Plenty of summer activities to choose from including a few festivals around Southern Manitoba this week.

Tuesday, July 11

  • Free “Knotty Night” is happening at Gretna Prairie Centre from 7 to 9 pm. Bring a project you are currently working on and a snack to share. Coffee and tea will be provided.
  • An enchilada supper and concert by Masters Voice Quartet is planned at Winkler EMMC. This is in support of Children of Hope Orphanages and Grace Valley Mennonite Academy. Supper begins at 5 pm and the concert follows at 7. Admission is by donation.

Thursday, July 13

  • “Poetry and Platz in the Parlour” is happening at 7 pm at the Friesen Housebarn in the village of Neubergthal. Share a poem you’ve written yourself or read a favorite written by someone else. Cost is $5.
  • A free summer concert at Bethel Heritage Park takes place at 6:30 pm featuring comedian/magician/illusionist Greg Wood, inflatable bouncers for kids, as well as food and beverages available for purchase by The Bunker.

Thursday to Saturday

  • The Carman Country Fair takes place at Dufferin Ag Society Grounds. Take in various motorsports, midway, displays, entertainment, food booths and more.

Friday, July 14

  • Red River Mutual is hosting a barbeque in support of Manitoba Camping Association’s Sunshine Fund from 11:30 to 1:30. Cost $5 for a hot dog, chips and drink.

Friday to Saturday

  • You, your friends, and your family can sizzle up your summer at the Gretna Hot Spot Festival this weekend! The fun starts on Friday with the Cutest Pet Show, the Talent Show, Karaoke, and Dancing! Saturday's sizzle includes a Petting Farm, Zorb's, a fundraising dinner with Danny's Whole Hog, a concert with Ed Wayne and the North Border Band, and fireworks at 10:30. Your summer deserves some sizzle! So start a new summer tradition and heat things up at the Gretna Hot Spot Festival this weekend!

Friday to Sunday

  • Manitoba's Passion Play will be performed at 7:30 nightly in the Oak Valley Outdoor Theatre at La Riviere. Advance tickets at passionplay.ca.

Saturday, July 15

  • A fish fry is planned from 5 to 7 pm at the village of Reinland Community Centre. This is in support of a team from the Reinland Sommerfeld Church, going on a mission trip to Ancla de Amor Orphanage in Mexico. They will be helping to construct another house to accommodate more children.
  • “Big Rigs Big Hearts” is happening at Winkler’s Main Plaza! This local not-for profit organization raises funds for families in need while bringing the trucking community together. Last year they had 118 trucks and they hope to beat that number this year. The event includes live music throughout the day as well as games, kids activities, food and the highly anticipated convoy.
  • Winkler Senior Centre is hosting a country and gospel jam session beginning at 7 pm. Bring your voices and musical instruments and join in the fun.

Saturday to Sunday

  • The Crystal City Carnival is offering a variety of fun events including a parade, kids’ games, slow pitch, quilts and cookies competition, car show, live entertainment and more.

Sunday, July 16

  • Visit the Moto Park X in Altona for Round 7 in Manitoba Motocross competition. Racing begins at 9:30. Youth For Christ will run a food booth. Tickets $15, 12 and under 5 bucks.
  • The Miami Ladies Open is taking place. Contact the pro shop for more details or register at golfMiami.ca.