The Brandon Riverbank is inviting the community to experience the Assiniboine River in a new way at Paddlefest 2026, a full day celebrating paddling, river history, outdoor recreation and community connection. From relaxing on the water to hunting for hidden rubber ducks and hearing stories from experienced paddlers, Paddlefest offers activities for both first-time paddlers and seasoned river enthusiasts. There will be a photo opportunity from roughly 5:15pm to 5:45pm on the 18th Street Bridge to photograph the Sunset Cruise, which will feature a larger gathering of boats paddling west from Riverbank Discovery Centre, down the Assiniboine River. The day’s programming includes: Floating Sound Bath | 12–1:30 p.m. Paddle Bros Brandon will lead an all-levels floating experience designed to help participants relax and experience the river through sound. Rubber Duck Challenge | 1–3 p.m. The Western Manitoba Kayakers will challenge participants to find 150 hidden ducks on the river. Paddlers of all experience levels are welcome. Voyageur Boat Rides | 1–4 p.m. Riversong Wilderness will offer free Voyageur canoe rides, giving participants an opportunity to enjoy the Assiniboine from the water with an experienced guide. History on the River | 1–4 p.m. Keith Waterfield, Executive Director of the Brandon General Museum and Archives will share stories about the steamboats that once travelled the Assiniboine River. All Ages Paddle Panel | 2–3 p.m. Paddlers from different generations and experience levels will share their stories, experiences and perspectives on life on the water. Sunset Cruise | 5–6 p.m. Participants are invited to bring their own boat or board and join a fun group paddle at sunset. Paddle Soirée | 6:30–10 p.m. The evening continues at the Brandon Riverbank Discovery Centre with an opportunity to gather, socialize and enjoy a beverage. Keynote: Mick Lautt | 7:30 p.m. Adventure paddler Mick Lautt will share stories and images from his packrafting expedition on Iceland’s glacial rivers. “Paddlefest was created to help build a community of people who use and respect Manitoba's beautiful network of waterways” said Brandon Riverbank Inc. Executive Director Dean Hammond. “It's about bringing together paddlers (and non-paddlers too) to share adventures, stories and knowledge.” Paddlefest also highlights the many ways people can experience the river, both on the water and from shore, while celebrating the stories and nature that make the Assiniboine an important part of Brandon. Paddlefest 2026 welcomes paddlers and community members of all experience levels. Participants are encouraged to bring their boat, bring their curiosity and spend the day exploring the river.  Paddlefest 2026 Brandon Riverbank Discovery Centre and Assiniboine River Saturday, September 26th Programming runs from 12 p.m. through 10 p.m.

Sunrise Credit Union is supporting three major initiatives that make a difference in the lives of Western Manitobans for years to come: • YMCA of Brandon (Prairie Mountain Health Childcare Project) - $100,000 • YWCA Westman (Women’s Campus) - $100,000 • Keystone Centre Foundation - $50,000 “As a member-owned and community-based financial institution, Sunrise Credit Union has a vested interest in the health and well-being of the communities we serve. These three projects address tremendous needs and will have a profound impact on our communities,” said Sunrise President and CEO Tim Klassen. “Families across Western Manitoba depend on regional resources that tie our towns and cities together, meaning that an investment in one community radiates outward to lift neighbours across the entire map. By backing these initiatives, we are looking at the bigger picture: building regional resilience, closing critical infrastructure gaps, and ensuring that no matter where you live in Western Manitoba, you have access to strong, supportive services. We are proud to be able to help support the important work being done by these organizations to create lasting prosperity for our entire region.” The $100,000 to the YMCA of Brandon will help operate a child-care centre on Prairie Mountain Health property, about one block from the Brandon Regional Health Centre. Construction began earlier this year and is expected to be completed in 2027. “We are incredibly grateful to Sunrise Credit Union for their continued support of the YMCA of Brandon and the communities we both serve. Their investment in the new Prairie Mountain Health Child Care Centre will help us create a welcoming, high-quality environment for 148 children and provide families with the assurance that their children are receiving quality care,” said YMCA of Brandon CEO Lon Cullen. “With most of the parents expected to be PMH employees from the Westman region working on the hospital campus, this new centre will also contribute to the recruitment and retention of health care employees who provide essential services to people throughout our region.” The YWCA Westman Women’s Campus project is also receiving $100,000 from Sunrise Credit Union. The campus is a six-story facility in downtown Brandon designed to provide emergency housing, supportive spaces and wrap-around services for women and children. “YWCA Westman is deeply grateful to Sunrise Credit Union for its generous donation to the Women’s Campus Project. This early support shows how important this project is to our region and to the communities Sunrise serves,” said YWCA Westman CEO Lois Ruston. “We look forward to continuing to work with Sunrise, its branches, and its members as we create a safe and supportive space for families from across Western Manitoba who need it most. Thank you, Sunrise Credit Union, for helping extend care and hope to survivors of gender-based violence and their children.” Sunrise Credit Union is also donating $50,000 to the Keystone Centre Foundation. The Foundation was launched in the fall of 2025 to support the Keystone Centre's long-term sustainability, upgrades, and accessibility. The Foundation’s fundraising will support the vision for the Green Space enhancement project planned for the Keystone Centre property. “On behalf of the Keystone Centre Foundation, I thank Sunrise Credit Union for their generous contribution supporting the future of the Keystone Centre. Sunrise has long been a strong supporter of our facility, our activities, and the broader Westman community,” said Foundation Executive Director Barry Cooper. “As a cultural and economic cornerstone of our region, the Keystone Centre is where business, sport, culture, and everyday life come together. This donation helps preserve and strengthen the facility for generations to come.” The investments continue Sunrise Credit Union’s commitment to strengthening the communities it serves, including more than $260,000 in funding to 26 community projects through the Building Communities Grant Program since 2023, and further demonstrate how credit unions make a meaningful difference beyond financial services.

The 14th Brandon Beer Tasting Festival, presented by the Sunset Rotary Club of Brandon, will be held at the Victoria Inn on Saturday October 3, 2026 from 7-10pm. The event features local and Canadian brands and the proceeds will support local community projects. Samples will be available as well as a light lunch. This is an 18+ event. Come and taste all types of beer, network, have fun and have some food, all for the price of $40 per ticket!

Country music fans in Virden and the surrounding area will have a chance to get into the Christmas spirit this December when two of Canada's biggest country music stars return to the community. George Canyon and Aaron Pritchett will bring their “A Coast-to-Coast Cowboy Christmas – Part 2” tour to Virden on Monday, December 7, 2026, at 8 p.m. Presented by Children Believe, the 30+ date tour will travel from Summerside, PEI to Sidney, BC between November 12 and December 22. The concert follows the success of the pair's inaugural Cowboy Christmas tour, which brought Canyon and Pritchett to communities across Canada, including a stop at Virden's Aud Theatre in December 2025. The two Canadian country stars are once again joining forces for an evening combining holiday favourites and Christmas classics with some of their biggest country hits. With more than 25 years of music between them, Canyon and Pritchett have established themselves as two of the country's most recognizable country performers. Both have earned multiple Canadian Country Music Association honours, along with other national music awards and nominations. Canyon has built a successful career as a singer, songwriter, actor and humanitarian, with hits including “Just Like You,” “I Believe in Angels” and “Slow Dance.” Pritchett, meanwhile, is known for his energetic live performances and a string of Canadian country hits, including “Better When I Do.” The Cowboy Christmas show offers audiences something different from a typical country concert, with the longtime performers sharing stories and holiday memories while performing their music and seasonal favourites. The original tour was presented by Children Believe and featured 35 dates across Canada. The organization said the concerts were designed to combine holiday entertainment with an opportunity for audiences to learn more about its work supporting children and communities around the world. The return of Canyon and Pritchett to Virden gives local audiences another opportunity to enjoy the pair's Christmas show without having to travel out of town. “A Coast-to-Coast Cowboy Christmas – Part 2” is scheduled for Monday, December 7, 2026, at 8 p.m. in Virden. For country music fans, it promises to be an evening filled with Christmas classics, familiar country hits, stories and plenty of holiday spirit.

The Wheat City Fall Fair makes its debut at the Keystone Centre grounds starting tomorrow and runs from Sept. 18 to 20. The three-day event is designed to bring families and community members together for a weekend of carnival rides, food, entertainment and local shopping. A major attraction will be the Select Shows Midway, offering a variety of rides throughout the weekend. Ride wristbands will be available for $35 on Friday, $40 on Saturday and $35 on Sunday. The fair will run from 5 to 11 p.m. Friday, noon to 10 p.m. Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $5 per person, while children two and under can attend free of charge. Along with the midway, visitors will be able to check out local vendors, enjoy food from area food trucks and take in live entertainment throughout the weekend. The event will also have a charitable component, with partial proceeds being donated to Westman Dreams for Kids. Organizers are hoping the new event will become an annual fall gathering for Brandon and the surrounding Westman community, providing an opportunity to enjoy some family entertainment while supporting local businesses, vendors and a community organization. With the arrival of fall bringing cooler temperatures and the start of a busy community-events season, the Wheat City Fall Fair is looking to add another annual tradition to Brandon's calendar.