The heart of southern Manitoba is set to roar with excitement once again as the Miami Fair and Rodeo gallops into town Saturday, June 28 and Sunday, June 29. The two-day community celebration is steeped in tradition, excitement, and hometown pride — and this year’s event promises to be one of the best yet.
“The fair’s been around since 1911, and this marks 30 years for the rodeo itself,” says longtime volunteer and Miami Agricultural Society board member Troy Turner. “It’s pretty exciting that a small town like ours has carried on this legacy for so long.”
A full weekend of activities for all ages
The action kicks off Saturday morning with a free pancake breakfast, sponsored by local Miami businesses. Families are encouraged to come hungry and stay for a day packed with entertainment.
“Saturday starts around 11:00 with the kids fair,” Turner says. “That includes things like bouncy castles, a petting zoo, and of course our 4-H show. Then the rodeo gets underway in the afternoon.”
Sunday’s festivities focus mainly on the rodeo, with performances starting at 2:00 PM. But don’t miss the fan-favourite Duck Race, set for midday Sunday. “You buy yourself a rubber duck and the fire department floods the street,” Turner laughs. “The ducks float down the road and the first one through the gate wins. It’s a real Miami tradition!”
Rodeo thrills you have to see to believe
From bull riding to barrel racing, the rodeo offers real-time action that’s hard to beat. Turner, though not a rodeo competitor himself, has been hooked on the scene for decades thanks to family and friends.
“It’s live and exciting — you never know what’s going to happen at a rodeo,” he says. “It’s real people and real animals. It’s like reality TV without the screen.”
While bull riding remains a crowd favourite, Turner has a special place in his heart for barrel racing. “It’s fast, it’s precise, and it’s intense,” he says. “My wife rodeoed, my daughter rides too. Watching that level of skill and talent — it’s something special.”
Riders come from all over Manitoba — and even Saskatchewan — to compete in Miami, making this one of the most respected small-town rodeos on the circuit.
4-H shows and a nod to local heritage
One of the most beloved parts of the weekend is the 4-H beef and sheep show, showcasing local youth and their months of hard work.
“There’s a lot of time and effort these kids put into working with their animals,” says Turner. “From grooming to showmanship — it’s a great organization, and it’s amazing to see these young people take such pride in their work.”
This year’s show includes sheep, thanks to the efforts of the Miami 4-H Beef Club, which added sheep to make younger classes more accessible.
“Some of those sheep are actually a bit wilder than the steers,” Turner laughs. “It turns out they’re not necessarily easier to handle!”
Celebrating 50 years since the infamous 'Mule Derby'
In a special nod to Miami’s colourful past, the community is also marking 50 years since the Miami Mule Derby — an event that helped put the town on the map.
“It was a wild event, from racing mules to packing contests and more. They even did it inside the arena at one point,” says Turner. “This year, we’re not bringing the derby back — yet — but we’re recognizing the anniversary in a big way.”
The centerpiece of that recognition? A historic stagecoach built specifically for the derby, which has been tucked away in a shed for years, will roll through the rodeo grounds during Saturday’s grand opening.
“We’re getting a team of horses to pull it and it’ll be part of the rodeo kickoff. If anyone has memories from those mule derby days, they’ll remember this stagecoach for sure,” Turner adds.
Affordable fun for the whole family
Admission to the Miami Fair and Rodeo is $15 for adults, $10 for youth (ages 13–17), and free for kids 12 and under.
Turner emphasizes the value this event brings to families and the region: “We’re just a group of volunteers who want to give back and make sure our community has something to come out and enjoy.”
Stay up to date
For more information, visit the Miami Agricultural Society’s Facebook page. From seasoned rodeo fans to first-time fairgoers, there’s something for everyone in Miami this weekend.
“Come for the pancakes, stay for the rodeo — and leave with a few new memories,” Turner says with a grin.