Fireworks over Crescent Lake dazzle on Canada Day

Canada Day in Portage la Prairie ended with a spectacular show as fireworks burst over Crescent Lake, casting colourful reflections across the water and lighting up the faces of the crowd below.

Storms rolled through the area around 9 p.m., bringing wind and brief downpours, but skies cleared just in time for the fireworks to go ahead as planned.

Hundreds gathered around Island Park to take in the annual display, which has become a much-anticipated tradition in the community.

Local U-pick patch opens with strong crop

A U-pick strawberry farm just west of Portage la Prairie is off to a strong start this season, despite a dry spring and patchy rainfall across the region.

Located in the Rural Municipality of North Norfolk near Bagot, Lost Creek Acres officially opened to the public this past weekend and was planning for a busy Canada Day.

Berries holding up despite dry conditions

Even with minimal rainfall this year, the berry patch is producing more than expected.

MLA weighs in on labour trafficking charges laid against Portage hotel owners

Jeff Bereza, MLA for Portage la Prairie, condemns the situation as "shameful" after two local hotel owners are charged with labour trafficking. Bereza says newcomers often come to his office asking for help, after paying thousands to consultants who promise faster processing of paperwork. He notes the same services are available for free at Portage Learning and Literacy Centre.

Hundreds of wildfires continue to burn different parts of Canada

Wildfires are currently raging in several provinces across Canada. 

The BC Wildfire Service reports that crews are battling more than 70 wildfires in British Columbia, with one particularly intense wildfire near the community of Lytton, having led to a local state of emergency and several evacuation orders.

In Yukon, the territorial government has lifted an evacuation alert for the area surrounding Ethel Lake, located approximately a four-hour drive north of Whitehorse. 

Despite this change, the wildfire that prompted the alert on June 24 remains out of control.

Canada Day celebrations draw thousands, as Carney says values are under pressure

Canadians took to parks and civic squares across the country Tuesday to show unity on Canada Day amid American threats, economic uncertainty and Western alienation.

"We've decided not to pull apart and fight, but to come together and to build. Because that's the Canadian way," Prime Minister Mark Carney said to thousands of Canadians gathered in Ottawa.

This year's festivities at Ottawa's LeBreton Flats Park got the royal treatment, with Prince Edward praising Canada's unity and accomplishments.

Celebrate Summer

Celebrate Summer is back for 2025, and we're going to make this the best summer ever!

Fairs, festivals, BBQs, concerts, rodeos and more! 

Find out where we're heading every week by checking the schedule here, or by listening to your favourite station, 920 CFRY, Mix 96 or Country 93! It's Celebrate Summer with Dufresne Furniture and Appliances Portage!