2 weeks Ago By By Abiola Odutola
As the Royal Manitoba Winter Fair ends today, the weeklong event has rebounded strongly after a slow start, Provincial Exhibition of Manitoba president Clint Swain said. Read this article for free: Already have an account? As we navigate through unprecedented times, our journalists are working harder than ever to bring you the latest local updates to keep you safe and informed. Now, more than ever, we need your support.
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As the Royal Manitoba Winter Fair ends today, the weeklong event has rebounded strongly after a slow start, Provincial Exhibition of Manitoba president Clint Swain said. Read unlimited articles for free today: Already have an account? As the Royal Manitoba Winter Fair ends today, the weeklong event has rebounded strongly after a slow start, Provincial Exhibition of Manitoba president Clint Swain said. He added that the event has brought thousands of attendees daily, showcasing new performances that have delighted crowds.
“We’ve got about a day and a half left, and it’s been a really good event so far,” Swain told the Sun Friday afternoon. “The first couple of days were a bit slower than last year — we had some bad weather at the beginning — but we came on strong mid-week, and Thursday’s numbers were up over last year.” Provincial Exhibition president Clint Swain at the Royal Manitoba Winter Fair on Friday.
(Abiola Odutola/The Brandon Sun) Swain said the fair has been drawing between 10,000 and 12,000 visitors each day, with near-capacity crowds in the arena. The Friday and Saturday evening performances were expected to keep up the momentum. “We’re definitely trending in the right direction.
” The fair is on track to exceed its initial attendance goal. “We were hoping for 60,000, but looking at the current numbers, we might hit 70,000 to 80,000. That would be a really good result for us,” Swain said.
While weather was an initial challenge, he said a few other hiccups early in the week — including setup delays — were quickly resolved. “After Monday, everything’s been rolling along fairly smoothly.” He credited a strong partnership with the Keystone Centre and the work of staff and volunteers for the turnaround.
About 40 high school students were hired to assist with event preparation and support roles throughout the week, providing an income opportunity for local youth during spring break. The fair also saw exhibitors who typically travel south choosing to stay in Canada this year, with many vowing to return. “That’s a positive sign for us,” Swain said.
“Everyone I’ve spoken to is having a fantastic experience. The trade show is up. We’ve added new events and exhibits, and that’s helped build momentum.
” One of those new acts includes a duo performance by acrobat and knife juggler Schuyler Snowdon and lightsaber juggler Matthew McLeod — known on stage as Mr. Skinny. The two joined forces for the first time just days before the fair, after McLeod’s regular partner, Miss Marmalade, sustained an injury.
Knife juggler Schuyler Snowdon (right) on an eight-foot acrobatic ladder passes six clubs to lightsaber juggler Matthew McLeod, who is on an eight-foot unicycle during their performance at the Royal Manitoba Winter Fair Friday afternoon. (Abiola Odutola/The Brandon Sun) “I was a last-minute substitute,” said Snowdon, who is based out of Calgary. “We had about four days to put a new show together.
It was a lot of work, but the crowds here have been incredibly supportive.” Snowdon and McLeod took a risk in the show’s finale — juggling clubs between an eight-foot unicycle and an eight-foot ladder. “We’d never tried that trick before.
It was our Hail Mary,” Snowdon said. “We weren’t sure we’d land it in time, but we did it — and it felt amazing.” Snowdon added the experience was especially meaningful.
“Everyone has been so friendly and encouraging. It’s been a fun fair.” As the fair gears up for its grand finale this evening, Swain expressed gratitude to all who made the event possible.
“It’s been a long week — I’m usually here from 7 a.m. to midnight — but I love it,” he said.
“We’re already looking forward to next year.” » [email protected] » X: @AbiolaOdutola Advertisement Advertisement.
