Monday's eclipse, a rare spectacle of nature

Across North America many will be taking their eyes to the skies to experience the partial solar eclipse that will take place to the south!

For Manitobans, we're not fortunate enough to live in, or have easy access to, the full shadow of the total eclipse, but just the same we're excited to experience something that is a 'rare spectacle of nature', as Canadian Space Agency astronaut David Saint-Jacques calls it.

They're small but bring big smiles at the Royal Winter Fair

The Royal Farmyard has been a hot spot for families this week at the Royal Manitoba Winter Fair at the Keystone Centre, offering hands-on experiences for all ages to meet and greet goats, cattle, horses and sheep, and so many more furry and fuzzy friends!

Carman area farmers Rod and Heather Hart have a passion for equine friends that come in small packages, miniature horses!  They were founding members of the Manitoba Miniature Horse Club. Heather Hart says there are now between 45-50 families that belong to the Club, and it is a true passion for each of their member families.

'You see them coming over the crest of the hill ... there really is nothing like it!'

Members of the Bison Association of Manitoba are enjoying this week at the Royal Manitoba Winter Fair!  Their booth in the Royal Farmyard shows a life-size picture of a full-grown bison, and association member, Bridie Ritchie, says she actually had to decrease the picture size to get the bison on the banner!

Jim and Bridie Ritchie raise about 160 head of bison southwest of Brandon, near Souris, with about 85 breeding cows and 3 bulls, as well as a mixture of younger animals.

Keystone Centre buzzing as Royal MB Winter Fair starts tomorrow

The city of Brandon is bustling with activity as staff and volunteers of the Provincial Exhibition, and everyone involved with this year's Royal Manitoba Winter Fair crowds the Keystone Centre!

Provincial Ex General Manager, Mark Humphries, says it takes 4-5 days to move all the displays, trade show material, equipment and more to prepare for the hundreds of exhibitors, competitors and participants to showcase their skills in next week's event.

Wildlife Federation launches school archery program

The Manitoba Wildlife Federation (MWF) has received $165,000 through the Manitoba Fish and Wildlife Enhancement Fund to establish a new archery program in Manitoba schools. 

Program Coordinator with the MWF, Chase Dreilich, says the funding will go towards facilitating the National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) and purchasing equipment for participating schools.