Celebrate Summer 2025

The first annual Pickle and Cheese Tournament brought together pickleball players in New Bothwell today.   

Pickleball is a growing sport. Organizer Aleksandr Trinkies says running the tournament was an opportunity to bring people together.  

“So, to be able to kind of bring people together and do something like this and watch other people having all the fun in the world. And it also grows the game. It grows the community.  

This weekend, the cooler weather is appreciated by softball fans as families and friends gather to support the Eastman Wildcats.   

The Wildcats are hosting U13 AAA fastball provincials at the Friedensfeld Community Center from July 17th to 20th, and local supporters are crowding the stands. 

Mid-July brings games of all sorts. This weekend promises softball, pickleball, bike rides, community center games, and the Manitoba Stampede. Keep your eyes out for our Celebrate Summer jeep bouncing from event to event throughout the summer!  

Here’s where we’ll be:   

Eastman Wildcats Manitoba Provincials- Thursday, July 17th – Sunday, July 20th   

Prairie Basketball League is holding its annual Battleground Exposure Camps this weekend.   

Coach Denzel Green says the 3-day camp is designed to get players early exposure to universities and colleges.    

“It's nice to see, you know, elite-level basketball players from outside of the city getting recognition as well. And you know, making it onto these college and university teams.”

Community members came and showed support in the parking lot at Fountain Tire in Portage la Prairie this past weekend. Where the Green family hosted a fundraiser in support of MS Canada. The event featured a lively atmosphere with hot dogs fresh off the grill, a busy silent auction table, live music, and a tempting assortment of baked goods.  

The third annual Holiday Avenue Garden Tour kicked off on Saturday, welcoming residents to explore eight unique and vibrant gardens across the area. Organized by the Garden Tour Committee, this event offered attendees a self-guided experience, complete with various floral displays, gardening knowledge, and opportunities to shop, support, and socialize.  

The Carman Fair was in full swing with three full days of activities for all ages, and the Farmtastic Fun Zone proved to be one of the biggest draws for kids and parents alike. Trish Aubin, treasurer of the fair, says it all began with a few ideas that turned into something bigger. 

“We had the foam party on Thursday, Sleepy the Clown on Friday, and Gel Battles was on Saturday,” says Aubin. “So we had three kids' activities each day, but then we wanted to elaborate on it so we could have something kind of going all the time.” 

Gardenton held its 60th-anniversary Ukranian festival, showcasing the developments of the Ukranian museum.  

Helen Feniuk, chairperson of the planning committee, says that they have been planning this event since last October.   

Buffalo Point is hosting 10 days of fun for their 10th anniversary Buffalo Point Days celebration.   

The 9th day was a family fun day which brought in tons of people of all ages.   

Debbie Sexsmith, one of the key organizers, says the event has had an amazing turnout so far.   

The Stride Credit Union Fundraising Golf Tournament made its return on Thursday, July 10, drawing dozens of golfers to the Portage Golf Club for a full day of friendly competition, all in support of STARS Air Ambulance. 

Hot day, big hearts 

From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., golfers took to the course under hot, humid conditions, powering through the heat with cold drinks, good company, and a shared commitment to a good cause. Despite the sweltering weather, spirits stayed high throughout the day.