Ty Hildebrand

The Morden Corn and Apple Festival is one of the largest summer events in southern Manitoba, drawing thousands of visitors each year. At the center of it all is a simple tradition: fresh, buttery corn on the cob. What many people don’t realize is that behind the steaming piles of corn are dozens of volunteers working hard to keep the booth running smoothly.

“Why not us?” That’s the question Central Manitoba’s U15 Central Energy Girls Softball team asked themselves—and then answered, in spectacular fashion. From underdogs to national heroes, this squad captured hearts and headlines at the 2025 Canadian Softball Championships, turning a daring question into a silver medal and memories the province won’t forget.

“This is the best group. They’ve put in so much work, and they deserve this. Sensational doesn’t even begin to cover it.” - Head coach of U15 Central Energy girls softball team Kylyn Shindle

Even though summer is still hanging on, Morden Minor Hockey is already gearing up for the upcoming season. Registration is officially open, giving families a chance to get their young players signed up and ready for another year on the ice.

Planning starts early

For Morden Minor Hockey President Tyler Sloan, hockey season preparation is a year-round commitment.

The dream of every young ballplayer in Winkler just got a little more real. Over the weekend, 25-year-old Tristan Peters stepped onto a Major League Baseball field for the first time, making his debut with the Tampa Bay Rays in Seattle, with his parents, Jake and Gabi, along with family and friends, in the stands to see it happen.

For his parents, it was the culmination of years of hard work, long drives to ballparks, and countless games of catch in their backyard.

It might be patio season in Winkler, with the sun high and the forecast calling for 27°, but for local families, now is the time to start thinking about skates, jerseys, and early morning practices. Winkler Minor Hockey registration is officially open, and while the process is now fully online, the experience it opens the door to is still as personal and powerful as ever.

“You can register through our website,” says Ryan Friesen, President of Winkler Minor Hockey. “It’s all online now, and the earlier the better because it really helps us get organized for the season ahead.”

Visitors will have a rare opportunity to experience the reality of trench warfare at the Manitoba World War One Museum’s "A Day in the Trenches", happening Sunday, August 10th from noon to 4 p.m. Located just west of La Riviere, the event offers a fully immersive World War I experience complete with re-enactors, original artifacts, and historically accurate trench systems.

Prepare to see things you didn’t think were humanly possible. On Saturday, August 9 from 1:00 to 5:00 PM, the Manitoba Strongman Provincials return to Winkler as part of the Harvest Festival, promising jaw-dropping displays of grit, power, and determination. The event takes place just outside the Meridian Exhibition Centre and is free for the public to attend.

This isn’t just about lifting heavy things, it’s about lifting up a legacy.

Looking for something fun to do with the kids before school starts up again? VB’s Entertainment Centre in Winkler is serving up one of the best summer deals in the Pembina Valley, and it’s just for kids.

From now until August 31, the popular local destination is offering its Kids Bowl Free program. That means children 14 and under can enjoy two free games of bowling per day, every Monday through Saturday.

The Winkler Harvest Festival is back this August with a full weekend of community celebration, local flavour, and big-name entertainment. Organizers say this year will be one of the most inclusive and exciting events the city has seen.

The free three-day event, running August 8 to 10, offers something for every age and interest. Whether you’re a fan of live music, local vendors, midway rides, or cool indoor activities, there is no shortage of things to experience. Behind the scenes, Karina Bueckert and the team at KB Marketing have been working hard to make it all happen.

The Winkler Centennial Arena has been a part of local life since its construction in 1968. For decades, it’s been home to hockey games, concerts, tournaments, and community events. Now, it’s getting a much-needed update that will help it serve the community for many more years to come.

The building might look familiar from the outside, but the inside is getting a full makeover.