Celebrate Summer

The Herman Prior Activity Center was happy to host this year’s Car Hop, marking five years for the fun annual tradition.  

Head of the fundraising committee, Barb Cavers was pleased with the turnout for the event. She says keeping the tradition going is always a good thing and helps them to stay connected to the city of Portage la Prairie.  

Golden West Broadcasting's Project Patio 2024 wrapped up this past Saturday with a blockbuster Grand Finale in the Rona parking lot in the west of Portage la Prairie. 

Thousands of entrees made their way into the contest which was narrowed down to 100 contestants who received invitations to attend the Grand Prize. The first prize awarded was  a $50 gift card to Gr8 Car Wash to a contestant who travelled the furthest, having made his way from Arborg. Then the games began starting with Plinko.

Project Patio has had a busy season celebrating events all summer long across Manitoba. All the events that we attended were lots of fun creating some great summer highlights.  

This year marks the 10th annual Whoop and Hollar Folk Festival, and the entertainment was incredible for the occasion. They had a great lineup of performers for the day and some amazing plans for the rest of the weekend. Many people were there with campers, tents, lawn chairs, and even hammocks to sit back and enjoy the music. The artists and bands lined up for the weekend include Hello Fiasco, Sweet Alibi, Fire & Smoke, Alana Levandoski, Just Prince, Woody Holler & His Orchestra, and many more.

After taking a break for a couple of years, the Concerts in the Park returned to the Island this summer with outstanding support from the community.  

One of the organizers and artists performing, John Dietrich, says he was pleased with the turnout for the final concert. There were four concerts held throughout the summer which attracted crowds to Island Park.  

There were many unique sights to see in Teulon for their favourite annual event, the Truck and Tractor Pull. They had some amazing tractors there, many were antique, but they also had ones that were modified, super stock, two-wheel, pro stock, and many more. They also showcased various diesel and pickup trucks. In Teulon there were many food options with the canteen and food trucks, they also had beer gardens at the event. Project Patio attended the Truck and Tractor Pull and took some great pictures to check out.

There was lots of fun in the sun for this year’s 20th annual Potato Festival. They had amazing performers this year like Nelson Little, Hicktown, The Road Hammers, and so many more. Free fries were given away from 12:00-4:00 which everyone loved. They also had their Baby Spud Contest which attracted many people, the weather was beautiful for such a great summer event. Project Patio was there, and we took some great pictures to check out. See you next year, Potato Fest!

Local musicians have been performing at the concerts held in the Island Park for many weeks this summer and the show yesterday attracted crowds for the barbeque and concert.  

Chairperson of the Portage Culture and Heritage Committee, Landeyn Aymont, says that the previous concerts that he has been involved with have been a success. Everyone has a great time and there are many talented entertainers.  

The Gladstone Fair is happening this weekend, starting with community support for their local 4H club in Gladstone. The pancake breakfast fundraiser went on from 8:00-11:00 this morning with pancakes, sausages, coffee, and juice for everyone. It was a beautiful morning for anyone to sit outside and enjoy while also supporting 4H. This was just the start of the fair because later today they have various events happening on the grounds such as barrel racing, a smoker auction, movies in the park, and much more. The fair goes on until Sunday this weekend, check out their schedule.

The Portage Potato Festival has accomplished 19 years of success at its annual event. Organizers and volunteers are hoping for the 20th to be bigger than ever.  

Festival Co-chair Cindy McDonald says the committee is excited to host everyone this weekend at Rotary Park. There are lots of special entertainment acts lined up for the weekend to keep everyone on the grounds for Friday and Saturday.