Holiday Alley brings four days of creativity, culture and community to downtown Selkirk
One of the most popular attractions at the Interlake’s largest cultural festival owes its success to a sheep farmer from Arborg.
Three years ago, organizers of Holiday Alley in Selkirk approached Arik Lindal, Interlake director of the Manitoba Sheep Association, to help launch a new art project called Sheep Poetry. Since then, it has grown into one of the festival’s signature activities. Holiday Alley runs Nov. 19 to 22 in downtown Selkirk.
Lindal transports eight sheep from his farm, provides the pen and helps fasten bibs around each of the animals. Each bib features a festive word. Visitors of all ages are encouraged to write poems inspired by the words on the sheep as they wander the enclosure. The poems are then displayed on the pen fence as public art, with this year’s installation led by artist Claire Boning.
Sheep Poetry on Holiday Alley is made possible by Arborg farmer Arik Lindal and his handsome sheep
Lindal says he didn’t expect to enjoy the role as much as he does.
“Originally I was just going to bring the sheep down and stand back, but I now spend a lot of time answering questions from children and adults about sheep farming,” said Lindal, who comes from a long line of cattle farmers.
The event blends culture, creativity and agriculture — a hallmark of Holiday Alley.
“The enchanting thing about Holiday Alley is the fine balance it creates between dreaming up new and creative ideas every year and bringing back fan favourites,” said Lois Wales, president of Red River North Tourism. “The team gets a bit wacky — like who would think 200 people every year would write poems based on words on sheep — but it works and is a visitor favourite.” She noted that Travel Manitoba named Holiday Alley the Best Event in Manitoba in 2023.
New programming this year reflects contributions from youth, community members and newcomers across the region.
Eight newcomers from Ukraine, Nigeria and India have collaborated on the Newcomers’ Storytelling Café, taking place Saturday, Nov. 22 at 10 a.m. at Knox Presbyterian Church on McLean Avenue in Selkirk.
A new culinary workshop hosted by Nobüz Market will explore the art of crafting non-alcoholic cocktails on Saturday, Nov. 22 at 5 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
Students and educators are introducing three new art pieces exploring reconciliation through lanterns, hand drums and ceramic tiles. An Indigenous ribbon skirt fashion show will take place on the outdoor stage Saturday, Nov. 22 at 1 p.m.
For visitors seeking a slower pace, Glow Fitness will host a sound bath on Friday, Nov. 21 at 8 p.m.
Holiday Alley will also feature two choral performances at the United Church on McLean on Thursday, Nov. 20 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 22 at 4 p.m.
Fire on the Red III returns to the Selkirk waterfront Saturday, Nov. 22 at 7 p.m., where two giant straw sculptures created in collaboration with local students will be set ablaze. It remains the only public straw-burning art installation of its kind in Manitoba.
Back by popular demand, Easel Wars will run Saturday, Nov. 22 from noon to 3 p.m. at the Gwen Fox Gallery, where friends and family compete to complete paintings in rapid-fire rounds. Spots fill quickly.
Santa will also make multiple appearances, including selfies on the street Friday evening and Breakfast with Santa at the Mighty Kiwi in the Riverside Grill on Saturday, Nov. 22 from 9 to 11 a.m.
The full Holiday Alley schedule is available at holidayalley.ca.
