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Winnipeg Free Press
20-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Winnipeg Free Press
Ex-treme adventures
Angenia Papineau said she hasn't smiled this much in weeks. The 20-year-old from Cross Lake spent a thrilling evening with her sister and friend at the Red River Exhibition in Winnipeg after a nomadic few weeks caused by wildfires near her hometown. 'It's been very stressful because we've wanted to go home for a while. We came out here for a break, and it's been a lot of fun,' Papineau told the Free Press on Tuesday. 'It feels a lot better getting out of the Airbnb after being stuck there and not really doing much.' JOHN WOODS / FREE PRESS Hailey Papineau, Angenia Papineau and Kayleigh Ross enjoy the Crazy Mouse ride at the Red River Ex Tuesday. More than three weeks ago, Papineau was preparing to return home to surprise her family after wrapping up her university studies this spring. She said her plans got derailed once her community was ordered to evacuate. 'It totally sucked. People left and had to find places to sleep. They were either going to community centres or arenas,' said Papineau. She and her parents, three brothers, sister, and dog are staying at an Airbnb since nobody in their family lives in Winnipeg. She said they are expected to return to Cross Lake, 500 kilometres north of Winnipeg, on Friday after the province lifted the evacuation order June 16. Thanks to the Canadian Red Cross, Papineau said she got free tickets to the Red River Ex this week. She rode the Ex's popular 'crazy mouse' and 'mega drop' roller-coasters and rode in the classic bumper cars. 'It's gotten our minds off what has been happening with the evacuation and being away from home and things like that. It's been nice,' she said. Shane Farberman, better known as 'Doo Doo the International Clown,' helped to bring ear-to-ear smiles to fair-goers, including evacuees. 'Everywhere I go, when I'm driving from a hotel and I see a busload of people walking in the park or having lunch, I've been jumping out, doing videos, taking pictures, and doing magic, and just getting families out,' said Farberman. 'I just feel it's good for my heart, and it's good for their heart.' The clown from Ontario, who appeared in Adam Sandler's Billy Madison and has performed at the Ex for more than 30 years, also entertains people across North America and Europe. Whether it's walk-around parties, pop-up shows, or being on stage, Farberman said Winnipeggers are an unmatched audience. JOHN WOODS / FREE PRESS Doo Doo The Clown, who has been clowning for 30 years, entertains at the Red River Ex Tuesday. 'The love that I get in Winnipeg is just amazing. Everybody is so warm and loving, and the people I've met have actually become lifetime friends of mine,' he said. 'I always have hundreds of families that come up to me, and the parents tell their kids, 'This is the clown when I was little at the fair.'' It's no surprise, during Doo Doo's 31st year at the Ex, he was seen drawing in a crowd of younger folks with his comedic magic tricks and balloon animals. He said being a clown will never get old for him. 'What other job in the world do you get paid to make people smile and laugh? To have this longevity, you need to love it,' he said. Although Doo Doo has been a longtime staple at the largest travelling carnival in North America, Garth Rogerson, CEO of the Red River Exhibition Association, said there are new features this year. Some of the latest concepts include a pro wrestling show, a chainsaw-carving demo area, the 'haunted carnival'— a 6,000-square-foot walk-through haunted house attraction — and a lumberjack show, which includes an axe-throwing and log-rolling competition. There's a theme each day, including Indigenous Peoples Day on Saturday and Filipino Day and Kids Day on Sunday. Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. Rogerson said more than 4,000 people entered the park within the first hour on Sunday. The Ex's revenues are trending up at around 12 per cent to start this year's tour in Winnipeg. JOHN WOODS / FREE PRESS Imrose Dhaliwal, front left, Sirat Sran, front right, Sahipbep Dhaliwal, back left, and Simrandeep Dhaliwal, back right, enjoy the Outlaw ride at the Red River Ex Tuesday. Safety measures have been beefed up this year, including a mile of new fencing, more lit-up areas to prohibit outsiders from throwing objects over the fence, additional cameras, and enough security officers to ensure there is at least one guard for every 250 guests. 'We want to make sure that everybody feels safe at all times and doesn't have to worry,' Rogerson said. 'Let us worry about those bad guys, and we'll take care of that.' The Ex concludes on Sunday.
CTV News
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- CTV News
Red River Ex, Manitoba Marathon, and street fairs: What's on this weekend in Manitoba
Here are the events taking place in Winnipeg and Manitoba between June 13 and 15, 2025. Here are the event's taking place in Winnipeg and Manitoba over the weekend of June 13 to 15. Red River Exhibition Park June 13-22 From thrilling rides and games to fair foods and live entertainment, there's something for everyone at The Ex. Tickets required. Steinbach June 13-15 Celebrate Summer in the City with four blocks of food and fun in Steinbach. Lundar Fairgrounds June 13-14 A midway, parade, livestock shows, concerts and more highlight the Lundar Fair, which was first help in 1927. Ninette Fairgrounds June 13-14 Ninette celebrates its 70th annual fair with a light horse competition, youth cattle show, hayrides, farmers market and more. Academy Rd. Lockwood to Oak Sts. June 14 Explore Academy Road's shops and take part in family activities, musical performances and more. 180 Poplar Ave. June 14 Chalmers Neighbourhood Renewal hosts its 23rd Annual Happy Days on Henderson, a family-friendly community festival, featuring free activities, entertainment and community celebrations. Erickson Rec Centre June 13-14 Live entertainment highlights this event that helps cover medical expenses for sick kids in the community. Tickets required. Rideau Park, Brandon June 14 Celebrate Pride in the Park with local artists and fund activities for everyone. Gimli June 13-15 A rooftop dance party, Rocky Horror Picture Show screening and walk are among the activities brining the LGBTQ2S+ community and its allies together. Walk with Pride Vermillion Park, Dauphin June 13, 4 p.m. Hosted by the Northwest Metis Council, Dauphin's 3rd annual Walk with Pride Event features outdoor kids activities, colourblast, resource tables and more. Shoal Lake June 13-15 The fun filled weekend features barbeques, a cornhole tournament, volleyball challenge and more. University of Manitoba June 15 Cheer on the runners as they hit the streets of Winnipeg in support of inclusion for all Manitobans. Virden Ag Grounds June 13-15 Manitoba's top junior and high school buckaroos compete in cutting, reigning, trap shooting and light rifle shooting. Winners are eligible to compete in the Canadian Finals. West St. Paul Recreation – Access Centre June 14-15 The annual expo brings together reptile lovers, breeders and experts. Tickets required. Coronation Park June 15 Manitoba musician Don Amero helps celebrate midwifery in Manitoba with live music. Pembina Hills Art Gallery, Morden June 15 Create your own puppet, catch a show or grab a snack. Tickets required. Dalnavert Museum June 14, 12 p.m. Step back in history at Dalnavert Museum on the second Saturday of the month. Dalnavert Museum June 15, 12 p.m. You don't have to be sporting a moustache to enjoy this kids' tea party, which includes crafts, a scavenger hunt and light refreshments. Recommended for those 6-12. Tickets required. Bachata Night Patio 340 June 14, 7:30 p.m. Learn to move with style from the Dance World Compagnie. Ticket required. Outlet Collection Winnipeg June 14-15 Explore local vendors at this summer market. Outdoor market Gimli June 14 3pm Shop the night market Night Market along the streets of Gimli. A Streetcar Named Desire Gas Station Arts Centre June 11-15 Tennessee Williams' play comes to life at the Gas Station Theatre. Tickets required. Shakespeare in the Ruins: Macbeth Trappist Monastery Provincial Heritage Park June 5-July 5 SIR's new season takes a break from comedies and romances to feature one of the Bard's finest tragedy. Tickets required. Shakespeare in the Ruins: Waiting for Godot Trappist Monastery Provincial Heritage Park June 13-July 6 SIR brings us Samuel Beckett's masterpiece about two men waiting for someone or something. Tickets required. Locked Zoo - LIVING LARGE Assiniboine Park Zoo June 13-14, 5 p.m. Unlock the secrets of the Zoo with an adults-only competition. Tickets required. Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada June 15 Celebrate Father's Day with fast cars, fast planes and some vintage rides. Admission required. Main St., Roblin June 14, 4 p.m. The 10th Annual Rumble in Roblin returns with muscle cars, hot rods, motorcycles, classic and antique vehicles. Jim's Vintage Garage, Headingley June 15 Classic and special interest cruisers are invited to show off their rides at the 13th annual car show. Donations accepted. All profits go to the Children's Rehab Foundation, Toy Mountain and Christmas Cheer Board. Fort la Reine Museum, Portage la Prairie June 14 Celebrate dad while raising money for United Way Portage la Prairie and Fort la Reine Museum. Activities include a BBQ, bucket gold, hot shaves and a local market. Oak Hammock Marsh June 15 Dip your net into the marsh and capture different aquatic invertebrates for a chance to win prizes. Admission required. East side, Riding Mountain National Park June 15, 8 a.m. Explore the lesser-known trails on the east side of Riding Mountain National Park. Please wear appropriate clothing and footwear and bring water and snacks. Registration required. Stanley Park, Brandon June 14 Celebrate nature with a plant giveaway, live music, bounce castles, and more. St. Andrews Rectory & Heritage Centre June 14, 10 a.m. Learn how to create your own pysanky. Registration required. 127th Philippine Independence Day Celebration Suncatch Park, Morden June 14 Celebate the 127th anniversary of the Philippines' independence from Spanish rule with food vendors, cultural performances and traditional games. Filipino Heritage Month Ukrainian Band Stand, Island Park, Portage la Prairie June 15, 3 p.m. Showcasing cultural songs, dances and food. Filipino Heritage Day Yellowhead Community Recreation Centre, Neepawa, MB June 14 Celebrations start with a parade and then moving into the recreation centre. Patio 340, Centre Culturel Franco Manitobain June 13 Enjoy some laughs before singing your heart out at Les Vendreyay. Dare to Dream Jr WMCA, Brandon June 13-14 The 60-minute musical follows an eager group of trainees on their first day at a fictional Walt Disney Imagineering Studio. Songs include melodies from The Princess and the Frog, Coco, Encanto, and Frozen II. Tickets required. Three Days Grace and Volbeat Canada Life Centre June 13, 7 p.m. Rockers Three Days Grace and Volbeat bring their signature sounds to Canada Life Centre. Tickets required. Dionela World Tour Centennial Concert Hall June 15, 6 p.m. This Filipino R&B singer-songwriter's music draws inspiration from artists like Ginuwine, Destiny's Child, Bruno Mars and The Weeknd. Tickets required. Rockin' Gimli Harbour Concert Series Gimli Harbour June 14, 7:30 p.m. Band: Shandra Levreault & the Happy Endings Enjoy live music overlooking the Gimli Harbour. Sunee Dhaliwal Rumor's Restaurant and Comedy Club June 10-14 Sunee Dhaliwal's personality and unique sense of humour make him a crowd favourite. Tickets required. P.W. Enns Centennial Concert Hall, Winkler June 13, 8 p.m. His blending of storytelling and observations make Myles Morrison a fan favourite. One of Canada's top young talents, Emmanuel Lomuro, will open the show. Tickets required. Winnipeg Sea Bears vs Saskatchewan Rattlers Canada Life Centre June 15 Cheer on the Sea Bears as they tip off against the Saskatchewan Rattlers. Tickets required. Provincial Park Events Critter Dipping Kingfisher Lake, Birds Hill Provincial Park West Beach June 15, 10:30 a.m. Discover the small critters that make Kingfisher Lake home and how they fit into the web of life. Dip nets and buckets will be provided. Sandals or water shoes recommended. Birds by the Beach Guided Hike Spirit Rock Walking Trail, Grand Beach June 14, 10 a.m. Learn about the species of bird and their different habitats as you take a 2.5 km guided walk through Birds Hill Park. Critter Dipping East Beach, Grand Beach June 15, 11 a.m. Discover the small critters that make the lagoon home and how they fit into the web of life. Make Your Own Track Guide Spruce Woods Provincial Park Visitor Centre, Carberry June 14 & 15, 1 p.m. Learn about animal tracks and make some of your own. All supplies provided. Amphitheatre: Choose Your Own Adventure - Bear Edition Spruce Woods Provincial Park Visitor Centre, Carberry June 14, 7 p.m. Determine your fate in this interactive story about bears. Fishy Friends Campfire Talk Interpretive Program Area, William Lake Provincial Park, Ninga June 14, 7 p.m. Celebrate family fishing weekend by discovering the species of fish that reside in our lakes. Bring a mug for hot chocolate. Guided Paddle Adam Lake Beach, Turtle Mountain Provincial Park June 15, 9 a.m. Join a Park Interpreter for a paddle and discover the life in and around Adam Lake. Kayak, canoe or SUP board, lifejacket, and safety equipment required.
Winnipeg Free Press
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Winnipeg Free Press
Manito Ahbee: Manitoba powwow, one of North America's largest, celebrates 20 years
WINNIPEG – For many familiar with Canada's powwow scene, Maggie White is known as the first lady of the jingle dress. The late Anishinaabe woman earned the title after popularizing the jingle dress regalia and dance style at powwows in the late 1960s to the early 1980s. In the years since, the dance, known as a healing dance, has become an official category at powwows. White's family is honouring the matriarch and the jingle dress at this year's 20th anniversary of the Manito Ahbee Festival in Winnipeg, one of the largest powwows in North America. Jocelyn White says it's hard to put into words what it means to pay tribute to the legacy of her grandmother. 'I (am) excited. I (am) happy that we're able to do this at such a big venue to honour our kokum,' she said from her home on the Naotkamegwanning First Nation in northwestern Ontario. At the powwow festival, the family is set to host a jingle dress special called 'Honouring the Shiibaashka'igan,' which translates to jingle dress in Anishinaabemowin. A special is a separate contest during a powwow usually sponsored by an individual, family member or organization. There are different oral histories of the origins of the jingle dress dating back to the early 20th century. Maggie White's story stems from when she became ill as a young girl. Her grandfather dreamed of a special dress for her adorned with shiny metal cones. When she wore it and danced, it helped cure her ailments. Attending Manito Ahbee has been a longtime White family tradition, and Jocelyn White has been going since it started in downtown Winnipeg. She has watched her nieces dance and listened as men in her family performed with the Whitefish Bay Singers, a drum group founded by her father and an uncle. 'I was always so proud … when you hear the music, it gives you a good feeling,' she said. It's this pride of culture, family and traditions that prompted organizers to start Manito Ahbee two decades ago. A group of Indigenous people in Winnipeg, including the festival's current executive director, Lisa Meeches, came together to develop the festival after discussing the need for an event to showcase First Nations, Métis and Inuit cultures that could also be an inclusive place for all. Derek Hart has been involved with the three-day festival since day one, as the owner of a company that oversees security. He has also taken on roles with the event's education and logistics teams. 'I remember that first year. It was a bit of a concern because nobody had bought tickets ahead of time. But once the festival got going and the powwow … it was a good turnout,' Hart said. 'It was just a really proud moment to see the festival start.' Manito Ahbee has also evolved. It used to line up with the Aboriginal People's Choice Music Awards, now known as the Indigenous Music Awards, before it moved to the summer. It now takes place on the May long weekend. There have also been different venues and, in recent years, it has settled at Red River Exhibition Park at the edge of the city. Programming changed as feedback came in from attendees. This year's event includes a teepee-raising contest, a fashion show and speeches from youth leaders. There's also a marketplace with food and retail vendors. One of the festival's mainstays has been the crowning of Miss Manito Ahbee. The title was created to honour the memory of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls and is awarded to a girl each year. Grace Redhead, who has been with the festival for the past 12 years, got her start with the Miss Manito Ahbee ambassador program. 'The crowning of Miss Manito Ahbee is really emotional to see,' said Redhead. Contestants go through a rigorous adjudication process, demonstrating leadership skills and knowledge about the missing and murdered. Former ambassadors have gone on to become authors, educators and musicians. Redhead's current role as powwow manager has her organizing the festival's main attraction — the powwow, which draws hundreds of dancers each year. There's typically 'chaos,' she said, while making sure everyone is in their positions for the kickoff, also known as the grand entry. 'It's a really nice moment once everything's going and you see all the hard work come together,' said Redhead. Running a festival of this size is no easy feat. It requires the help of managers and volunteers, many of them newcomers looking to learn more about the First Peoples of this land. Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. The festival has made it a priority to work with immigrant and newcomer organizations. On Sunday, it's holding a citizenship ceremony for the first time. 'There's so many people that come, and it's not just Indigenous people. It's people of different nationalities just coming to participate,' said Hart. As the festival heads into its next 20 years, Hart and Redhead say they're most excited to pass on the torch to the next generation of organizers. 'I have no worries about the next 20 years,' said Redhead. This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 17, 2025.
