THE BRANDON SUN • WINTER FAIR • MARCH 2023
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“Last year, despite the short no- tice and somewhat limited space, we had a very successful event. We hope to build on that success this year,” Cleaver said. “Planning has been un- derway since September; trade show space has been tripled, sponsorship is up and we are looking forward to some great entertainment.” This will be the first winter fair with Humphries at the helm, as he official- ly began his role last September. He has been a longtime supporter of the fair, and attended regularly over the past 15 years. He and the rest of the team are thrilled to welcome visitors back. “The excitement is everywhere, as a group of individual staff members here. It’s a fantastic team. This is what makes us all tick, and to be back in full swing … for our volunteers, direc- tors, the same applies, you can feel the buzz in the air.” Humphries said a massive amount of work goes into planning for the event, with dedicated volunteers on committees for every aspect of the fair. “Staff then get the job of putting all the jigsaw pieces in the right or- der and finish off the big picture,” he said. “I think what most people don’t realize is how intricate that is and how many man hours and volunteer hours that takes from the directors and the volunteers. It’s colossal.” The event takes place March 27 to April 1 and will feature world-class show jumping, heavy horse competi- tions and livestock sales and displays. There will be a hands-on agricultural education program, live entertainers, and more than 300 commercial and agricultural exhibits. “This event is a major communi- ty event,” Cleaver said. “It provides a strong agricultural education com- ponent, an opportunity for real expe- riences. You can see it, feel it, hear it, taste it, and smell it. Something that electronics cannot offer.” It is also an opportunity to meet your neighbours, be entertained and build family memories, Cleaver said, all while having a positive impact on the Westman economy. Cleaver became involved in the winter fair in 1978, first as a specta- tor, then an exhibitor in the Western Pleasure class and Barrel Racing. She
Emily Lowes and Shuffle show off their frisbee skills at the Royal Manitoba Winter Fair at Westoba Place. (File/The Brandon Sun)
went on to volunteer and was asked to put her name forward as a director in 2005. The event dates back to March 1906, when the first Brandon Win- ter Fair was held. According to the Provincial Ex, the purpose of the fair was primarily to promote the sale of livestock and to encourage improve- ment in the breeding lines and care of animals. Several educational oppor-
tunities were added to the fair as well as displays by government agencies, implement dealers and other manu- facturers. It was on July 11, 1970, when the Brandon Winter Fair was granted Pa- tronage by a visit from Queen Eliza- beth II and became the Royal Manito- ba Winter Fair.
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