The Dakota Nation Winterfest will take n a new look this year as organizers have announced a number of changes to the annual event slated to take place at the Keystone Centre from Jan 30-Feb 2, 2025. Citing financial setbacks in previous years, the event will not be hosting the very popular pow wow, talent show and jamboree. Instead, they will look to focus on the sports and recreational part of the event including hockey, basketball, volleyball, moccasin games and potentially a few new events added to the mix. The Texas Hold'Em tournament, pool tournament, and monster bingo all survived the cuts and will take place in 2025. This year's event will also play host to the Keystone Junior Hockey Leagues All-Star game on Saturday, February 1. With the removal of the above mentioned events, SVDN will look to host another major event in the spring focusing on the pow wow, talent show, and jamboree.

Eastside Eatery, a local favorite for hearty meals and delicious burgers, recently celebrated an impressive milestone on Friday, December 6, when a daring customer devoured a 14-patty burger in just 30 minutes, setting a new record at the popular restaurant. The burger challenge is part of the restaurant's signature Build Your Own Beef Burger offering. For just $12.95, customers can create their dream burger, choosing from a variety of toppings. But the real twist comes on Fridays when Eastside Eatery runs a special deal: extra 3oz beef patties for just $1 each. This “$1 Patty Fridays” promotion has become a crowd favorite, allowing patrons to stack up their burgers with as many patties as they can handle, turning it into a challenge for the brave-hearted. The customer who set the record on December 6 took full advantage of the Friday special, stacking up an astonishing 14 patties to create the ultimate burger. It took him approximately 30 minutes to finish the colossal creation, earning him a place in Eastside Eatery’s history. The burger’s hefty challenge was not just about size, but also about flavor, with each patty cooked to perfection and complemented by a wide array of fresh toppings. The combination of savory beef patties, melted cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, and sauces offered the perfect blend of indulgence. Eastside Eatery’s friendly and laid-back atmosphere makes it a popular spot for both locals and visitors. The restaurant is open seven days a week, from 8 am to 8 pm, offering a variety of breakfast, lunch, and dinner options. Whether you're in the mood for a traditional breakfast, a hearty sandwich, or one of their famous custom burgers, Eastside Eatery has something for everyone. In addition to the burger record, Eastside Eatery is gearing up for another special celebration. On December 13, the restaurant will mark its 3rd anniversary in Brandon. Over the past three years, Eastside Eatery has become a staple in the community, offering delicious meals and a welcoming environment to all who walk through its doors.

Dauphin’s Countryfest, Canada’s Longest Running Country Music Festival announced the first round of amazing artists for the 2025 festival earlier today. The event takes place June 26th - 29th. Your host this year will be the amazing Jason McCoy, who will be introducing our Play Now Main Stage acts such as Jordan Davis, Josh Ross, John Michael Montgomery, Lonestar, Jackson Dean, Meghan Patrick, Mark Chesnutt, Neal McCoy, The Road Hammers, Deana Carter, Drake Milligan, and Kalsey Kulyk. They will also have a couple of incredible Hilltop artists to present to you, such as Corb Lund and Quick Dick McDick with Toque rockin the 730 CKDM Thursday Night Kick-off Party. The Countryfest site, situated on the northern edge of Riding Mountain, is the finest venue in Western Canada. Tickets go on sale Friday, December 13th at 10 AM CST. www.facebook.com/dauphinscountryfest www.instagram.com/dauphinscountryfest

Salamander season is back! Brandon’s best local music festival will return to Rideau Park in summer 2025 for a third great year of outstanding live music, hip vendors, great food, and neighbourhood vibes that can’t be beat. The Salamander Summer Music Festival will take place July 18–20, 2025 and tickets go on sale just about … now. “The Salamander Summer Music Festival is of course one of the greatest ways to enjoy a weekend in Brandon. It’s also one of the more affordable, and it has so much to offer especially for families,” said Jenn Watson, president of the volunteer board of directors that organizes and puts on the festival. “Festival passes are an outstanding value, and if you get them now, you’ll have great stocking stuffers that gives everyone something to look forward to.” Adult weekend passes are just $60, with youth passes $50. Kids under 12 are free with valid adult admission. Day passes are just $25 for adults or $20 for youth. Tickets are on sale starting at noon on Saturday, Dec. 7, and can be purchased at salamanderfest.ca. Salamander Fest launched in 2023 to fill a gap in the Westman summer festival calendar, and was an immediate hit as people sought in-person, outdoor activities that summer. Returning for a larger second year this past July, the Salamander crew added bigger-name acts, extended hours, and a site-wide liquor license so everyone could chill with a beverage while enjoying the shows. The 2025 edition of the Salamander Summer Music Festival will be bigger and better yet. “You can’t beat the local and Manitoba artists that we celebrate on stage at Salamander, unless it’s with the amazing artisans, organizations, and food trucks – we have music but we also have everything else that makes a music show into a full-on festival,” Watson said, “The Salamander Summer Music Festival is made up of dozens of hard-working volunteers, hundreds of guests, a lineup of stellar musicians, and all the magic happens when we come together in Rideau Park on a warm July weekend.” A call for artists will be going out soon for all local performers, and lineup announcements expected in early spring. Website: SalamanderFest.ca

The Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland event was held last evening at the Keystone Centre in Brandon. The show was a visually stunning holiday production that combined breathtaking circus performances with festive music. Featuring high-flying aerialists, skilled acrobats, and live musicians, the evening delivered a magical experience that appealed to the audience of all ages. The blend of traditional holiday classics with modern circus artistry created a festive atmosphere full of wonder and joy. All photos by Scramble Studio.