Swan Lake comes to Swan River
The Royal Winnipeg Ballet visited the Swan Valley Regional Secondary School on Thursday (April 16), with students from the company presenting an excerpt of Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake, as well as other internationally-inspired cultural dances.
Looking to make a home
Clara Peake captures first place honors in Missouri State golf
Northwest Missouri State University junior Clara Peake became the eighth different Bearcat in the history of the program to capture first-place honors as she gained medalist honors at the 2026 Spring Regional Preview held at Shangri La Country Club.
Peake fired a final round three-under par 69 to win the event by three shots. Peake was dialed in for her final round as she netted seven birdies. She began her round on the fourth hole and secure dbirdies at No. 5, No. 8, No. 9, No. 10, No. 14, No. 1 and No. 3. Peake shot a final round 69, which gave her a 54-hole total of 211 (-5).
Peake led the field with 17 birdies.
It is the 20th time a Bearcat golfer has finished first in an NCAA Div. II women's golf tournament. It is Peake's third career top-three finish and fifth top-10 finish.
Large crowd challenged the Slush Cup
Asessippi Ski Area & Resort wrapped up its 2025–2026 winter season with a weekend full of energy, creativity, and community, highlighted by the return of its Annual Slush Cup and the debut of a brand-new Easter event.
On Saturday, April 4, Asessippi hosted its Annual Slush Cup, drawing a large crowd of spectators and 36 participants ready to take on the challenge. This year’s event featured a pond skim format, where riders attempted to glide across a chilly water feature.
While many competitors made a splash, one participant successfully skimmed across the pond, earning bragging rights (and a prize) for the triumph. The event also saw a wide range of costumes and strong spectator turnout, creating a active and entertaining atmosphere on the hill.
The following day, Sunday, April 5, Asessippi introduced its first-ever Asessippi Eggstravaganza, a family-focused Easter event that brought guests together across the resort. Activities included a resort-wide outdoor egg hunt, an indoor kids hunt, and a bunny counting challenge.
“It was great to see kids so excited and lined up for first chair to start the outdoor hunt,” said Baily, Marketing Manager at Asessippi. “The response was incredibly positive, and we’re already planning to bring it back for Easter weekend next season.”
Leading into the final weekend, Asessippi also saw strong attendance during Manitoba Spring Break, supported by targeted promotions and family-focused offers that brought visitors to the hill during one of the busiest times of the season.
Overall, Asessippi reports a successful season, marked by strong guest engagement, well-attended events, and continued growth in its programming.
Looking ahead, the resort plans to bring back its signature events while continuing to expand its event lineup and guest experiences for the 2026–2027 season.
Fusion Credit Union returns $1.86 million to members
Fusion Credit Union is thanking members in a big way. At the Annual General Meeting held April 15, 2026 via webcast conference, Fusion announced a $1.86 million return to members in the form of patronage allocations and cash pay-outs to select members. The $1.86 million in total returns for 2026, based on 2025 results, includes a patronage allocation of $775,000, plus an estimated $1 million in cash payouts.
“Our members are more than customers - they’re owners - and the driving force behind everything we do,” states Darwin Johns, Chief Executive Officer at Fusion Credit Union. “The $1.86 million is one of the ways we thank our members for their continued loyalty to us.”
A patronage allocation is a value returned to a member of Fusion Credit Union based on their relationship with the credit union. The patronage amount is a portion of interest paid and earned during the past year and varies from
member to member. All patronage allocations are retained in a Surplus Share Account and select member groups receive cash payouts.
As a member-owned financial institution, Fusion’s success is directly tied to the strength of its members and communities. Patronage allocations and cash payouts ensure that investment is shared locally, supporting individuals, families, farms and businesses. “When our members choose Fusion, they’re choosing to invest in their communities,” says Johns. “And when Fusion succeeds, the success stays right here – supporting local growth, opportunity and connection.”
Intrigued? Pick up a copy of this week's Roblin Review and turn to page 9 for the whole story.
Young entrepreneurs at EMC
Harvest Hill Homeschool Co-op wrapped up their Junior Achievement financial literacy class called “A Business of Our Own” this past week. In this class 9 to 14 year old's were learning the basics of how to write a business plan. They were able to apply these skills to their own businesses and create products and market them on Sunday, April 12 at Evangelical Mission Church in Roblin.
There were 27 vendors featuring bird feeders, perogies, herb gardens, key chains, sandwiches, lemonade, baking, sewing projects, and woodworking projects. Literally something for everyone!
Over 100 people came to support the young entrepreneurs and it was a huge success! The students were then able to determine their net profits and through studying God's word as a class it has created an opportunity
for the students to learn how to manage their money through a biblical lens. There were students from Roblin, Russell, Binscarth and Rhein, SK who participated in the “A Business of Our Own” class.
Showcase Held - Hillman Dance Studio
Hillman Dance Studio finished off the Dance season by presenting their 13th Annual Showcase on April 19th. Hillman has 104 students ranging in age from 3 to 18. 56 dancers in Roblin and 48 in Churchbridge, SK.
Teaching this year, were Giny Hillman, Jessie Laroche, Danica Bowley, Tori McGinnis, Michaela Alyward and Dani Rands. As well as student teacher Emery Laviolette (pictured on the left).
The Studio’s dancers competed in Russell, Virden, Brandon and Yorkton this year, coming home with many awards, among them a Platinum award from the Parkland Dance Festival held in Yorkton every year - a first for the studio. Dancers showcased their award-winning dances to a crowd at a filled to capacity Roblin Community Centre. See next week’s edition for more pictures.
Countryfest finalizes 2026 lineup
The last of the acts are signed and the countdown to Dauphin’s Countryfest 2026 is on.
Canada’s longest running country music festival takes place, June 25 to 28, at Selo Ukraina south of Dauphin.
Headlining the 2026 festival are multi-platinum country stars Jelly Roll, Tyler Hubbard, and Nate Smith, each bringing their high-energy performances to the Play Now Main Stage.
Joining the headliners on the main stage will be the Hunter Brothers, Owen Riegling, Jade Turner and the Sean Taylor Band on Friday.
Sturday will feature Cameron Whitcomb, Hailey Benedict, Noeline Hofmann and Alli Walker, while Sunday will see Brett Kissel, Thelma and James, Blackhawk and The Martin Boys.
With a mix of international headliners, celebrated Canadian talent, and rising local artists, this year’s festival promises an unforgettable experience for music fans across the country.
“Each year our goal is to build a lineup that truly captures the spirit of Countryfest, bringing together world-class talent, Canadian artists, and the rising stars in our own backyard,” said Colette Hykawy, Programming Committee lead.
“We’re excited to welcome fans back to the hill for four days of great music and fun activities.”
The festival will get underway, June 25, with a Rockin’ Thursday Kickoff Party, featuring Canadian rocker JJ Wilde, a Kitchener, Ont., born artist, who will set the tone for an electrifying weekend, alongside Manitoba performers Leddwyn and The Haileys.
Additional highlights on the hilltop stages include acclaimed Canadian artists Charlie Major and Aaron Pritchett, along with a drink-raising, head-banging performance from Eddy and the Dirty Boys, a rising Canadian rock band compiled of members from both The Glorious Sons and Boston Levi.
Toque will return to the hilltop stage to bring their high-energy classic rock performance.
The remainder of the weekend features home-grown talent, and out of province rising stars, such as Josh Stumpf, Club Wagon Creek, Ryan Keown, Austin Ryder, Morgan Grace, Kates Outlaw, Sarah Vanderzon, JR Charron, Kris Anders and the Flatlanders, Irvin Miller, Petric, Brandi Vezina, Cassandra Star and Mitchell Makoons and Desiree Orvis.
Dauphin’s Countryfest has now entered Tier 3 pricing with weekend passes available at $369 plus fees and taxes.
Tickets and camping can be purchased online at Countryfest.ca or by calling toll-free to 1-800-361-7300.
Buck takes Swampy Cree Hand Drum to international audiences
Many musically talented and culturally gifted individuals hail from the tri-community area. These talented folks share with others their gift of music and art, or share their culture with many people. Opaskwayak Cree Nation (OCN) member Darryl Buck has been singing and playing the hand drum as a young adult. He wants to share this cultural tradition with others.
“Growing up in the Mosakahikan and Opaskwayak Cree Nations (OCN), I was immersed in our culture,” said Buck. “In my early twenties, I began learning about the drum and singing within the local community of The Pas and the OCN. I had the privilege of witnessing the spiritual aspects of ceremonies and the drum. Being raised in a Cree-speaking home was a cornerstone of my identity, and I frequently saw the drum at gatherings, ceremonies, and performances.
The Storytellers’ Festival showcases Canadian films for free
If you love films, you will have the chance to take in some Canadian-made films at this year’s Storytellers’ Film Festival, being held in The Pas.
“The Storytellers’ Film Festival is being held on April 15, 2026, in The Pas Regional Library Annex beginning at 4 p.m.,” said Cheryl Antonio. “We will have refreshments, free admittance. It is being held in conjunction with Canada’s National Film Day.”
Every year, a selection of films is chosen for this event.