Who are you inviting home? That’s the theme for this year. Check out the Manitoba Homecoming website, www.manitobahomecoming2010.com for events, news, links and to send an e-card to others to invite them to come home.

In my view, there is no better way to greet 2010 than by taking a deep breath of air and acknowledging and being thankful for the inspiring environment we live in, here in Manitoba. In a world confused by war, conflicts, parochial interests, and fragmented approaches to dealing with climate change and sustainability, I take solace in being able to go out for a daily snowshoe and consciously remind myself of what I love about Manitoba - clean, fresh air, people who celebrate winter, a low population density, an economy that seems to chug along without a lot of volatility, and an abundance of outdoor environments in which to play, meditate, or relax.

From Festival du Voyageur to snowshoeing (admittedly the fastest growing winter adventure sport in the world - yes, faster in growth than snowboarding according to Snowshoe Magazine) to mid-winter Loppets, ice-fishing, cross-country skiing, and winter photography, this is a season in which we don different clothing and head outside. Our skin shines with a glow that comes only from skin being in friction with an ambient temperature almost 70C° lower than our body temperature. Joie de vivre - you bet! We love life here in a season that is marked by its presence of a blanket of white, and the more, the better. Why? Snow insulates life-forms below it, provides great skiing, and returns water from the air to the land (part of the global water cycle). Walking, driving, ice-fishing on frozen water is something we consider a normal winter activity. Consider the fact that there are billions of people on this planet who would consider such a concept absolutely un-heard of. In this year of Manitoba Homecoming, Let’s Be Heard - Who are you inviting Home this year? Whether a loved one or friend, invite them Outdoors in Manitoba!

As Travel Manitoba’s Outdoor Ambassador, I would personally like to invite you to embrace Homecoming 2010 by asking who could I invite to return home this year to Manitoba, and where could we could go outdoors to celebrate this beautiful province?

Have a great winter season!

Celes Davar
www.earthrhythms.ca

Winnipeggers love a great deal, so it’s only logical they would give visitors one! The Stay and Play offer is just one reason why so many people choose Winnipeg’s casinos as their getaway destination. Best of all, it is simple to use and free to access.

Guests can be eligible for $15 in Gold Play for use at either Club Regent Casino or McPhillips Station Casino, both located in Manitoba’s entertainment capital, Winnipeg. Stay and Play is available at www.destinationwinnipeg.ca when booking your hotel accommodations or packages, such as a couples or girl’s getaway.

If you’re looking for a more in-depth entertainment package, then visit www.travelmanitoba.com for great seasonal casino promotions, featuring major casino performers. All getaway packages are priced to include one night’s double accommodation at a select hotel, casino gaming and restaurant vouchers, plus complementary casino valet parking. New packages are offered regularly, book today!

Club Regent Casino offers exceptional dining, popular live entertainment, a dance club and a first-class gaming experience in a tropical environment. Offering the same array of venues but with a different flair, McPhillips Station Casino lets you step back in time into a nostalgic train station and grand hotel themed atmosphere.

Please remember that in Manitoba you must be 18 years of age or older to enter the casinos. Photo ID may be required.

The temperature may be chilly and the air just a tad frosty, but the arrival of Saison Voyageur proves that there are many reasons to get outside and celebrate Manitoba’s winters. As part of Manitoba Homecoming 2010, Saison Voyageur mixes Manitoba winter traditions with some exciting new events throughout January and February and gives us multiple reasons to get out this winter. Check out www.manitobahomecoming.com and www.saisonvoyageur.ca for details.

ASSINIBOINE CREDIT UNION RIVER TRAIL
January 8 - February 28, 2010
Join in the fun and glide your way down the Longest Naturally Frozen Skating Trail in the world! Skate, walk, run or sled along the winding trail and get a view of Winnipeg like you’ve never seen it before. Warm up or catch your breath in one of the many shelters located along the trail. Watch for free fun family activities every weekend.

RIVER POND CLASSIC SHINNY HOCKEY TOURNAMENT
January 29, 2010, 6:00-8:00pm
January 30, 2010, 9:00am-4:00pm
January 31, 2010, 10:00am-4:00pm
Canadian hockey in its purest form – outside on a frozen body of water! This is an old fashioned shinny hockey tournament. Now, will you wear a Maple Leafs or Canadiens sweater?

9TH ANNUAL IRONMAN OUTDOOR CURLING BONSPIEL
February 5, 2010, 5:00-10:00pm
February 6, 2010, 9:00am-10:00pm
February 7, 2010, 12:00am-12:00pm
Hurry hard! This 9th annual event takes place at The Forks in support of The Heart & Stroke Foundation of Manitoba. This outdoor bonspiel has raised almost $28,000 and of course generates lots of fun for the 40 participating teams. Register online at www.ironmancurling.com.

ICE BIKE RACE
February 7, 2010; 11:30am-2:30pm
Swap blades for wheels in this all-terrain bike race along the Assiniboine Credit Union River Trail and surrounding area.

ARTIC GLACIER WINTER PARK AT THE FORKS
This is the place to be for winter fun! Strap on the skates, scream down the toboggan chute, shimmy through the ice obstacle course or leap off the professionally designed snowboard hill, where every Sunday afternoon a certified snowboard instructor will be on hand to provide tips and instructions. Skate rentals are available at The Mini Donuts Factory in The Forks Market everyday from 11am to 10pm. $2 for children and seniors and only $4 for adults.

VOYAGEUR SLED DOG CLASSIC 2010
January 30, 2010, 1:00pm
January 31, 2010, 10:00am
Be a part of the action as racers and their dog teams from across Canada and the U.S. test their skills and endurance along the Red River at the Voyageur Sled Dog Classic. Learn about this traditional mode of transportation at a Sled Dog Education Seminar & Demonstration at 1:00 pm on January 30. The Voyageur Sled Dog Classic Race starts at 10:00 am on January 31 at The Forks.

SNOW JAM AT THE FORKS PRESENTED BY SCOTIABANK
Check out the high-flying action as men and women compete in Western Canada’s only urban snowboarding competition. The snowboard runs at the Arctic Glacier Winter Park are fitted with higher-level elements to challenge the competitors and wow the spectators.

Homecoming Manitoba continues all year! Who are you inviting home and where are you taking them? Check out www.travelmanitoba.com or www.manitobahomecoming.com for great ideas, events and reasons to party throughout 2010.

Congratulations to Janice Murray of Winnipeg for winning the It’s My Moment contest grand prize, a Manitoba Homecoming 2010 VIP travel package.

Here is Janice’s winning submission to It’s My Moment:

My daughter and I were living in Vancouver and decided on the spur of the moment, to make a trip to Manitoba to visit with family. At that time my daughter was infatuated with sunflowers. She had her bedroom decorated in everything sunflowers. I guess I never thought anything of it but as we were nearing the turn off to Stonewall and it was raining slightly, I looked over at her and saw she had tears in her eyes. I asked her, “Diana, what ever is wrong?”

She said “Mom, look” and to my left was a field of sunflowers all in bloom. We stopped and got out and took pictures and it was one of the most “momentous moments” of our being together and sharing something. I’ll never forget it and for that brief time, we were together. Diana now lives in Australia but still has sunflowers all around her. For her to be able to make that trip again would mean the world to both of us.

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