The annual Canada Day celebration in Vita is shaping up to be one for the books, with organizers promising a dynamic blend of long-standing favourites and exciting new attractions. Ang Boychuk, one of the lead organizers, says the two-day festival offers something for everyone.
"We have a lot of recurring things happening that we've had in past years like our strong man competition, baseball tournament, some rodeo ring activities, and lots of kids activities," Boychuk says.
Mud races make a splash
A major new feature this year is the mud races, brought in through a partnership with Manitoba Mud Mafia. Set to start at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, this event promises high-octane fun and could draw visitors from across the province.
A celebration that brings people together
Vita may be a small town, but its Canada Day festivities are known for their big turnout and even bigger heart. Typically, between 1,500 and 2,000 people attend the event each year. Despite being limited to one day in 2024 due to weather, last year still saw a crowd of about 1,400.
"It's really rewarding after working on this for months to see everyone come together to support the town," Boychuk says. "We get a lot of people from surrounding areas, especially for the baseball and now hopefully the mud races too."
More than just an event
While every part of the schedule has its appeal, Boychuk says the real highlight is seeing the community gather.
"My favourite part of the weekend is just seeing everybody come out and have a good time," she says. "It's a big event. It takes a lot of planning and months of preparation, so when it all comes together, it’s really rewarding."
Fireworks to finish
The festivities will wrap up in classic Vita style, with a fireworks display on Saturday night. Returning again this year is CanFire, the team behind what Boychuk confidently calls the best fireworks in southeast Manitoba.
"They do a fabulous job every year," she says.
With good weather and good spirits, Vita's Canada Day celebration is set to be a joyful, muddy, and memorable kick-off to the summer. Learn more and see updates on their Facebook page.
