Ag Fair adds changes, brings back favourites

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This article was published 14/08/2025 (224 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

There will be some changes to events at the Hanover Ag Fair in Grunthal this year, but organizers say they are still bringing back many of the favourites and staying true to their commitment that there is something for everyone.

Kicking off Thursday at 6:30 p.m. with opening ceremonies, the festival includes a variety of events, ending with the community lunch at 11:30 a.m. Sunday.

Marketing coordinator Brenda Levesque said one of the changes involves the mud bog.

This year they’ve partnered with Manitoba Mud Mafia.

“We will be having their ATV mud races this year which we’re really excited about,” she said. “They come with a big following and they have quite an impressive organization.”

This year’s headliner is also eagerly anticipated.

Country artist Ryan Langdon will take to the stage Saturday evening, supported by The Sean Taylor Band.

Langdon has over 20 million career streams, three top 40 hits and one top 30 hit on Canadian country radio. He recently released his new single, Crushin’ Cans, described on his bio information as “an upbeat high-energy anthem that captures the spirit of unwinding, letting loose and savouring life’s simple pleasures.”

He’s known for songs including Lit in the Sticks, Crossfaded, Buck Wild and Country Like You.

“He hasn’t really had very many outings in Manitoba, so we’re excited to bring him to Manitoba to kind of give him a new audience,” Levesque said. “He’s going to put on a great show.”

This year Art at the Fair will be bringing workshops on Saturday afternoon including finger weaving from noon to 2 p.m. and dream catcher creation from 3 to 5 p.m.

Saturday afternoon entertainment will also be varied.

“We have a magician, we have a great violinist, we have the Mason Hoop Dancers, we have Revelation Martial Arts putting on a demonstration and we have a band coming out too, so we have something for everyone in the afternoon on the main stage,” she said.

The festival has many of the classic events that make it must attend for many.

That includes the Bull Riders Canada Invitational with a top prize of $12,000, which begins at 7 p.m. on Thursday and Friday and is followed both nights by Party in the Dirt.

Friday also includes a pancake breakfast and outdoor movies.

Saturday features the popular parade, the world-famous chicken barbecue, family fun zone, chainsaw carving, antique farm equipment display, the Kevin Toews Memorial Arm-Wrestling competition, heritage tours and fireworks.

Sunday winds up with the community worship service and the community lunch.

Levesque said each year they attract about 8,000 people to the festival grounds for the event.

To learn more or see a full schedule go to www.hanoverag.com.