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The first weekend of June is packed with events happening in communities around southeast Manitoba.
We are kicking off the month at the Lorette Fun Days on Saturday, June 3, at the Lorette Community Complex. The three-day event runs from Friday, June 2 to Sunday, June 4 and is packed with festivities and activities for the whole family.
Missy Johnson says it all started 12 years ago with the Lorette Family Fun Group.
“It started quite small actually,” Johnson says. “It was just a couple of dances and some face painters, and we just wanted to start a community festival. But it has grown and grown and grown.”
Johnson says there are activities for all ages and will kick off the weekend with wrestling. Other highlight events include the town parade on Saturday, karaoke, petting zoos, bubble soccer and jousting. There will be food trucks, barbeque, coffee trucks and beer gardens. A complete list of activities and events can be found on the Lorette Family Fun Group’s Facebook page.
Wristbands are needed to take part in the activities. Johnson explains that daily wristbands are $12 per day, and a full weekend pass is $20. They are available for purchase at the gate.
Finally, she says people can expect “a lot of fun” and “community spirit.”
“I just love seeing the community come together and how happy everybody is," she says. "It's just rare that we all get to be together for a weekend and that's what this weekend will provide.”
On Sunday, June 4, we will be at Steinbach’s Walk for Life at K.R. Barkman Park.
Life Culture Executive Director Susan Penner says the event is an opportunity for people to support life.
“Our goal is to promote a culture of life,” Penner explains. “Our focus is not to talk about what we're against as much as to talk about what we're for. We're for valuing the lives of the unborn. We're for helping women. We're for supporting people that are vulnerable. This is something that each one of us can do in our day-to-day lives. For example, helping a single mom, visiting an elderly person in a care home, giving a ride to a person with a disability. There are all kinds of ways that each one of us can support life simply by caring about those around us.”
The walk will start at 2 PM at K.R. Barkman Park, go down Main St. To Elmdale School’s crosswalk, and back to the park.
There will be a barbecue lunch at 1 PM. For kids, there will be balloons and a face painting station. Speakers Melanie Reimer, Candace Loewen and Judith Vasquez will also share life experiences.
In addition to the walk, lunch, and speeches, they will be having their first-ever giant baby shower.
“We are asking people who come to the walk to bring a baby item. Things like diapers or gift cards that we can give to moms who could use some support. This is actually a very tangible way to support women and babies who are experiencing challenging circumstances,” she says.
Find us at the Lorette Fun Days on Saturday from 10 AM to 2 PM, and Steinbach’s Walk for Life from 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM to enter for a chance to win a golden ticket and receive some treats from Wendy’s!
Here is a list of other events happening this weekend:
Blumenort Splash Pad Opening – Friday, June 2
The Blumenort Splash Pad faced unexpected maintenance but will be opening on June 2.
Prairie Basketball League All-Star Weekend – Saturday, June 3
Top basketball players from the Prairie Basketball League (PBL) will battle it out in games, three-point shootout and a dunk contest. The festivities will be from 12 PM to 10 PM. Visit their website, prairiebasketballleague.com, for the full schedule.
54th Annual Red Rock Cycathlon - Saturday, June 3
Cyclathon 54 is a fundraising event that helps send more kids to Red Rock Bible Camp and helps subsidize the program. Participants will embark on their ride from Landmark, Steinbach and Winnipeg and cycle to Rennie. Cyclists must be over 12 years of age or be accompanied by an adult and raise sponsorships of at least $200. Their goal this year is to raise $85,000. To register, visit their website, redrockbiblecamp.com.
Kleefeld Community Garage Sale and Fundraising Car Show - Saturday, June 3
For the annual park fundraiser, there will be a car show at Kleefeld Park from 10 AM to 2 PM. Costs are $5 per person and $15 for one family and $2 for the canteen.
The community garage sale is happening in households all over Kleefeld. A list of participating households can be found on the Kleefeld Community Facebook page.
Rennie Post Office Rebuild Fundraiser - Saturday, June 3
A devastating fire burned the post office and hotel in December. With the loss, Postmaster Ryan Kuz has been providing postal services from the community club. On Saturday, the community is rallying for a fundraising event to rebuild the post office. It is happening on Saturday, June 3, from 12 PM to 1 AM at the Rennie Community Club. There will be music, entertainment, hotdogs, burgers and more.
Sprague Fishing Tournament – Saturday, June 3
Battle it out in the waters and compete in the Sprague Fishing Tournament this Saturday from 9 AM to 7 PM. There is a $20 entry fee, and the largest fish find wins the pot. Contact Jason at (204) 437-2835 for more information.
Giroux Heritage Park – Saturday, June 3
The grand opening of Giroux Heritage Park is happening this Saturday from 11 AM to 2 PM. It is located on 39011 Road 39E next to the Firehall. Lunch and refreshments provided by the RM of Ste. Anne, and entertainment by escape artist Dean Gunnarson.
