Glitter by the River

Lower Fort Garry is Western Canada’s premier fur trade historic site, a beautiful collection of buildings crafted from Manitoba limestone almost 200 years ago. With a recent increase in Canadian nationalism and the outpouring of support for the Hudson’s Bay Company, Lower Fort Garry offers a great way to meaningfully reconnect with our country and its history.

Since 1985, the Friends of Lower Fort Garry have been committed to helping Manitobans fall in love with this treasured site. Programs like our ghost tours and craft market bring people out to unique events while learning about the history of Western Canadian development. Meanwhile, the Stone Fort Trading Company gift shop sells local artisanal products and the Company of Adventurers Day Camp gives young Manitobans the opportunity to ‘live the fur trade’.

This year, we are excited to celebrate four decades of sharing Canadian history and supporting our community. On August 21, 2025, you are invited to Glitter by the River, a 40th-anniversary fundraising gala. This event is a throwback to the Fort’s role as the Manitoba Motor Country Club, offering guests the chance to experience the glitz and glamour of the Roaring ‘20s. Join us for an outdoor cocktail party on the beautiful grounds of Lower Fort Garry, where the charm of the 1920s meets modern-day fun. Think a Gatsby-style affair and transport yourself to a Prohibition-era speakeasy, where the music is swinging, the drinks are flowing, and the energy is electric. Enjoy a night of jazz and dancing, delicious interactive food stations, and specialty cocktails and mocktails. It’s a celebration of history, elegance, and fun — with a touch of 1920s flair!

Highlights of the Evening:

-Signature cocktails and mocktails to keep you refreshed all night long at the Cash Bar
-Interactive food stations
-Live jazz and swing music to set the mood for a night of dancing and celebration.
-A secret, speakeasy-inspired entrance (if you find someone who knows the password) and the chance to dress in your best 1920s-inspired attire or summer cocktail look.
-Gatsby-era games and activities
-Photo areas and more surprises….!

Whether you’re a history buff, a lover of the ’20s, or just looking for a fabulous night out, the Glitter by the River is the place to be!

Dress Code: 1920s-inspired fashion or summer cocktail attire. Flapper dresses, suits, fedoras, and pearls are highly encouraged!

Besides general programming, funds raised during Glitter by the River will be put towards three special initiatives:

The Andrew Henderson Memorial Scholarship: In honour of former member and Selkirk High School (SHS) alumnus Andrew Henderson, we provide this scholarship to one SHS graduate each year pursuing higher education with a keen interest in history and the performing arts.
Youth programming subsidy: Offering free or reduced-cost admissions to youth in Selkirk, St. Andrews, and Winnipeg so they can enjoy activities at Lower Fort Garry; in particular, we offer free day camp to children at Nova House, a transitional shelter in Selkirk.
Subsidizing youth employment and training: We pride ourselves on hiring local youth, allowing them to gain experience and the skills needed for future careers or post-secondary admission while fostering their sense of history and community giving!
Rain or shine, the soirée will go on — we’ve got you covered with tents and plenty of atmosphere to make sure the night is nothing short of spectacular. We would greatly appreciate your support as we celebrate our first forty years and look forward to our next forty at Glitter by the River this August.