The Manitoba Stampede & Exhibition has been honoured with the Manitoba Country Music Association’s Dauphin’s Countryfest Festival or Event of the Year Award for the third consecutive year.
Presented at the MCMA ceremony Saturday evening in Winnipeg, the award recognizes a “Manitoba festival or event that exemplifies the development and promotion of Manitoba country music talent.”
The Morris-based event organized by the Valley Agricultural Society (VAS) and held annually on the third weekend of July stood out among nominees that included the Niverville Fair, the Morden Corn and Apple Festival, Steinbach’s Summer in the City, Grunthal’s Hanover Ag Fair, and the Manitoba Threshermen’s Reunion & Stampede in Austin.
“On behalf of the Manitoba Stampede and Exhibition, we are truly honored to accept this award,” said Taylor Braun, Town of Morris representative for the VAS, in her acceptance speech later shared on social media. “A heartfelt thank you to our dedicated staff, our board members, our volunteers, our generous sponsors, and of course, our amazing patrons who continue to support us year after year.”
The award criteria focuses on community involvement, promotions, leadership, and recognition of Manitoba country music talent.
For the Stampede, this means bringing established and emerging artists to the stage each summer, creating opportunities for both performers and music fans across southern Manitoba.
“We’re especially proud to be among so many talented Manitoba country music artists tonight, including some who’ve taken the stage at the Manitoba Stampede in past years,” Braun said at the ceremony.
“It was a great experience to be involved in an event with such amazing Manitoban artists and talent,” she later said.
Looking ahead, the Stampede has already announced its 2026 lineup, welcoming Mitchell Makoons, the Sean Taylor Band, and Nelson Little to perform in July.
