A hot new summer attraction is coming to Minnedosa Beach this summer. Splish Splash Water Park are in the works to locate a 100-person floating inflatable waterpark on Minnedosa Lake with an opening date targeted for late June 2019. “It’s an inflatable water park, like a floating obstacle course out on the water” said Gerry Champagne, owner of Calgary’s Splish Splash Water Park. “These parks are found in Canada and across the world, but there is none in the prairies at this time; to be the first and only water park in the province is an incredible opportunity for both Splish Splash and for the community of Minnedosa.” Champagne first approached Travel Manitoba for help finding suitable communities in the province, where it was presented to Minnedosa’s Economic Development Officer, Chantelle Parrott who jumped at the idea. Similar attractions elsewhere have proven immensely popular and successful at bringing in tourist numbers. “Tourism is very important for our local economy, and the investment into our community is more than welcome. This leverages the lake and really complements our existing tourism offering. It’s a fantastic way to draw people to town, hopefully visitors will make the most of everything Minnedosa has to offer while they’re here.” stated Parrott. Champagne has been working diligently to obtain approval to locate the structure in Minnedosa Lake which includes various municipal, provincial, and federal agencies, in time to have the structure custom built by the manufacturer, and shipped from the UK in time for summer 2019. The Town of Minnedosa authorized access to the beach, while the federal Department of Oceans and Fisheries completed an environmental assessment prior to authorizing the project. Manitoba Infrastructure and Transportation (MIT) have now granted the final approval for the business to place the structure in the water this June. Champagne said the business would be open daily during the summer, with regular hours from June to Labour Day. Strict safety requirements are enforced, including mandatory life jackets and qualified lifeguards on duty; certified lifeguards are encouraged to apply for this exciting summer job as soon as possible. “Splish Splash Water Park will bring a unique and exciting attraction to Minnedosa for both locals and visitors alike. We’re looking forward to working with the Town of Minnedosa and hoping for a fantastic summer at the beach, having fun in the sun, and making memories, that’s really what we’re doing here.”

Ashleigh is a Digital Marketing Specialist and owns Create Marketing, a digital marketing agency located in Brandon, Manitoba. She helps local business thrive online. Website: www.createmarketing.ca Email: hello@createmarketing.ca Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Createmarketing.ca/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/createmarketing.ca/ First job: I cleaned rooms at a little motel called The Maple Leaf in my hometown when I was 14. Years lived in Brandon: I moved to Brandon in 2001 so, 18 years! Wow, time flies.  Your fast food guilty pleasure: A&W Buddy Burger (add cheese)  What’s something you don’t know, but want to learn: To speak Spanish and/or French. Which of the following TV shows do you believe you have the best odds of winning: Survivor, Big Brother, The Voice, Guys Grocery Games, American Ninja Warrior, Project Runway, or Alone:Toss up between Survivor or American Ninja Warrior. (Says the girl that hasn’t been to the gym in years.) Backyard BBQ or Formal Dinner: Backyard BBQ You've got friends visiting Brandon for the first time, where are you taking them: River tubing down the Little Saskatchewan and Ice Cream at Velvet Dip What movie title best describes your life: Legally Blonde When people come to you for help, what do they usually want help with. Technical Support. (Their phone is out of space, email stopped working, etc.) Three apps you cannot live without: BUSINESS: MileIQ - AMAZING for tracking mileage. Evernote - Organizing my life! Dropbox - File sharing dream! PERSONAL: Instagram Medium Snapchat A film you’d watch again tonight: Step Brothers or Bridesmaids The last adventure you went on: Costa Rica! We got married there last February. What songs have you completely memorized: Haha too many to list but a few off the top of my head. Wilson Philips - Hold On Sinead O’Connor - Nothing compares to you George Ezra - Shotgun Baby Shark Old McDonald had a farm. What accomplishment in your career are you most proud of to date: Finally starting my own business. The single best day on the calendar each year: July 13th - My son and hubbies birthdays! Hobbies: Volleyball,  Photography, Yoga What could you give a 30-minute presentation on with absolutely no preparation: I feel like there are a few things I could do in this situation.  Business Marketing Basics Customer Service in the Service Industry (I’ve also worked in the service industry for over 20 years, yikes.) How to cook dinner while entertaining a toddler. Dream dinner party guests: Oprah,  Jillian Harris, My late Grandma Dorothy What role do you think social media plays in business today: I think it is a major aspect of business especially in the B2C world, however, it is defiantly not the only digital (or traditional) platform of importance. Understanding where and how your target audience spends their time online will be a great advantage to any business when planning your marketing goals. Describe Brandon in one word: Welcoming

The graduating class of Crocus Plains Regional Secondary School will be hosting a traditional pig roast on Thursday, April the 11th in support of safe grad. The festivities are being held inside the Brandon Curling Club at the Keystone Centre. Joe Beeverz will be preparing the menu for the event which includes fresh rolls, house-made coleslaw, BBQ baked beans, and black pepper kettle chips. In addition to the food there will also be a 50/50 draw and a silent auction. Doors open at 5:00PM and dinner is served at 6PM. Advance tickets are only $20.00. For tickets please contact Tanis Kreller at 720-1887 or email: mtkreller@mynetset.ca. The Facebook event page can be found here.

Chad Wallin, of Joe Beeerz fame, answers 20 questions in our latest installment. When Chad is not at the restaurant he likely can be found somewhere in Manitoba serving up some delicious Joe Beeverz food creations from their catering Patty Wagon. First job: A grocery store bagger and delivery driver in Weyburn, Saskatchewan Years lived in Brandon: 14 If you were trying out for Canadian Idol what would be your go to song: Something from the Tragically Hip….. most likely “Blow at High Dough” or “Happy Hour” What’s something you don’t know, but want to learn: How to play the drums. What’s one thing most people don’t know about you: That I am an advocate to make Popcorn a food group. A new business you would like to see make an appearance in Brandon: Anything but another restaurant! I wish success to anyone that has the entrepreneurial spirit and takes a risk that most nay-sayers will never take deserves to be successful and supported. You've got friends visiting Brandon for the first time, where are you taking them: That’s too easy…Joe Beeverz! What do you enjoy most about living in Brandon: So cliché…. But the people. My wife and I came here not knowing anybody and over the course of time we have developed a great group of friends. I have seen the great people of this city rise up to many great occasions such as the hosting of the Memorial Cup and most recently as the Brier. I have also seen this great city rise up and band together on moments of despair such as the Flood in 2011. The people of Brandon always answer with a “yes’ to help out before they even know what the question is. What is a hidden talent you have that few are aware of: I excel at channel surfing from my couch. Three apps you cannot live without: I don’t use my phone to its fullest capabilities…… so I’m not really technically savvy….But my 3 most used apps would be Drop Box, Instagram & Facebook…. Mostly to do our business social media. A film you’d watch again tonight: Toss up between Step Brothers and Old School. What advice would you give to young entrepreneurs: In everything you do …… make sure you do it the right way; not the easy way. One item you would have liked to add to Joe Beeverz menu but never did: To be determined…… I have pages and pages of ideas ready to hit the menu at some point…. This small brain never turns off. What motivates you: My wife and kids…..I want to provide them with the best life that I possibly can. I will never forget the day _______ walked into Joe Beeverz to have lunch/dinner: Bobby Orr What's a skill they don't teach in school that they should: Basic Life Skills: how to change a tire, how to make a budget, basic cooking/laundry skills etc….. the basic skills you need to function in society. To be successful you need to be: Resilient Dream dinner party guests:(4): I already got to have lunch with Bobby Orr at Joe Beeverz…so that one is off my list. This is quite the eclectic group but My late grandfather My late grandmother My best buddy Yogi Mike Myers dressed as either Dr Evil or Fat Bastard What role do you think social media plays in business today: Unfortunately too big of one. With the power of social media I believe people are losing out of experiencing things on their own and having preconceived opinions of a place of business through things they saw on social media or online reviews. This can be both good and bad, but I prefer the old school method of trying things out for myself. Describe Brandon in one word: HOME

Reservations for Manitoba campgrounds are set to open next week with opening days for reservations staggered in three stages to make it easier for people to book at their favourite campground, Sustainable Development Minister Rochelle Squires announced today. “Manitoba campers are anxiously looking forward to another great summer in our parks, and staggered opening days is the best way to spread out the demand and make our reservation system more efficient,” Squires said.  “We look forward to welcoming Manitobans back to our provincial parks for another summer full of fun and adventure.” To accommodate the expected high demand on the opening day of the parks reservation system, online and call centre services will begin at 7 a.m. at http://prs.gov.mb.ca, 204-948-3333 (in Winnipeg) or 1 888-482-2267 (toll free).  Check the website for call centre hours on other days.  Customers making online reservations are advised to check their user IDs and passwords prior to the opening days.  For more information, see www.manitobaparks.com. The Manitoba Parks Reservation Service will start accepting bookings in three phases: Monday, March 18 at 7 a.m. reservations open for cabins, yurts and group use areas as well as Birds Hill Provincial Park campground; Monday, April 1 at 7 a.m. campsite reservations open for Winnipeg Beach, Betula Lake, Big Whiteshell, Brereton Lake, Caddy Lake, Falcon Beach, Falcon lakeshore, Nutimik Lake, Opapiskaw, Otter Falls, West Hawk Lake and White Lake campgrounds; and Wednesday, April 3 at 7 a.m. campsite reservations open for all remaining provincial park campgrounds. Walk-in reservations and in-person payment arrangements can be made at 200 Saulteaux Cres. in Winnipeg and will be available Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. beginning March 18 for the parks and facilities described above. Annual provincial park entry passes can once again be purchased online through Canada Map Sales at www.canadamapsales.com as well as at retail outlets or provincial park offices.