The group that hosts show like the Royal Manitoba Winter Fair and the Manitoba Summer Fair continues to take steps to work through the pandemic which has cancelled shows and limited their ability to raise money through gate admissions.

The Provincial Exhibition of Manitoba in 2021 launched it’s "Love A Fair" fund raising campaign and organizers hope lots of people help out by making purchases.

Financial controller Rhonda Woytkiw says they have a number of programs underway and they are trying to make use out of every dollar because the Kinsmen Club of Winnipeg has pledged $100,000 in matching grant money if the Provincial Ex can raise that amount.

“We are currently selling wine and food baskets, also “Your name in stone at the Dome” and you would purchase a stone from us and with that you get your name engraved on the stone. You can do a smaller stone for $250 or a larger stone for $500. The stones are then placed in the walkway to the Dome Building.”

2020 was a year without any major shows and the fair board registered a loss of $3,500. What lies ahead for a show in 2021 has yet to be determined.

“We are cautiously optimistic and of course the safety of our community and the people is of utmost importance. We are optimistic once the vaccine starts flowing and people can get them. Time will tell what will happen but we are very, very hopeful.”