Rockin’ Summer 2025

Have you ever wondered how to make your old blue jeans go the extra mile? John and Tina Elias of South Valley Pillow Mission have an answer: turn them into pillows for a good cause! South Valley Pillow Mission has been taking donated denim and processing it alongside foam mats to create a stuffing mixture, which is used to fill pillows that are then sent to hospitals throughout Eastern Europe.  

The Winkler Farmers’ Market has been in full bloom this season, having moved locations to the parking lot of Central Station earlier this summer. Market organizer Matt Friesen shared that the location shift has led to more community connections and opportunities, especially through the Manitoba Community Food Currency Program, which is offered through Central Station. 

It was a sweeter Saturday than usual at the Harvest Festival with highlights including the parade, StrongMan provincial finals, and of course local groups The M’Ladies and Link and the Moustaches opening for headliner Big Sugar on the mainstage.  

The curtain might have closed on the Candlewick Players’ run of West End musical The Prince of Egypt, but the fond memories and bonds forged in the process will not be soon forgotten by its cast and crew.  

It's August Long Weekend, which is often seen as the halfway point of summer. Families across the Pembina Valley are making the most of the season.

For many, summer fun also means heading to the water at Minnewasta Lake. Five-year-old Janelle Wiebe says her favourite place is the lake. “I like to swim,” she said, grinning. “But my favourite part about the water is the floating mat. That’s the best part.” 

We are heading into another long weekend full of catching rays, chasing ice cream trucks, or dancing at backyard BBQs. We want to add to the fun with another chance to WIN with the Morden Home Hardware Rockin' Summer WINNING LONG-WEEKEND!

Today (Friday, August 1) to Monday we’re celebrating with a Weekend Blitz, and that means you can enter as many times as you want for your shot at an incredible prize:

Winkler’s Concerts in The Park went out with glitter and bubbles last Wednesday at the Bethel Heritage Park. The annual concert series boasted groups from the area throughout the month of July, with the last one of the season featuring LRae & Jae in a sing-along concert for the whole family.

The sidewalk of Salem Home was transformed into a craft sale across generations on Wednesday for the second annual Create and Connect market.  

Intended for kids and residents at Salem to connect over their shared crafting passions, organizer Alana Thiessen shared that the aim was kids to bring their own businesses. “A lot of the time they don’t have the opportunities to go and raise their own money...so, I just wanted to open it up for them.” 

Car enthusiasts showed up rain or shine for the third annual Show N’ Shine honouring Danny Berg. Josiah Warkentin and Mackenzie Loewen have taken the lead in organizing this yearly event, as they were close to Berg, who passed away suddenly in a tragic workplace accident in 2023.