More than 11,250 Manitobans took advantage of the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce’s Tourism Rebate Incentive Program, TRIP, adding up to more than 9,300 hotel room nights during the two-week window, as well as more than 2,500 rebates on admission to Manitoba’s STAR attractions. And now, the MCC is excited to announce an additional 18 days of Manitoba adventures, road trips, and staycations will be eligible for rebates, August 26 to September 12, 2021. “To say this recovery program is a success would be a huge understatement, because thanks to Manitobans, TRIP has had an immediate, direct, and significant impact on Manitoba’s tourism industry,” said Chuck Davidson, President & CEO, Manitoba Chambers of Commerce. “TRIP is a win-win design, with Manitobans out touring our beautiful province and enjoying the sights, while supporting the recovery of our recreational assets. And the best part: there are still more rebates available so we can open it up to even more Manitobans!” The Phase 2 TRIP program window opens this Thursday, August 26 and closes on Sunday, September 12, the day following the Banjo Bowl. Manitoba residents aged 18+ (who have not yet participated in TRIP) can upload proof of purchase receipts for eligible hotel/motel stays as well as for attraction admission fees to www.tripmb.ca, in order to access a $100 hotel rebate, OR a $150 rebate off the price of a specially-designed hotel package, as well as a 50% rebate off the price of general admission at one of 31 Manitoba Star Attractions. “The Tourism Rebate Incentive Program has truly been a stroke of genius and it has saved Summer 2021,” says Joel Waterman, General Manager, Inn at the Forks. “The benefits have been twofold – it has encouraged Manitobans to feel comfortable getting out and rediscovering their province, while also giving hotels and attractions a much-needed boost. Our property created a unique package for TRIP and we saw a huge spike in occupancy — the brightest days we have seen since the pandemic began.” As a result of COVID-19 prevention orders still in place in early July 2021 which retained restrictions to capacity limits in public spaces, MCC opted to delay the launch of TRIP to ensure access to attractions, which still saw some attractions only able to be open to the public for one week of the initial 2-week TRIP window. “The TRIP design is nimble, which means it can be quickly replicated for a second phase, and serve as a model for similar ventures in the future,” says Atul Sabharwal, Founder, SNIPP Interactive, the innovative TSX Venture listed (TSX-V:SPN) technology company MCC contracted to manage the rebate administration. “Participants promptly receive a rebate conveniently by email — in most cases in less than 48 hours — simply by photographing their receipt and uploading it to the website, then completing a brief form. It is straightforward, low cost to administer, and secure. SNIPP is very proud to have been a part of this recovery initiative.” Davidson says that based on uptake during phase 1, the remaining TRIP rebate budget will likely be allocated in full by the time the three-week phase 2 window closes. “We encourage all Manitobans who have not yet participated in TRIP to consider booking a getaway. Support our province’s wonderful tourism professionals by spending directly with them, enjoy a nice break, and close off the summer in a special way. Plus, you can get something back!” To access the list of all participating hotels/motels and STAR Attractions, go to www.tripmb.ca or click here. Phase 2 eligible receipts must be uploaded no later than 11:59 PM CST on Sunday, September 19 in order to qualify for rebate. (MCC News Release)

This week only, the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce are offering rebates on hotel stays and attraction tickets for Manitoba residents. The project is called TRIP, which stands for Tourism Rebate Incentive Program. It is a tourism initiative designed to give a boost to the local economy and also a morale boost to Manitobans themselves. Who doesn’t love a night away from dishes and laundry at home, right? There has been a website created (Tripmb.ca) for this special event. It’s a simple booking and redemption process. Everything is done on-line. Limit of one redemption per adult Manitoba resident. Up to $100 per hotel stay, plus 50% of the cost of your attraction tickets will be rebated. To a maximum total of $150. To participate, book a minimum one night stay at an eligible hotel, and then buy tickets to an area attraction during your stay. There is a list at tripmb.ca which specifies which hotels and attractions are participating. You’ll be pleasantly surprised at the wide range of hotels and towns included. Everything from the Arborg Hotel (Arborg) to the Boulevard Hotel (Dauphin) all the Canad Inns, Super 8, and Best Western hotels. Plus so many more! There are at least a dozen Winnipeg hotels with vacancies. For example, you could book the Hyatt House on Sterling Lyon Parkway and go to the Assiniboine Park Zoo which is just a short 10 minute drive away. After you’ve enjoyed your mini-trip, the last step would be to promptly upload photos of your receipts to the Tripmb.ca form. They hope to issue rebates within 2-3 business days. The promotion runs from July 31 to August 16th only. So, you still have this week to act! See Tripmb.ca for more details or email help@tripmb.ca with your questions.

The FunSize Farmyard (near Shilo) is a brand new petting zoo offering a hands-on experience for the young in a unique farm like atmosphere. It's an ideal location for animal lovers of all ages to meet their furry and feathery friends which includes horses, goats, chickens, ducks, quail, guinea pigs, rabbits and a donkey. They are open 10-5 daily, except Mondays. Currently they are offering 1.5 hour timeslots ( $5pp no petting, or $8pp including petting) throughout that time period. Your time must be booked ahead of your visit, although they encourage people to phone if they are in the area and looking for something to do. There is always the possibility of an opening. The FunSize Farmyard is currently allowing 3 families per session. They hope to be able to increase that as time goes on and they figure out exactly the demands on the business. In addition to the petting zoo there is a play structure you are welcome to use and a short walking path with hidden Gnomes for the kids to spot. Additional information can be found on their Facebook page here.

Manitoba’s Premier “En Plein Air” Landscape Artist - Weiming Zhao will be outside The Park Theatre Complex painting and signing autographs. See “The Master” at work and engrossed with his passion for painting and capturing the world around him. Spend a moment with Weiming and you’ll understand exactly how carefully he selects his view, colours and re-works continually to capture the exact light of the day. Fascinating! SATURDAY JULY 31 & SUNDAY AUGUST 01 • 2021 From 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM The complete line of Weiming Zhao Products such as Calendars & Art Prints are available for purchase at The Park Bench Gifts & Accessories. Check Out The New Wasagaming 2022 Calendar: 14 Beautiful Images, Next & Last Months, Large Monthly Calendar, Notes Area, Art Quotes all designed onto 11 X 18” Premium Paper.

The Art Gallery of Southwestern Manitoba and Brandon University are hosting two evenings of movies under the stars, complementing the AGSM’s current Main Gallery exhibition, A Good, Long Look (June 10 - August 21, 2021) by visual artist and filmmaker Shelley Niro. Facebook link here. On Friday, August 13 at 8:30 PM, the AGSM and BU will present Niro’s most recent film, The Incredible 25th Year of Mitzi Bearclaw (2019; 1 hour, 36 minutes). This movie centres on Mitzi Bearclaw, an emerging fashion designer living in Toronto. When she receives news that her mother is ill, she moves back to her isolated reservation on Owl Island, B.C. Over the span of one year, she reconnects with her parents, reignites a relationship with an old flame, and faces old enemies. The film follows Mitzi’s year month-by-month, shifting between the mundane and dream spaces, in which she connects with guides and spirits. Saturday, August 14 at 8:30 PM features Kissed by Lightning (2009; 1 hour, 29 minutes), which follows painter Mavis Dogblood on a road trip that takes her from her home on a small southern Ontario reserve to a New York City gallery where she is having a solo exhibition. Haunted by the death of her late husband Jessie Lightning, Mavis’ journey follows that of Tekanawí:ta [Peacemaker] and Aienwátha over 800 years ago. This film is a lovingly crafted study of how one works through grief, one of the central themes of Haudenosaunee history and culture. Discretion is advised (cigarette smoking, implications of sex). A Good, Long Look is an exhibition about observing the life and goodness in people and things. A member of the Turtle Clan Bay of Quinte Mohawk, Shelley Niro’s award-winning films have been screened in festivals worldwide, including a short work that was presented at the Venice Biennale. Among her many accomplishments is a Governor General’s Award, an honorary doctorate from OCADU, and the title of honorary elder for the Aboriginal Curatorial Collective. Sunday, August 15 is reserved as a rain date. Technical services are provided by local company LOOK Music. With funding from the Brandon Neighbourhood Renewal Corporation these screenings are 100% free to the public. Attendees may choose to remain in their vehicles or to bring chairs. Attendees will be expected to follow all provincial health guidelines. (submitted)