General Manager Ron Kristjansson

The 108th Royal Manitoba Winter Fair in Brandon was another success despite a drop in attendance.


Fair officials say “opening day” saw significant early morning traffic for the Sunrise Breakfast, which collected over 700 lbs of food for the Samaritan House. The first Royal Tea Party had princesses roaming the Fair and Lieutenant Governor Philip Lee opened the Monday evening show.

During the Saturday evening show, Shauna Cook of Sherwood Park, Alberta on Carousel’s Bling took the MTS Grand Prix. Claire Doty of Okotoks, on Constant Surprise won the K.T. MacPherson Memorial High Point Jumper award.

The Single Harness Pony Championship was won by Wendy Gilbert- Armstrong, driving Sharp Shooter, owned by Fred & Alice Gilbert of Brandon, MB and the Six Horse Hitch Championship title was brought home by the Lone Oak Percheron’s driven by Jim Lane and owned by Jim & Darlene Lane of Birtle.

The Amphitheatre was filled with children’s entertainment and featured acts like Sharon & Bram and Franklin the Turtle. The ever popular Royal Farm Yard, Thru the Farm Gate and Royal Petting Zoo area were busy as always.

Overall, the Royal Manitoba Winter Fair saw a slight decrease in attendance with visits estimated to be 102,000 over the course of the week.

Despite a small decrease General Manager Ron Kristjansson is pleased with the results “We had an exceptional week of competitions, standing room crowds for entertainers and some great feedback from our fairgoers,” says Kristjansson.

“Considering the unpredictable weather this week and the Fair ending on Easter weekend, we’re pleased with the results.”

The next event for the Provincial Exhibition of Manitoba is the Manitoba Summer Fair, which takes place from June 3 – 7.

The Royal Manitoba Winter Fair drew to a close Saturday night.