Lights, Camera, Action! Selkirk Through Film
From Hollywood blockbusters to local television dramas, discover the starring role Selkirk has played on screen and the major productions that chose our town as their backdrop.
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Firsts for Selkirk’s Women on Council
Meet Alice Belanger and Darlene Swiderski—two trailblazing leaders who broke barriers and brought vital new perspectives to Selkirk’s town council.
The Frank Hooker Award
From bucket brigades to motorized engines, explore the history of the Selkirk Fire Department and the hilarious, lighthearted story behind the legendary Frank Hooker Driving Award.
An Unexpected Force – The Opening of the Selkirk Lift Bridge
Announced in 1934 as a vital Great Depression infrastructure project, the Selkirk Lift Bridge was completed by 1936—but it sat completely unused for nearly a year because no government level wanted to absorb its ongoing maintenance costs. The gridlock broke on April 29, 1937, when a frustrated local man lowered the span himself; when officials rushed to shut it down, they were blocked by a defiant, celebratory crowd of townsfolk demanding the bridge stay open, forcing its official historic opening days later.
The Catfish Cookoff, Selkirk vs Emerson
In 1989, a fierce but friendly culinary battle erupted between Selkirk and Emerson to claim the undisputed title of “Catfish Capital of Manitoba.” The high-stakes rivalry culminated in a televised cookoff on CBC’s The Journal, where a blind taste test by local judges ultimate crowned Selkirk’s pan-fried preparation over Emerson’s deep-fried entry, cementing Selkirk’s legendary status on the map.
Catching Catfish on the Big Screen
In 1985, local fisherman Chuck Norquay wrote to Babe Winkelman, host of the American television show Good Fishing, hoping to showcase Selkirk as the “Catfish Capital of North America.” His letter caught Winkelman’s eye, leading to a filming session along the Red River where the crew caught nearly 200 pounds of catfish in a single day—a massive success that launched Norquay’s successful new career as a local fishing guide for eager tourists.
Princess Anne and the Dinner Debacle
During Selkirk’s 1982 Centennial, a royal luncheon for Princess Anne aboard the MS Lord Selkirk turned into an unexpected kitchen comedy. When the head chef got so nervous he overindulged in the cooking wine and turned the kitchen upside down, a local health inspector and a doctor had to step in, completely from scratch, to save the day—culminating in a last-minute menu swap from Goldeye to Pickerel.
The Largest Red River Cart in the World
Standing an astonishing 40 feet tall, Selkirk Park was once home to a massive timber-and-concrete tribute to prairie history. Discover the fascinating story behind the world’s largest Red River cart, why its giant wheels are now used as summer flower beds, and how these squeaking, grease-free wooden vehicles completely mapped out modern Manitoba’s highway systems.
Evening of History features entertaining and educational fireside chat with past Mayors
What do a hidden high school swimming pool, two former mayors, and a lifetime of community devotion have in common? They are all part of Selkirk’s incredible volunteer legacy. Discover the fascinating stories of grit and teamwork that shaped our city, and learn how an upcoming fireside chat is helping preserve our local heritage for generations to come.
Ships of Selkirk
From serving as a floating dance hall in Winnipeg to acting as a vital lifeline for remote northern communities, the vessels at the Marine Museum of Manitoba have incredible stories to tell. Discover the fascinating history of legendary ships like the S.S. Keenora and the C.G.S. Bradbury, and how they shaped Selkirk’s rich marine legacy.