVENT
LOCATION
6:30 AM
Optional Schooling
North Arena - ACU Agricultural Centre
7 AM - 10 AM
Sunrise Breakfast - $10 Per Person
Provincial Exhibition of Manitoba - Dome Building
9:00 AM
“Hunter Jumper Classes See full schedule at Provincialexhibition.com” Hunter Jumper Horse Show Opens 0.75, 0.85, 0.9m, 1.0m, 1.10m, 1.15m, 1.20m Jumper
North Arena - ACU Agricultural Centre
8:00 AM
ACU Place Main Arena
10 AM - 6 PM
Royal Farm Yard
Flynn Arena
11:00 AM
Juggles and Spinja
Shur-Gro Farm Services Stage - MNP Hall
10:30 AM
Doodles the Clown
MB Hydro Amphitheatre
11:00 AM
Dogs Do Magic
11:30 AM
Ring Master K
11:00 AM
Stitch the Mascot
MNP Hall & Roaming
11:30 AM
Captain Corbin the Magical Pirate
Shur-Gro Farm Services Stage - MNP Hall
12:00 PM
Doodles the Clown
MB Hydro Amphitheatre
12:00 - 1:00 PM
Wayne Lee The Hypnotist
Shur-Gro Farm Services Stage - MNP Hall
12:30 PM
Olaf the Mascot
MNP Hall & Roaming
12:30 PM
Dogs Do Magic
MB Hydro Amphitheatre
1:00 PM
Bend & Snap Show
Shur-Gro Farm Services Stage - MNP Hall
1:00 PM
Ring Master K
MB Hydro Amphitheatre
1:30 PM
Captain Corbin the Magical Pirate
1:30 PM
Juggles and Spinja
Shur-Gro Farm Services Stage - MNP Hall
2:00 PM
Manitoba Miniature Horse Club
Flynn Arena Canadian Tire Ag Action Stage
2:00 - 3:00 PM
Wayne Lee The Hypnotist
Shur-Gro Farm Services Stage - MNP Hall
Heavy Draft Team
ACU Place Main Arena
2:00 PM
Canine Circus - Presented by Fusion Credit Union (time may change)
2:30 PM
Rubble Mascot
MNP Hall & Roaming
2:30 PM
4-H Manitoba at Booth
Flynn Arena
3:00 PM
Juggles and Spinja
Shur-Gro Farm Services Stage - MNP Hall
3:00 PM
Doodles the Clown
MB Hydro Amphitheatre
3:30 PM
Ring Master K
3:30 PM
Bend & Snap Show
Shur-Gro Farm Services Stage - MNP Hall
3:30 PM
Equine Assisted Learning
Flynn Arena Canadian Tire Ag Action Stage
Single Harness Pony (Open)
ACU Place Main Arena
Light Draft
4:00 PM
Captain Corbin the Magical Pirate
MB Hydro Amphitheatre
4:00 PM
Pikachu Mascot
MNP Hall & Roaming
4:00 PM
Equine Assisted Learning
Flynn Arena Canadian Tire Ag Action Stage
4 PM -5 PM
Royal Experiences - Wagon Ho
ACU Place Main Arena
4:30 PM
Bend & Snap Show
Shur-Gro Farm Services Stage - MNP Hall
5:00 - 6:00 PM
Wayne Lee The Hypnotist
5:00 PM
Canine Circus - Presented by Fusion Credit Union
Flynn Arena Canadian Tire Ag Action Stage
6:30 PM
Opening Ceremonies
Wawanesa Insurance Accumulator Competition MBLL Volunteer Award Presentation Canine Circus - Presented by Fusion Credit Union Four Horse Team (Draft) - Presented by The Brandon Sun Hackney Pony Pleasure Driving Truco Trick Riders Barrel Racing - Presented by myITsource
ACU Place Main Arena
7:00 PM
ALL TIMES SUBJECT TO CHANGE. VISIT PROVINCIALEXHIBITION.COM FOR SCHEDULE UPDATES
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THE BRANDON SUN • WINTER FAIR • 2026
2026 • WINTER FAIR • THE BRANDON SUN
Fair beefing up youth industry experience
“She’s been extremely instrumental with growing that component, and pushing the entries, and working with our committee,” Laing Breemersch said. Kirk Stierwalt of Stierwalt Cattle & Clinics in Oklahoma will be at the cattle show this year to pass his knowledge onto our young farmers. A total of 22 kids are signed up to learn from Stierwalt how to wash, groom, clip and show their animals based on his 30 years of experience. ”He really breaks it down into basics, shows them how to do things with their animals to improve their presentation,” Hinsburg said. The program filled up and is currently queued with a wait- ing list, Hinsburg said. Kids will also learn about the cattle showing and selling trade by competing in a randomized grooming event. The game will pair four kids together, who will choose an animal to work with, be given a chute, and then be given 15 minutes to beautify the animal for show, such as by applying their own products like glue, hair conditioner and sprays. The goal of the competition is to teach the kids how to improve their animal’s appearance with a variety of industry tactics, and then bring the cow before judges to be compared with the other groups, Hinsburg said. A showmanship competition will also return to the youth beef cattle show, ranking young farmers on how well they present their cow to the judges. The skills required for sell- ing cattle will be tested in the kids, including how well they
are able to lead their cow, stop it, and place its feet in the right positions. Hinsburg said that the thrust of the event is support- ing and nurturing interest in farming. The kids involved get to try their hand and experience what it’s like to be a cattle producer. “They visit with their friends, and they get to showcase their animals to people that don’t always get to see them, and they get to take and reaffirm friendships and just have a great time.”
By Connor McDowell
Kirk Stierwalt demonstrates hair clipping and animal care as part of a free clinic event. Matt Goerzen/The Brandon Sun
A youth handles a black Angus hieffer at the Royal Manitoba Winter Fair.
Matt Goerzen/The Brandon Sun
T he youth beef cattle show will bring back a bidding event this year allowing kids to sell their steers to a live audience. The returning sale is an opportunity for youth to learn about the business side of farming, and at the same time for businesses and families to buy local beef, junior beef cattle show co-chair Kerri Hinsburg said. The sale will consist of young farmers between the ages of nine and 21 who will be learning how to bring cattle to market and show them to a crowd. “It’s an excellent spot for these kids to get a first show under their belt and get their animals exposed to high traffic, lots of noise, lots of visual stimulation,” Hinsburg said. “If an animal spooks and gets away from them, it can’t go any- where because it’s in the building.” Young farmers also get a chance to put away money for their schooling or long-term business plans, she said. The steer sale was part of annual programming but was lost due to pandemic shutdowns. To bring it back, Hinsburg — a volunteer — laboured roughly a year engaging with local farmers, as well as with potential bidders in Westman who would be interested in buying at the show. Hinsburg said she wanted to grow the youth beef cattle show because the event is not just for kids and interested buyers; the event brings the general public into the world of agriculture. “In today’s age, with people being so disengaged from farming, it’s outstanding to be able to bring farming to them and make them realize just how vital and important it is for our country and our community and food security,” Hins- burg said. “So this is a great way to bring agriculture back up into the forefront.”
The sale is returning amid a host of other youth beef educational activities at the fair that are designed to teach the next generation of farmers the ropes of the beef industry. The beef cattle show this year will also include a cattle clip- ping and grooming clinic, as well as a randomized four-per- son team grooming event. There is an expected 100 cattle set for the programming, as well as roughly 80 young farmers, Hinsburg said. Megan Baron, a parent and volunteer at the show, said the youth beef cattle show is important to train the next gener- ation of farmers. She noted some winter fair kids went on to the Calgary Stampede last year, and others that are now busy beef producers. “I think the biggest thing is to see these kids succeed,” Baron said. “Actually, we’ve had two members that grew up showing at the winter fair, bringing calves to the winter fair, and then they went on to start their own cattle operations that are very successful.” Baron added the winter fair’s show gives children this opportunity to get the experience that builds momentum for their careers. She said networking and relationships across the prairies are a big part of the event as well. “I think you also see youth that network: the people that they meet, the friends that they meet, aren’t just from their local area, but they’re across Manitoba, Saskatchewan, southeast Saskatchewan, and those become some of their friends for life.” Baron showed at the winter fair five years as a girl when she was growing up, and now helps her daughter, who has shown for four years. Manager of operations Kristen Laing Breemersch com- mented that it’s great to see the youth beef cattle show grow- ing. She said Hinsburg has done a lot of the work getting the steer sale event back this year.
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THE BRANDON SUN • WINTER FAIR • 2026
2026 • WINTER FAIR • THE BRANDON SUN
Tuesday, March 31, 2026
The challenge of crafting a Royal show jumping course
TIME
EVENT
LOCATION
6:30 AM
Optional Schooling
North Arena - ACU Agricultural Centre
8:00 AM
“Hunter Jumper Classes See full schedule at Provincialexhibition.com” Hunter Jumper Horse Show Opens 0.75, 0.85, 0.9m, 1.0m, 1.10m, 1.15m, 1.20m Jumper
8:00 AM
ACU Place Main Arena
10 AM - 6 PM
Royal Farm Yard
Flynn Arena
By Wendy King
11:00 AM
Juggles and Spinja
Shur-Gro Farm Services Stage - MNP Hall
10:30 AM
Doodles the Clown
MB Hydro Amphitheatre
11:00 AM
Dogs Do Magic
11:00 AM
Meet a Draft Horse
Flynn Arena Canadian Tire Ag Action Stage
11:00 AM
Stitch the Mascot
MNP Hall & Roaming
11:30 AM
Captain Corbin the Magical Pirate
Shur-Gro Farm Services Stage - MNP Hall
11:30 AM
Ring Master K
MB Hydro Amphitheatre
12:00 - 1:00 PM
Wayne Lee The Hypnotist
Shur-Gro Farm Services Stage - MNP Hall
12:30 PM
Olaf the Mascot
MNP Hall & Roaming
12:00 PM
Doodles the Clown
MB Hydro Amphitheatre
12:30 PM
Dogs Do Magic
1:00 PM
Cattle - Kirk Stierwalt Demo
Flynn Arena Canadian Tire Ag Action Stage
1:00 PM
Bend & Snap Show
Shur-Gro Farm Services Stage - MNP Hall
1:00 PM
Ring Master K
MB Hydro Amphitheatre
1:30 PM
Captain Corbin the Magical Pirate
1:30 PM
Juggles and Spinja
Shur-Gro Farm Services Stage - MNP Hall
2:00 - 3:00 PM
Wayne Lee The Hypnotist
2:00 PM
Manitoba Miniature Horse Club
Flynn Arena Canadian Tire Ag Action Stage
Ladies Team
ACU Place Main Arena
2:00 PM
Canine Circus - Presented by Fusion Credit Union (time may change)
2:30 PM
Ag Minister Speaking 4-H Manitoba at Booth
Flynn Arena
2:30 PM
Rubble Mascot
MNP Hall & Roaming
3:00 PM
Juggles and Spinja
Shur-Gro Farm Services Stage - MNP Hall
3:00 PM
Clover Demo - 4-H Manitoba Booth
Flynn Arena
Abbey McLeod, riding Dicontendro, jumps the CFB Shilo hurdle. Matt Goerzen/The Brandon Sun
J umping over obstacles is a natural behaviour for horses, one that has been trained up for generations. Show jumping competition was borne out of training that natural behaviour to facilitate hunting over landscapes enclosed with fences and other man made barriers. With years of experience as a competitor turned designer, Jennifer Ferguson of Owen Sound, Ont. has been working at the Royal Manitoba Winter Fair since 2008, including at the Hunter Ring. But this year, Ferguson will take the reins as the Royal’s official show jumping course designer. While it’s an im- portant position for the fair’s main event, she brings a lot of experience and knowledge to the role — particularly when it comes to the needs of horse and rider, and the challenges that come with indoor competitions. When it comes to show jumping, Ferguson says competi- tors jump through a specified route. They want to be clear in the first round, meaning no jumps fall down, no refusals by the horse, and successful completion in the allotted time. “Anybody that ties for first will then do a shortened jump- off course. The winner is the fastest clear round. So in the first round, they don’t have to go fast, they just have to be
Single Roadster Pony (Open)
ACU Place Main Arena
Youth Team (Draft)
under the time allowed. Whereas in the jump-off, they want to be as fast as they can, but still leave all the jumps up and have zero faults,” says Ferguson. The basic competition is a two-round format which means competitors tied after the first round will do the shortened speed round. “Say we have 15 competitors in the class, they’ll each go. Whoever jumps without any faults will come back and they will jump the shortened speed route. It could be three or four, it could be seven or eight, it could be two,” she says. Scoring is based on time and accuracy of jumps over the fences. The horse cannot dislodge fence bars, touch water (or the artificial liverpool), disobey the rider or fall. Each in- fraction incurs penalties (faults). If a jump is lowered in any way, that is four faults. If, on the first try, they don’t go over the jump and it’s a refusal, that is four faults. Two refusals will incur an elimination. A fall is an elimination. The winning formula is simple: the fastest time and the fewest faults. The course itself must be of good design in that there must be a balance between challenge and safety. “A good course follows a ‘good line’ which keeps a consis- tent flow and a rhythm around the course. The turns will be nice and smooth and the jumps should appear to come up in stride.
3:00 PM
Doodles the Clown
MB Hydro Amphitheatre
3:30 PM
Ring Master K
3:30 PM
Bend & Snap Show
Shur-Gro Farm Services Stage - MNP Hall
3:30 PM
Equine Assisted Learning
Flynn Arena Canadian Tire Ag Action Stage
4:00 PM
Captain Corbin the Magical Pirate
MB Hydro Amphitheatre
4:00 PM
Farrier Presentation - Brad Synder
Flynn Arena Canadian Tire Ag Action Stage
4:00 PM
Pikachu Mascot
MNP Hall & Roaming
4 PM - 5 PM
Royal Experiences - Mini Horses
ACU Place Main Arena
4:30 PM
Bend & Snap Show
Shur-Gro Farm Services Stage - MNP Hall
5:00 PM
Canine Circus - Presented by Fusion Credit Union
Flynn Arena Canadian Tire Ag Action Stage
5:00 - 6:00 PM
Wayne Lee The Hypnotist
Shur-Gro Farm Services Stage - MNP Hall
6:30 PM
Opening Ceremonies
Manitoba Cup MBLL Volunteer Award Presentation Canine Circus - Presented by Fusion Credit Union Single Harness Pony (Non Pro) Jim Lane Unicorn NAERIC Class (Draft) Truco Trick Riders
ACU Place Main Arena
7:00 PM
Barnyard Challenge - Quintaine & Son Barrel Racing - Presented by myITsource
ALL TIMES SUBJECT TO CHANGE. VISIT PROVINCIALEXHIBITION.COM FOR SCHEDULE UPDATES
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THE BRANDON SUN • WINTER FAIR • 2026
2026 • WINTER FAIR • THE BRANDON SUN
The course will include a variety of different colours of jumps as well as different types of fill. Some jumps will just be holes. Some might have what we call planks, and some will have boxes that are just on the ground. And all of those things can cause a distraction for the horse and will cause them to look down and possibly affect the way they jump and maybe create falls,” she says. “I can make the line more difficult or easier based on how close or how far apart I put the jumps. And I can affect that by making that time allowed shorter so they’d have to go faster.” Time limits are based on course design. Each course will have roughly 10 to 12 numbered jumps. “Courses in general jump best from a good forward bal- anced gallop, which can be difficult to create and maintain in the smaller arena. Turning naturally slows a horse down, and in a smaller arena, there’s a lot more turns. The riders need to be aware of it and really focus on maintaining that good rhythm throughout the whole course,” she says. “Outdoors, you generally have more room and the turns are bigger and wider so it’s much easier outdoors to maintain a gallop and keep the horses jumping from a good rhythm.” Courses are measured by length in meters and time is based on 350 meters per minute from start to finish. The RMWF course will take about 65 to 75 seconds to ride. The organizers will determine the type of competition for each evening and Ferguson builds her design on that basis with variations each night.
“We are also guided by Equine Canada and the FDI (Fédération Équestre Internationale). The prize money will gradually increase throughout the week which also means the courses will be slightly more difficult as the week goes on,” she says. The competitors will also get more comfortable in the ring over the week Ferguson says. This allows her to build to the increasingly difficult ranking level of the compe- tition. Competitors will often do three or four classes through the week, choosing classes based on their experi- ence and training “We’ll get a general idea which riders will be more expe- rienced, which ones will be less experienced and just how difficult we can build it so everybody can have a positive experience,” she says. That positive experience for all the riders is a measure of success for the course designer. Ferguson says she loves to see more confidence and improved performance in the competitors as the week goes on. “At every competition, the rider should be learning something. If they have a jump go down, they’re going to practice to learn what caused that, such as losing their gallop through the turn,” says Jennifer Ferguson. “That’s why we do it. Yes, we’re setting a competition, but we are also, in essence, continuing each horse and rider’s training.”
Winter Fair volunteers make changes to the jumping course. Hugo Girouard photo
Jennifer Ferguson, show jump designer for the 2026 Royal Manitoba Winter Fair. Supplied
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THE BRANDON SUN • WINTER FAIR • 2026
Prepare to be entertained at the 2026 Winter Fair
By Wendy King
Carla Diewert from Alberta clears an obstacle on Cogito during the Manitoba Cup at the Royal Manitoba Winter Fair in Brandon. Weichen Zhang/The Brandon Sun S pring break in Manitoba means a heartfelt goodbye to winter. It’s also time to gather at Brandon’s Keystone Centre ingly challenge determined riders throughout the week, starting with the Wawanesa Insurance Accumulator Competition on Monday. On Tuesday, riders will compete for the Manitoba Cup. Wednesday is the Speed Challenge and Thursday is the ATCO Cup. Friday will take riders to the Winning Round. And finally, Saturday evening will be the highly anticipated Memorial Grand Prix.
for a wonderful week of all things agricultural — whether it’s entertainment and live performances, food, trade shows, agricultural education or the always popular equestrian events. And if there’s one thing that’s guaranteed to get hearts pumping, it’s the Show Jumping. A new course each evening, designed by former rider and top-notch designer, Jennifer Ferguson, will increas-
Show Jumping requires the horse to think on their feet — and the rider to think on their seat. All of their training must come into play. Obstacles of varying height and appearance are presented and competitors must navi- gate the course without incurring faults such as knocking down fence rails or refusing jumps. Riders and horses are additionally challenged by time limits which are included in the scoring.
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THE BRANDON SUN • WINTER FAIR • 2026
2026 • WINTER FAIR • THE BRANDON SUN
All Show Jumping events will take place in the main arena. The pumped-up thrills of show jumping will then give way to the amped-up thrills of mounted shooting. The Mounted Shooters are back at the fair by audience demand! Bold riders zip around the arena showing off daring horsemanship, an eagle eye and a steady hand while firing specialized blank rounds at balloons. It’s a high calibre callback to the wild, wild west! More thrills abound with Thrillstar Entertainment’s hypnotist Wayne Lee. Lee is an award winning en- tertainer, peak performance expert, and hall of fame speaker. He says the audience can expect the unexpect- ed. They can see the show — or be the show. “The show is filled with music and animated routines that are interactive, fascinating and funny,” Lee says. “It also highlights how powerful our mind is to create limitless possibilities.” Fairgoers who are unfamiliar with hypnosis might be a little hesitant, but Lee says there is nothing to fear. And in fact, there are benefits to joining the fun onstage. “One hour of hypnosis feels like an eight-hour sleep. You’ll have an amazing sleep that night,” he says. “And all of the volunteers will receive a suggestion to help them achieve a goal!”
Coming from Edmonton, this is Lee’s first appearance at the Royal Manitoba Winter Fair and he is ‘ready-to-wow.’ “To me it means getting people engaged, excited and ultimately entertained. I get excited to see all the smiles and laughter.” Lots of laughter will be in the fair air when Doodles the Clown and his red-nosed shenanigans arrive. An inter- national audience favourite, Doodles has spent 30-plus years bringing his own brand of joyful buffoonery — and thousands and thousands of balloons — to kids and kids-at-heart at the Royal Manitoba Winter Fair. It will be a really big shoe — or rather — show full of happy hi-jinx and it takes place in the Keystone Centre’s Ampitheatre. When you think of clowns, you might also think of the circus. And maybe even circus dogs? The Canine Circus is in the ring with its adorable crew of rescue pooches! A Canadian touring sensation and one-of-a-kind show, Canine Circus features more than 20 talented dogs and their very well-trained human pals. Audiences should prepare to be dazzled with four-legged stunts, tail-wag- ging illusions, and amazing vanishing tricks and reveals in the main arena and the Ag Action Stage daily. And Dogs Do Magic in the Ampitheatre as well. Don’t miss a single show! Check the schedules for all showtimes and locations and be sure to catch all the thrills, laughs, and tricks this year.
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A horse and rider round a barrel during an evening show at the Keystone Centre’s main arena. Hugo Girouard photo
$ 5.00 Member Share No cash value
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THE BRANDON SUN • WINTER FAIR • 2026
2026 • WINTER FAIR • THE BRANDON SUN
WELCOME TO THE KEYSTONE CENTRE
The Keystone Centre is located on Treaty 2 territory, traditional shared land between the Dakota, Ojibway, and Métis peoples. We at the Keystone Centre acknowledge and respect the history, land and the people of the area we reside. On behalf of the Keystone Centre, welcome to the traditional homelands of the Dakota, Anishinabek, Oji-Cree, Cree, Dene and Métis peoples.
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THE BRANDON SUN • WINTER FAIR • 2026
Wednesday, April 1, 2026
TIME
EVENT
6:30 AM
Optional Schooling
North Arena - ACU Agricultural Centre
“Hunter Jumper Classes See full schedule at Provincialexhibition.com” Hunter Jumper Horse Show Opens 0.75, 0.85, 0.9m, 1.0m, 1.10m, 1.15m, 1.20m Jumper
9:00 AM
ACU Place Main Arena
8:00 AM
10 AM - 6 PM
Royal Farm Yard
Flynn Arena
10:30 AM
Doodles the Clown
MB Hydro Amphitheatre
11:00 AM
Juggles and Spinja
Shur-Gro Farm Services Stage - MNP Hall
11:00 AM
Dogs Do Magic
MB Hydro Amphitheatre
11:00 AM
Draft Horse Youth Decorating
Flynn Arena Canadian Tire Ag Action Stage
Visit PlayNow.com/mb/register or scan the QR code for details. Offer expires June 30, 6. *Conditions apply.
11:00 AM
Stitch the Mascot
MNP Hall & Roaming
11:30 AM to 2 PM Pork Quality Competition and Luncheon
Provincial Exhibition of Manitoba - Dome Building
11:30 AM
Groove Belles Kid’s Dance Party
MB Hydro Amphitheatre
11:30 AM
Captain Corbin the Magical Pirate
Shur-Gro Farm Services Stage - MNP Hall
12:00 - 1:00 PM
Wayne Lee The Hypnotist
12:00 PM
Doodles the Clown
MB Hydro Amphitheatre
12:30 PM
Dogs Do Magic
12:30 PM
Olaf the Mascot
MNP Hall & Roaming
1:00 PM
Cattle - Kirk Stierwalt Demo
Flynn Arena Canadian Tire Ag Action Stage
1:00 PM
Bend & Snap Show
Shur-Gro Farm Services Stage - MNP Hall
1:00 PM
Groove Belles Kid’s Dance Party
MB Hydro Amphitheatre
1:30 PM
Captain Corbin the Magical Pirate
1:30 PM
Juggles and Spinja
Shur-Gro Farm Services Stage - MNP Hall
2:00 - 3:00 PM
Wayne Lee The Hypnotist Youth Showmanship (Draft) - Presented by Aaron Martin
Youth Draft High Point Award Six Horse Draft Team
ACU Place Main Arena
2:00 PM
Canine Circus - Presented by Fusion Credit Union (time may change)
2:00 PM
Manitoba Miniature Horse Club
Flynn Arena Canadian Tire Ag Action Stage
2:30 PM
4-H Manitoba at Booth
Flynn Arena
2:30 PM
Rubble Mascot
MNP Hall & Roaming
2:30 PM
Doodles the Clown
MB Hydro Amphitheatre
3:00 PM
Groove Belles Kid’s Dance Party
3:00 PM
MB Bison Association
Flynn Arena Canadian Tire Ag Action Stage
3:00 PM
Juggles and Spinja
Shur-Gro Farm Services Stage - MNP Hall
Hackney Pony Pleasure Driving (Non Pro)
ACU Place Main Arena
Youth Cart (Draft) Pole Bending - Presented by myITsource
3:30 PM
Truco Trick Riders
Flynn Arena Canadian Tire Ag Action Stage
3:30 AM
Bend & Snap Show
Shur-Gro Farm Services Stage - MNP Hall
3:30 PM
Ring Master K
MB Hydro Amphitheatre
4:00 PM
Captain Corbin the Magical Pirate
4:00 PM
Pikachu Mascot
MNP Hall & Roaming
4:00 PM
Equine Assisted Learning
Flynn Arena Canadian Tire Ag Action Stage
4 PM - 5 PM
Royal Experiences - Saddle Up
ACU Place Main Arena
4:30 PM
Ring Master K
MB Hydro Amphitheatre
4:30 PM
Bend & Snap Show
Shur-Gro Farm Services Stage - MNP Hall
5:00 PM
Canine Circus - Presented by Fusion Credit Union
Flynn Arena Canadian Tire Ag Action Stage
5:00 - 6:00 PM
Wayne Lee The Hypnotist
Shur-Gro Farm Services Stage - MNP Hall
6:30 PM
Opening Ceremonies
Speed Challenge MBLL Volunteer Award Presentation Canine Circus - Presented by Fusion Credit Union Open Cart Redfern Farmyard Youth Obstacle Course Single Roadster Pony (Non Pro) Truco Trick Riders
ACU Place Main Arena
7:00 PM
Men’s Cart (Draft) Presented by Aaron Martin Barrel Racing - Presented by myITsource ALL TIMES SUBJECT TO CHANGE. VISIT PROVINCIALEXHIBITION.COM FOR SCHEDULE UPDATES
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THE BRANDON SUN • WINTER FAIR • 2026
2026 • WINTER FAIR • THE BRANDON SUN
Local dog stars part of epic Canine Circus By Tessa Adamski
Soon after, she was diagnosed with Geriatric Onset Laryngeal Paralysis and Polyneuropathy, a progressive, incurable nerve disease that causes breathing and mobil- ity issues. Mills got choked up reflecting on how she adopted the Australian shepherd and labrador mix at age 16 and began taking training classes at Brandon’s Crocus Obedi- ence and Kennel Club. Davidson went on to compete locally, regionally and nationally in agility, flyball and frisbee and performed
north of Toronto at Canada’s Wonderland. “She’s done it all and she was amazing,” Mills said. It takes an unwavering devotion to be involved with the Canine Circus, she said.
“My dogs are having the time of their life out there” — Sarah Mills, Professional Dog Trainer
Sarah Mills, owner of Forrest River Canines, feeds her dogs treats at her boarding, grooming and training facility north of Forrest, Manitoba. Tim Smith/The Brandon Sun
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Sarah Mills trains with her border collie/whippet mix Zero. Mills and her dogs will be performing as part of The Canine Circus at the 2026 Royal Manitoba Winter Fair. Tim Smith/The Brandon Sun
C hildren in Westman may recall the feeling of rapidly kicking their feet against the main arena boards to cheer on dog show performers during the Royal Manitoba Winter Fair. This childhood memory highlights a pivotal moment for Sarah Mills, who grew up to become a professional dog trainer, and gets an adrenaline rush from hearing the crowd rumble from inside the arena with her dogs. Mills has participated in dog shows since 2013 and will be returning with her four youngest dogs to perform in the Canine Circus presented by Fusion Credit Union.
“I just love to see my dogs enjoy it. My dogs are having the time of their life out there,” said Mills, who operates Forrest River Canines, a small boarding, grooming and training facility north of Forrest, Man. Her seven-year-old border collie and whippet mix named Zero is a “big star of the fair” because he’s the fast- est relay dog and can leap very high to catch a frisbee. “You can see him smile when you start hearing the crowd go crazy,” she said. “He just loves to do tricks. He loves to weave.” Her terrier mix Voltage excels in high jump and June, one of her two labradors, likes frisbee while the other named Thor, enjoys meeting children after the shows. Mills’ oldest dog Davidson, 14, retired from performing two years ago.
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