The Manitoba government will once again offer free park entry for the entire month of February so Manitobans and visitors can take advantage of the many winter activities available in provincial parks, Environment, Climate and Parks Minister Jeff Wharton announced today. “In Manitoba’s provincial parks, winter is a season worth celebrating,” said Wharton. “Our government is pleased to make it easier for Manitobans to participate in invigorating, enjoyable winter experiences surrounded by our province’s natural beauty.” Vehicle permits are not required in any provincial park in February, but Snopasses are still required for snowmobiles using trails. Entrance fees still apply in national parks. Provincial parks have groomed trails for a variety of activities including cross-country skiing, fat biking, snowshoeing and hiking. Paint Lake, Spruce Woods and Turtle Mountain provincial parks also offer outdoor skating areas, hockey rinks and toboggan hills. Hecla/Grindstone Provincial Park has ice-fishing shelters on Lake Winnipeg that are free to use. Manitobans are encouraged to check trail conditions before visiting parks. Trail maps and updated reports can be found at: https://www.gov.mb.ca/sd/parks/recreation-and-activities/trail_conditions/index.html. Trail users are reminded to only use trails for designated activities, keep dogs on leash and practise the principles of “Leave No Trace.” Park interpreters in Birds Hill, Spruce Woods and Whiteshell provincial parks offer numerous guided programs to enrich visitor experiences. Highlights for the month of February include wolf howl hikes, snowshoe treks, ski clinics, quinzhee building and ice fishing. Event details and registration information can be found at www.manitobaparks.com. Teachers can also book free guided field trips to Birds Hill, Spruce Woods and Whiteshell provincial parks, along with virtual programs to bring park interpreters into classrooms. Annual park vehicle permits will be available for purchase beginning on March 1. To purchase a permit, visit: www.manitobaelicensing.ca. For more information on winter activities and interpretive programs in provincial parks, email ParkInterpretation@gov.mb.ca or visit www.manitobaparks.com.

Sioux Valley Dakota Nation released a statement today announcing they would be taken over management of the Grand Valley Park RV and Tube Park with the intention of reopening the park in the spring of 2023,. From the release: "Under our direction, we are planning to expand the park’s amenities which would include more campgrounds, recreational opportunities, and cultural experiences in addition to the services it now provides. To make the park a welcome and inclusive place for all visitors, we will be collaborating closely with the community and other stakeholders." The Grand Valley Park RV and Tube Park is located directly off of the Trans Canada Highway approximately 8kms west of Brandon.

The Art Gallery of Southwestern Manitoba is thrilled to announce an upcoming exhibition entitled Here 6 There by Brandon-based artists Patricia Beech and Jean David. The exhibition will run from January 10th to March 18th, 2023. Here & There presents the work of two self-taught artists working in the realm of imaginary landscapes and idealized memories, reminiscent of Henri Rousseau and other so-called “naïve artists” of the early 20th-century. Patricia Beech paints a vast Canadian frontier that is removed from the present, with structures and characters who hold a profound historicity. Those figures are, in turn, overpowered by momentary and potent phenomena–a sunset, a flood, a rainbow. Jean David’s environments are, in contrast, decidedly not of the Canadian Prairies. His shores and waters are vibrant blue and his valleys and hills are abundantly floral. They are exaggerations that adorn a dream, and speak to a connection with something divine. Like nostalgia itself, Here & There fluctuates between the grief of physical distance and the ecstasy of mystic presence. Lucie Lederhendler, who curated the exhibition, Says that she connected the artists' work almost immediately. ”Even though you instantly notice how different their techniques are, what really Cannes through \s the artists’ imaginations. These paintings feel like a glimpse into their minds’ eyes. ” She adds that while the artists are both Brandonites now, they took very different routes here. “Th s is one of those times that curating feels a bir like alchemy-two people, who might never cross paths in rheir lives, who I was introduced to in totally different ways, both put Ehis work out into the world , and now it's in an independent conversation.” The public is invited to an opening reception on Thursday, January 26th, at 7 PM at the AGSM. Light refreshments and drinks will be served. The AGSM would like to thank the Kaye5 Family Fund, City of Brandon, Manitoba Arts Council and Canada Council for the Arts for their sustained supporr of the gallery’s programming.

Tomorrow you can head out and get your Christmas shopping started early. Choose from unique one of a kind items and find something for everyone at the East End Community Centre's craft sale. Twelve vendors will be on-hand selling a variety of wood crafts, wreaths, diamond art, honey, knitting, etc. Admission is free and the sale happens on Saturday, November 12th from 10am-5pm.

At first when you look at these photos, you think is this in Norway or Finland. Well no, this is actually only 20 minutes south of Brandon, towards Wawanesa. The Oak Haven Oasis has just opened for business with a truly cool and unique business. The general idea is for a couple to go and relax and "unplug" and enjoy peace and quiet in one of the three luxury domes. Domes include private deck - bbq - hot tub - fire table and sitting area. Each dome has board games and free coffee.  Plus high speed internet as well. Contact Taylor Penner 204 380 2980 https://oakhavenoasis.ca/