Sunshine and community spirit brought record-setting crowds and entries to the Lundar Fair June 13 and 14.
Hosted by the Lundar Agricultural Society, this year’s fair featured the largest beef show in its history, with 43 entries and 101 head of cattle shown across registered and junior categories. Judges Carmen and Donna Jackson oversaw the competition, which also included the 2025 Manitoba Simmental Summer Show.
“We had to tie some cattle outside as the barn was full,” said Cynthia Wirgau of the agricultural society. “This was a good problem for us to deal with.”
The $1,000 Jackpot Heifer Show saw McIntosh Ranch claim first place, followed by Maple Grove Gelbvieh and Big Sig Cattle Co. Other top beef show results included:
Champion Commercial Steer: Keira Duguid
Reserve: Castleton Scott
Champion Simmental Bull: Rainbow River Simmentals
Reserve: Wilcox Simmentals
Junior Champion Simmental Female: Bexley McIntosh
Reserve: Brooke Collins
Champion Simmental Female: McIntosh Ranch
Reserve: Oakview Simmentals
On the 4-H front, Duguid also captured Grand Champion Steer honours, with Lauren Forsyth taking Reserve Champion.
Beyond the show ring, the fairgrounds were bustling with activities for all ages. From the antique tractor pull — featuring 70 tractors across 11 classes — to decorated bike contests and home living displays, the event showcased Lundar’s community pride and rural roots.
A highlight of the weekend included the tractor pull’s 1926 Caterpillar two-ton Crawler, which pulled 200 feet in a crowd-pleasing performance.
Parade entries honoured long-time contributors, with Ken Windross carrying the Canadian flag and Jamie Christensen and Donal Halldorson Sr. representing the Legion.
Parade winners included:
Local business: Randy’s Tire
Family/new float: BT&T Construction
Organization: Lundar 4-H Beef
Classic car: Gary Appleyard
Classic truck: Bill and Mary Eyolfson
Antique motorcycle/ATV: Abby Beaman and Mikki Thorkelson
Horse-drawn one-hitch: Darknell’s
Decorated bike: Amy Miller
Individual walker: Ken Juzyk
Single horse rider: Debbie Kinkead
Comic float: Beach Bar/Tiki Bar bike
The Discovery Zone proved popular among families, while food sales — especially fries and poutine — saw strong demand.
Winners in the antique tractor pull included:
Under 3,000 lbs: Phil Unrau (Farmall Super A)
3,000–4,000 lbs: Wade Hubbard (Oliver Super 66)
4,000–5,000 lbs: John Mikula (Super 77)
5,000–6,000 lbs: John Mukula (Oliver 88 Row Crop)
6,000–7,000 lbs: Corrine Sigurdson-Burdett (Oliver 88)
7,000–8,000 lbs: Andrew Mason (John Deere R)
8,000–9,000 lbs: Nick Bennett (International 650)
Over 10,000 lbs: Rick Burdett (Massey 55 Detroit 4-71)
Modified under 7,000 lbs: Dave Cocklin (Massey 444)
Modified over 7,000 lbs: Dave Cocklin (Massey 444)
Inside the Home Living section, entries ranged from sewing and horticulture to baking and junior categories:
Sewing: Karen Jack
Crocheting, knitting, photos: Judy Gleich
Handicrafts, canning: Vida Lucier
Baking: Lynda Capner
Horticulture: Janet Stocki
Junior: Bexley McIntosh
2025 Grand Aggregate: Judy Gleich
Fair organizers said they were thrilled with the turnout.
“We couldn’t have asked for better weather or a more supportive community,” said Colleen Kostyshyn of the Lundar Agricultural Society. “The fireworks were a highlight, and the overall attendance made for an awesome weekend.”
The society extended thanks to its many sponsors, including Leo’s Sales & Service, Paterson Grain, Reykdal Ag and Enns Bros., along with local volunteers and supporters.
“We hope to see many of you back again next year as we continue to celebrate the talent and community spirit of Lundar,” said vice-president Lanna Mason.
