Altona is gearing up for a weekend packed with parades, music, fireworks, food, and community spirit as the 60th Manitoba Sunflower Festival kicks off July 25 to 27.
What started in 1964 as a small-town summer celebration has grown into one of southern Manitoba’s most anticipated events. Organizers say this year’s festival will celebrate tradition while making room for fresh energy and new ideas.
“It’s huge for a town this size to have a festival that’s gone on this long,” said festival chair Sandra Klassen. “People look forward to it all year.”
A crown with purpose: Queen Quest returns
This year, the long-running Sunflower Queen pageant has been reimagined as Queen Quest, placing more emphasis on community connection and personal development.
“We wanted to modernize it a bit and really make it more of a mentorship opportunity,” Klassen said. “They get a chance to really work on building their leadership skills, their confidence, and connecting with the community.”
Nine local young women are participating in this year’s Quest. The public fashion show takes place Saturday afternoon, with the crowning held Saturday evening before the fireworks and headline concert.
Shoulder-to-shoulder for Saturday’s parade
The festival parade has always been a staple of the weekend, and this year promises one of the biggest turnouts yet.
“It’s shoulder to shoulder, and it’s over 100 entries this year,” said events coordinator Brittany Winkler. “It is a wild parade, lots of candy, lots of kids, lots of noise, and lots of fun.”
The parade kicks off Saturday morning, drawing residents and visitors from across the region.
The ping pong ball drop is back
One of the weekend’s most talked-about traditions is making a comeback Friday night: the ping pong ball drop.
“We brought it back. It’s been gone for a few years, and it was a big hit in the past,” said Klassen. “So we’re doing it again.”
Hundreds of numbered ping pong balls will be dropped from a drone over Altona Park. Attendees can try to catch one to win prizes donated by local businesses. The drop happens at 6 p.m. Friday and is expected to draw a crowd.
From fire truck pulls to axe throwing
The weekend is filled with both old favourites and newer crowd-pleasers, including the return of the Fire Truck Pull on Friday evening(which was on Saturday afternoon last year).
“Teams of eight try to pull this fully loaded fire truck, and whoever gets it the fastest wins,” Winkler explained. “There’s a little competition, there’s a lot of community spirit, and it’s just a riot to watch.”
Festivalgoers can also take a swing at free axe throwing all weekend long, thanks to Hall & Axe and Pioneer Meat. Two stages will host live entertainment throughout the festival, including family-friendly shows from Mr. Circus and Sleepy the Clown.
The food lineup? Legendary.
One thing you can count on every year is a solid menu, and 2025 is no exception.
“We’ve got New Style Catering coming out from Reinfeld, and they’re bringing Mennonite food,” said Winkler. “There’s also food trucks, mini donuts, all the good stuff.”
Meals from New Style Catering will be served Friday evening, and again for lunch and supper on Saturday.
Free, family-friendly, and all about community
One of the things that sets the Manitoba Sunflower Festival apart is that you don’t need to open your wallet to have a great time.
“We are so proud that this is a free festival,” Klassen said. “You do not have to pay to enjoy it.”
Admission, entertainment, axe throwing, the ping pong ball drop, and even free swimming at the Altona Aquatic Centre on Sunday are all included at no cost. The beer gardens at Shelter One, hosted by Rendezvous Brewery, will be open both Friday and Saturday nights.
“It’s just one of those events that brings everybody together,” Klassen added. “You’ll see people from town, people who’ve moved away and come back, people from other communities. It’s a real homecoming.”
To see the full schedule, visit manitobasunflowerfestival.ca or pick up a brochure at any Altona business.