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It's Manitoba Time

This Issue
Issue 01, Vol. 01 Spring 2008 | Tell a friend
- WELCOME FROM FRED PENNER - HOTTER THAN EVER AT 50! - FESTIVALS! FESTIVALS!
- BACK TO MY ROOTS - WINNIPASS - SUBMIT A STORY TO WIN


Welcome to all! Get ready to have some serious fun!
Fred Penner
QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS?
- EMAIL FRED PENNER

I’m Fred Penner and I’m Travel Manitoba’s Family Adventures Ambassador. I was born and raised in Manitoba, and my wife and I have raised four children here as well. My musical journeys have taken me all over the world, but I am always glad to come back to Manitoba, happy to be home!

I love the sounds of music and laughter. Wherever I perform, I hear plenty of both, and you will too when you visit any of Manitoba’s many festivals, fairs, theatres, concerts... the list goes on and on... just check it out on Travel Manitoba’s website. And while you're at it, don't forget to add your own Manitoba travel stories to the It's My Moment site for a chance to win a trip to Churchill to kayak with Belugas!

Right now, I am looking forward to the Winnipeg International Children’s Festival (June 5 - 8) and Travel Manitoba's "Celebrate Manitoba" entertainment (June 7 - 8). Both are at The Forks on the same weekend, so there will be a lot to see and do for your family! I will be performing at both events and would love to meet you. If you can’t get here in person, please feel free to contact me at the brand-new fredpenner.com.

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Delta Winnipeg
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Fred Penner's Roots "Back to My Roots," by Fred Penner

I love the prairie because there is an energy that comes from the land. A drive only a few hours from Winnipeg offers a traveller a small sampling of this vast beauty. One particular trip to the south west of our province held great historical importance for me.

Winnipeg has always been my home. I come from a Mennonite background and my maternal grandfather, Cornelius Winters, came to Southern Manitoba in the 1880's. The family had journeyed from a small village in Southern Russia to very similar terrain in Canada.

When I was growing up we had many family gatherings in the Winkler/Morden area. Take Highway 75 South of Winnipeg to Highway 14 West, turn right, straight head less than an hour or so and you can't miss it. My paternal grandfather's name was also Fred Penner, and he was on the first town council in Winkler. Because of this historical fact, our family was asked to join in a special celebration to pay tribute to the pioneers and their contributions.

In the summer of 2007 there was a dedication of a cairn in Winkler. This cairn was a commemorative rock structure with a plaque telling the reason for its existence. Inside the cairn is a time capsule with various artifacts of the day. Family and friends gathered for this celebration and for all of us it was a wonderful opportunity to reconnect and to reminisce. This was a beautiful day.

So, dear reader, I encourage you to explore Manitoba, and as you do, take the time to read the inscriptions on the 'Points of Interest' that dot the countryside. Take the time to turn off the highway, and venture into these small towns for a piece of homemade pie and a cup of coffee.

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Canad Inns
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Assiniboia Downs Hotter than ever at 50!

So what do you do when you turn 50? You throw a big celebration, you bring out the good stuff, and you put on your best. That's what Assiniboia Downs is doing!

There is nothing more exciting than feeling the thunder of horses running past you for the first time. The racetrack is the only place where you can be part of all the action. Whether it is placing a winning bet or just standing next to the track as they run down the stretch, you will definitely have something to cheer about.

Have fun with us with free Texas Hold 'em poker on Fridays and Saturdays, Backstretch Breakfast Tours the last Saturday of each month, Family Fun Days starting in June, and then there is the opportunity to win $50,000 cash. Every time you come out to the track you better your chances to win! All the excitement happens Friday and Saturday at 7pm and Sunday and Holidays 1pm from May 2 through September 21. We also add Tuesday night racing July 8, 15, and 22 with post time at 7pm. Also join us for all the pageantry of Manitoba Derby Day, Monday, August 4.

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Holiday Inn Winnipeg South
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Winnipass Winnipass

Enjoy 6 of the city's best attractions and save time and money! The Winnipass provides admission, helps by-pass lineups, offers helpful information and is a great value at the following attractions: FortWhyte Alive, IMAX Theatre, Assiniboine Park Zoo, The Manitoba Museum, Royal Canadian Mint, and Le Musée de Saint Boniface Museum.

Using the Winnipass is simple! Just present your Winnipass booklet or online voucher at participating attractions. They'll scan your voucher or remove your ticket from your book, and you're ready to enjoy some of Winnipeg's best attractions. For more info on the Winnipass program, visit www.heartlandtravel.ca. Call 204-989-9630 or toll-free 1-866-890-3377.

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River Gate Inn
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Festivals! Festivals! Festivals! Festivals!

Unique heritage, safe, kid-friendly activities, awesome music and wide-open blue skies are just a few of the many things that give Manitoba families a reason to celebrate. Plan your getaway around any of these fun family-friendly events and come play with us!

Winnipeg International Children's Festival - June 5-8, 2008
Features 30 shows daily of music, dance, puppetry and hands-on activities with local, national and international artists.
Location: Winnipeg. Tel. (204) 958-4730; www.kidsfest.ca

Manitoba Summer Fair - June 4-8, 2008
Midway and rides for all ages, trade show, demolition derby, petting zoo, antique tractors, horse show.
Location: Brandon. Tel. (204) 726-3590; www.brandonfairs.com

Red River Exhibition - June 13-22, 2008
North America's #1 midway, stage acts, children's entertainers, exhibits, youth talent shows, opening day fireworks.
Location: Winnipeg. Tel. (204) 888-6990; www.redriverex.com

Dauphin Countryfest - June 26-29, 2008
Incredible country music from some of the hottest stars in the business.
Location: Dauphin. Tel. 1-800-361-7300; www.countryfest.ca

SEE ALL MANITOBA FESTIVALS

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River Gate Inn
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It’s My Moment - Your Story Could Win! It’s My Moment - Your Story Could Win!

A chance to kayak with Beluga whales? Wow! Share your best Manitoba travel moment for a chance to win. Here's a recently submitted fishing moment from Annette Courcelles, from her experience in Manitoba's campgrounds:

CAMPING WITH THE KIDS FOR 10 YEARS AROUND MANITOBA
I am so happy I had the opportunity to do 10 years of camping with my children, husband and our tent trailer. We made the greatest memories, from fishing, swimming, biking and cooking on a camp fire. Playing mini-golf at Falcon Lake to hiking many trails in the whiteshell, Spruce Woods, Riding mountain and many more. We have stopped camping with them because of them being at the age of working. We plan to start again in a couple of years and hopefully they will come and meet us at the campground again.

READ MORE FAMILY FUN MOMENTS

Submit a Moment to Win
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River Gate Inn
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Churchill Wild