COLUMN: Report from the Legislature – Summer’s when the Southeast shines

Summer in the Southeast is one of my favourite times of year. There is just so much to see and do.

Summer is when southern Manitoba truly shines—when the very best of rural Manitoba is on display.

It has already been a busy start to the season. As your MLA, I make it a priority each summer to attend as many local festivals, fairs, sporting events, and community celebrations as I can. Every community has something unique to offer, and together they showcase the incredible spirit of our region.

For me, summer really begins with La Broquerie’s Fête de la Saint-Jean-Baptiste Days. First celebrated in 1897, this long-standing tradition celebrates the rich Francophone heritage of our region and brings families together to enjoy great food, entertainment, and community spirit.

Before long, communities across the Southeast are celebrating Canada Day. Whether it’s the festivities in Vita, Marchand, South Junction, St Malo, or the many other communities that proudly mark our nation’s birthday, it’s always inspiring to see people come together to celebrate the country we are so fortunate to call home. The Vita fair, baseball tournament, and spectacular fireworks have become one of the highlights of the Canada Day weekend.

From there, the summer calendar only gets busier. In nearby Gardenton, thousands gather each year for the Ukrainian Festival, now celebrating its 61st anniversary. St. Pierre-Jolys hosts its annual Frog Follies, celebrating the community’s proud Francophone roots with fun for the entire family.

Grunthal is home to the Hanover Ag Fair, coming up in just a couple of weeks, as well as various rodeos and community events throughout the summer. This year, the Hanover Agricultural Society celebrates 80 years of promoting agriculture, rural living, and community spirit.

Then there are Sprague Days, Carrick Days, the St. Labre 200, and countless other local festivals, fairs, and parades that bring neighbours together and welcome visitors from across Manitoba.

Summer is also a season of recreation. Hundreds of La Vérendrye youngsters spend their days playing baseball, softball, soccer, and enjoying our local swimming pools and beaches. Congratulations to the Grunthal U-11 baseball team on their impressive sixth-place finish at the provincial championships this past weekend.

Many families also take advantage of everything our own backyard has to offer without ever leaving La Vérendrye. Whether it’s tubing down the river at St Malo, relaxing on the beach at Buffalo Point, or exploring the beautiful Sandilands Provincial Forest and Whiteshell Provincial Park, there is no shortage of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. Summer camps throughout the region also provide young people with the chance to unplug, make new friends, build confidence, and create lifelong memories.

Of course, summer is also the busiest season for our farmers. Long days in the field caring for crops and livestock are all part of producing the food that feeds families here at home and around the world. Agriculture remains the backbone of our local economy, and summer is a reminder of the hard work and dedication that goes into every harvest.

I would also like to express my sincere gratitude to the hundreds of people who volunteer their time throughout the summer. Festival organizers, fundraising committees, sports coaches, camp counsellors, firefighters, service clubs, and countless other volunteers work tirelessly behind the scenes. None of these events or programs would be possible without your dedication and commitment to our communities.

These are just a few of the many reasons why people choose to live in rural Manitoba.

It’s so much more than just the place. It’s the people.

One of the things I enjoy most about summer is the opportunity to meet with so many of you at these events. Whether it’s over coffee at a fair, during a parade, or while walking through a festival, hearing directly from constituents helps me better represent your concerns. I continue to bring those conversations back to our PC team as we work to be a strong voice for your family, your finances, and your freedoms.

My best wishes for a safe, enjoyable, and memorable summer to everyone who calls La Vérendrye home.

As always, don’t hesitate to reach out by emailing info@konradnarth.ca. I always enjoy hearing from you.