Brandon's Keystone Centre will be bustling with activity this week, as Monday marks the opening day of the 112th Royal Manitoba Winter Fair.

The Brandon fair was given the "Royal" status by the Queen back in 1970, one of only two such distinctions in the country. The other is the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto.

Provincial Exhibition of Manitoba General Manager Ron Kristjansson talked about one of the many highlights.

"We've got our ag education, ag awareness area which is always a hit. People come and get factual information about farming, about growing food, where our food comes from and who better to tell you about it than the people that do it as a full-time job. We bring the farm to town for a week and invite people to come out and meet them."

Kristjansson notes there will be between 70 and 100 head of cattle in the cattle show. He says there's lots of family entertainment going in addition to the cattle and horse shows.

The Royal Manitoba Winter Fair usually attracts 100,000 visitors throughout the week.

The opening ceremonies take place Monday night at 6:30pm, at the Westoba Place Main Arena.

More information, including a full schedule of events, can be found at royalmanitobawinterfair.com