Altona was packed this weekend with people travelling from near and far to take part in the action-packed 52nd annual Manitoba Sunflower Festival. Ultimate Escape kicked off the weekend with their Journey tribute show on Friday night.

The much anticipated Manitoba Sunflower Festival Queen Pageant wrapped up this weekend as well. Prior to the Royalty crowning, Kaitlin Hildebrand accepted the title of Miss Congeniality and Angela Froese was announced Miss People’s Choice. Between sets of Free Ride’s tribute to the Beetles, Queen Contestants flaunted their creativity at the evening fashion show. In the end, Azhami Male took home the title of 2nd Princess, Angela Froese as 1st Princess, and Tiana Reimer was crowned 2016 Manitoba Sunflower Festival Queen.

The Altona Park was bustling with activities like the Multi-Cultural Village, making a return after its first year in 2015. 

Altona Minor Baseball hosted a team from Cuba and spent the weekend competing, with former MLB pitcher Bill “Spaceman” Lee making a special appearance.

New to this year was the Tractor & Grain Cart Pull. All team entry fees were donated to the Altona Panthers Special Olympics team.

Community members lined the streets Saturday morning in rain-wear and umbrellas, anticipating the annual parade, despite the constant downpour of rain.

Other festival activities included a Mennonite Buffet, Legends’ 38th Annual Car Show, a strongman competition, inflatables in the park, a petting zoo, and various live entertainment performers at the main stage.