Vita’s famous Canada Day celebrations attract people from across Manitoba – SteinbachOnline.com

In Vita, it wouldn’t be Canada Day without a rodeo, wrestling, concerts, children’s activities, a baseball tournament, mini car races, a parade and fireworks.

If that seems like a lot, that’s because it is – especially for a community of about 500 people about 40 km from Steinbach. But Canada Day celebrations have been a big deal in Vita for many years, and with the holiday falling on a long Monday in 2024, they’re about to get even bigger. And better.

“We have some old stuff and some new stuff this year, and we start on June 30,” says Ang Boychuk of the Vita Canada Day Committee. “We try to make it bigger and better every year, and the planning really keeps us busy. It’s probably a six-month process.”

Here’s why.

On Sunday, June 30, the South MB Mini 4WD Club’s car racing begins around noon, with the rodeo following at 1:00 p.m. Later in the afternoon, there are lawnmower races, and at 6:00 p.m. the bell rings for wrestling matches with the Canadian Wrestling Elite. After that, the Manitoba Barrell Racing Association takes over the rodeo grounds, and at 8:00 p.m. Almost Famous performs the first of two concerts of the weekend.

Hopefully, residents of the region and visitors from across southern Manitoba can sleep well after the day’s activities, because the next morning, July 1, will see a pancake breakfast at 7 a.m. Well-fed, participants in a 16-team baseball tournament will begin playing at 9 a.m., just as breakfast is over, and the annual parade will begin at 10 a.m.

Shortly after lunch, the rodeo continues, and at 1 p.m. there is a strongman competition. New for 2024 is a second concert – Ricky Smith will perform at 8 p.m. on July 1 – and the festivities will end with Vita’s famous fireworks display at around 10:45 p.m. Cornhole tournaments will also be held on both days, and kids can get their faces painted, jump on bouncy castles and meet unique creatures at the Fraser Reptiles exhibit.

Lawnmower racers race four abreast on the track in Vita during the Canada Day 2023 celebrations

Boychuk says Vita’s Canada Day events tend to attract people from near and far.

“We have a lot of guests from all over southern Manitoba,” she says. “The baseball teams come from all over, and the rodeo participants also attract a pretty diverse crowd.”

Of course, the fact that all of the weekend’s attractions are included in a single, affordable price also contributes to making Vita a popular Canada Day destination.

“You get a wristband that’s valid for two days and costs $20 for anyone ages 5 and up,” says Boychuk. “Once you’re at the entrance, it’s free to go anywhere else. You just have to pay for food and drinks.”

Vita Canada Day will be held on June 30 and July 1 at 100 School Ave in Vita, Manitoba. Tickets can be purchased in advance online and are also available at the gate.