While the Chamber of Commerce Fair was the main event in Neepawa this past week, it wasn’t the only one drawing crowds and making headlines. We also captured the town’s first colour run, held to raise funds for new playground equipment, and attended the official groundbreaking for Neepawa’s first-ever Habitat for Humanity build.

Rrain Prior – Local Journalism Initiative

Neepawa’s newly established Habitat for Humanity chapter, formed just last year, has already broken ground on its first home — a milestone that typically takes two years to reach. In record time, the chapter has raised the necessary funds, selected a family, secured a lot, and finalized building plans. Construction officially begins this week.

“We couldn’t do it without everybody on this sign,” said chapter chair John Lavich, gesturing toward the display of sponsor names at the build site. “They’ve really rallied around the cause.”

Meanwhile, John Drinkwater explored the economic impact of the Chamber Fair on local businesses. He spoke with Jim Mills of Select Shows, the touring midway company that visits Manitoba towns between May and September. Mills, who has been in the midway business for 55 years, inherited the family-run operation from his parents and has seen fairs of all sizes across the province.

At peak season, Select Shows employs about 60 staff. For a fair the size of Neepawa’s, they typically need around 35. Despite being Manitoba-based, most of their ride equipment is sourced from the U.S., and rising tariffs and exchange rates are hitting hard. For example, the cost of replacement LED lights—used in the thousands—has jumped from $2 to $8. Mills said he’s now looking for alternative suppliers to manage costs.

Drinkwater also spoke with Veronika, a Grade 9 student who helps run the Happy Clover food truck alongside her parents. The family emigrated from Ukraine three years ago and previously worked in the food industry. The truck is just the beginning, as they hope to eventually open a brick-and-mortar location in Neepawa.

Rounding out the week was the town’s first colour run, hosted by the Rotary The New Wave club at Park Lake. The event featured both 1K and 5K options for participants of all ages. Several community partners joined in, including Neepawa Pride, the Youth Advisory Committee of the local community foundation, and Neepawa Middle School, all of whom helped toss clouds of coloured powder at participants as they made their way around the course.

With over 250 people participating, the turnout exceeded expectations. Funds raised will go towards new play structures at Rotary Park.

“We all have young families,” said club representative Jenna Lowry, “and we want the best for ourselves and for the future of our community.”

Segment Times
0:00 – Intro
3:04 – Habitat for Humanity Neepawa Groundbreaking
13:01 – Neepawa Chamber Fair
24:11 – Colour Run