The Watrous Manitou Marketing Group helps keep residents and travellers up to date on happenings in its busy tourist sector and its always active business community. This year, the Group will be moving into 2024 will a newly created position and a newly appointed director. 

Lifelong Watrous resident Jeff Siegried is stepping into the role of Community Enhancement Director with the WMMG. Siegfried is looking forward to new challenges after decades with Mainline Motors. 

“It’s great to be appointed to this position. I originally come from Watrous and was born at the old white three story Watrous Union Hospital. I’ve been a member of the community my entire life.” 

Siegfried says his wife, Karen, has the claim of being one of the few people born at Manitou Beach, so they are proud to be homegrown products of the communities Jeff represents. The two communities are rife with activities in all seasons. While many people associate Watrous and Manitou Beach with summer activities like the Fun Run, Siegfried reminds visitors that there are plenty of winter themed activities as part of the year-round playground.  

“In February, the week of the 18th to 24th, Manitou Beach is planning to have another Winter Fest. They are in their initial stages, but it will be centred around Danceland with a craft fair, cribbage tournament, live entertainment and other outdoor activities.” 

Watrous Curling Club is a hub of winter activities with various bonspiels and school competitions. The annual Boxing Day Funspiel on December 26 is always a holiday season draw. Check the Watrous Curling Club Facebook page for details. While the golf course may be closed, just across the highway is the Murray Disc Golf Course which will be holding its annual Theodore Bowes Ice Bowl on March 24, 2024 on the course that’s open year-round.  

“If you’ve never participated in disc golf, it doesn’t matter because it’s a sport for all skill levels,” says Siegfried.  

As the corner rounds into 2024, groups are preparing for the return of summer favourites like the successful Busking Festival, the Salt Shaker, and other annual summer treats. It’s all about local partnerships, businesses and volunteers, of which there are many. 

“As everybody knows, one of the major attractions is the water in Little Manitou Lake, and Manitou Springs is close to completing their annual renovations and are open to the public again on December 8. There are a ton of events coming up at Danceland including Jess Moskaluke this Friday night. During the winter or summer months, enjoy the walking and hiking trails, and an off-leash dog park.” 

Siegfried reminds visitors about the Watrous Heritage Centre on Main Street and the Art Gallery on Third Avenue. Once the temperatures become more seasonal, there are groomed snow ski trails and the skating pond with crokicurl at the Beach.  

Siegfried is fully on board with the WMMG mission, and he brings the full weight of his experience and area familiarity to the mandate.  

“Some of the goals the Watrous Manitou Marketing Group have are to engage visitors and enhance their stay. We want them to become repeat visitors and so-called evangelists for Watrous and Manitou Beach. I’ve talked to many visitors that comment, ‘we’re going to drive around and look at properties here.’ Being a destination for new residents is important to any community, and attracting residents to become engaged in the community and contribute to the economy is a huge benefit.” 

Jeff invites everyone to keep up with the latest in the busy communities on the Watrous Manitous Marketing Group website or the Watrous Manitou Tourism Facebook page.