Manitoba Government Congratulates Provincial Exhibition Of Manitoba For Return Of Royal Manitoba Winter Fair

Historic Event Back Following Cancellations Due to COVID-19: Johnson, Cullen

The Manitoba government is extending congratulations to the Royal Manitoba Winter Fair as it celebrates its return after a two-year absence due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Agriculture Minister Derek Johnson and Economic Development, Investment and Trade Minister Cliff Cullen announced today. 

“Since the early 1900s, the Royal Manitoba Winter Fair has been a mainstay that celebrates our province’s agricultural community and it was greatly missed during the pandemic,” said Johnson. “We congratulate the Provincial Exhibition of Manitoba as it brings back one of Western Canada’s largest agricultural events that serves to connect people from across central North America.” 

The winter fair was first held in March 1906 to promote the sale of livestock and to encourage improvement in the breeding lines and care of animals. Granted patronage during a visit by Queen Elizabeth II in 1970, the event became the Royal Manitoba Winter Fair. 

Each year, the fair hosts world-class show jumping, heavy horse competitions and livestock sales and displays. It also provides a quality hands-on agricultural education program, exceptional live entertainers and more than 300 commercial and agricultural exhibits, noted Johnson. It has been recognized as one of the top 100 events in North America, receiving numerous awards from the tourism industry.  

Run by the Provincial Exhibition of Manitoba, the fair had its operations suspended in 2020 and 2021 because of the pandemic. 

“It is great to see the Royal Manitoba Winter Fair back up and running following the challenges of the past two years,” said Cullen. “This is one of Manitoba’s keystone cultural events, bringing millions of dollars into the Brandon area’s economy, providing jobs for hundreds of people and showcasing our province’s agricultural sectors to thousands of visitors every day.”