Getting ready to walk down the aisle gets a little easier this weekend as the WESTMAN WEDDING EXPO returns to Brandon this Sunday.  The event will feature over 30 businesses from nearly all wedding professions, including photography, entertainment, venues, catering, and much more. The Expo, a wedding planning and organizing tradeshow, has been an annual event since it was first held in 2009.  Years and trends have come and gone, and the Expo continues to help those in search of great deals, wedding inspiration, and connection to the area’s finest wedding professionals. “This show has become the staple wedding event in this part of the province.  People come from all parts of western Manitoba to find everything wedding,” says Bryan Podworny, show organizer and owner of Expressions Entertainment.  “From Swan River to Boissevain, and from Moosomin to Portage le Prairie, it’s awesome to see so many people come wedding shopping!” As owner of Banquets & Bashes, an event planning business in Carberry, Shandar Elmhirst joins the Expo with goals in mind.  “I’m hoping that the brides and grooms that I talk with will go home with a sense of ease about planning their big day.”  It’s more that just about the couples, as she adds, “I’m also looking forward to making new business contacts to help my clients in the planning process.” Elmhirst, along with 30 other vendors, will see the return of planning excitement this weekend as an expected 500 people take in the show. When asked what words would best describe one’s wedding day, the most popular word brought up is ‘fun’.  With that the case, the 2nd annual “Fun Weddings Workshop” is designed to give useful advice to couples about how to ensure enjoyment of the celebration for themselves, as well as their guests. Over the course of 2 hours, couples will learn ways to engage and connect guests to their wedding with fun activities, personalization, and good preparation.  It will be hosted by Podworny, a long time veteran of personalizing weddings. There will also be additional input from Blue Moffat, manager of Asessippi Weddings, Henrik Langer of Henrik Langer Photography, and Shandar Elmhirst of Banquets & Bashes. The Westman Wedding Expo will be held this Sunday January 21, 2024, at the Victoria Inn & Conference Centre at 3550 Victoria Ave in Brandon.  Doors are open to the public from 11:00 am until 4:00 pm.  The Fun Weddings Workshop will run from 2:00 pm until 4:00 pm, and is included with the admission fee.  Advance admission to the Expo is $12.50 per person through Eventbrite, as well as cash at the door.  Those 17 & under are free.

Brandon Riverbank Inc. is pleased to be the outdoor space where people can gather for the enjoyment of exciting new winter recreation opportunities! With generous funding from Travel Manitoba and the Brandon Area Community Foundation, Riverbank has secured snow grooming equipment that will allow for the creation of an exceptional quality, multi purpose winter trail network. “Winter experiences are one of the greatest growth opportunities for Manitoba’s tourism industry”, said Colin Ferguson, President and CEO of Travel Manitoba. “We’re excited to see Brandon Riverbank and Brandon Tourism make the most of the Assiniboine River corridor by enhancing the winter activities available for residents and visitors alike.” “Winter time at the Brandon Riverbank is a beautiful venue where everyone can enjoy winter outdoor activities, said Laura Kempthorne, Executive Director of the Brandon Area Community Foundation (BACF). BACF is very pleased that we are able to be part of the collaboration and the development of Riverbank’s winter trail network. Having this trail system within the city and so accessible, there is going to be a lot of fun this winter.” The winter trail network will be 20-plus km in length and will utilize the Riverbank grounds as well as neighbouring properties both east and west. In partnership with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, the City of Brandon and other land owners, the winter trail network will provide a seamless connected link that encompasses the natural beauty of the Assiniboine River corridor. Trails will be mostly multi-purpose and will allow for enjoyment by walkers, fat bikers, snowshoers and classic cross-country skiers. “It gives me great pleasure that Riverbank will be able to offer urban winter trails as yet another recreational opportunity for both residents of and visitors to our city,” said Dean Hammond, Executive Director of Brandon Riverbank Inc. “Winter has traditionally been a slower time at Riverbank and we’re very happy to be able to fill a niche that will allow our guests to be able to enjoy Riverbank in a whole new way.” “A winter trail network will open many recreation, tourism and economic development opportunities, both for Riverbank and our city,” said Terry Jaenen, President of Brandon Riverbank Inc. “Our hope is that these trails are used and enjoyed by everyone, whether they be one or 100, from Brandon, or from far away.” As the snow comes Riverbank will begin transitioning its existing pathways into groomed winter trails. During this transition, Riverbank will ensure that at a minimum, trails remain walkable at all times. As more snow comes and when it’s safe to cross the Assiniboine River, Riverbank will begin expanding the trail network to full build-out. Online maps and wayfaring signage will be forthcoming to help users navigate the trails.

Brandon’s favourite holiday art party is back! Shop some of Southwestern Manitoba’s best artists and crafters, enjoy live music, get your portrait done, enter a raffle, and entertain your kids with a free holiday craft room. This year the AGSM is bringing back the GREAT BIGLittle Chili Bowl Sale. By purchasing a handcrafted bowl, made in the AGSM studios, you get a heaping scoop of chili and a freshly made bun to go with your bowl. The Gala of Gifts runs from 10 AM to 6 PM on Saturday, November 25th. The first 50 guests and children 5 and under will get in for free, and entry is just 2 dollars for ages 6 and up. All proceeds from the Gala of Gifts support the AGSM’s ongoing programming and the cultural life of Southwestern Manitoba. Sponsored by Kuipers Bakery, Ranyor Bookkeeping Services, Safeway Corral Centre, Chez Angela, Sobeys Brandon South, and Komfort Kitchen. Saturday, November 25th, 2023 from 10 AM to 6 PM At the AGSM. 710 Rosser Avenue, Unit 2 Brandon, Manitoba. Admission: $2. Free entry for children under 5 and first 50 guests. Associated Links Website Information Facebook Event

The sparkling display of holiday lighting at the MB Hydro Power Smart Waterfall of Lights is on. The Power Smart Waterfall of Lights is located immediately west of the City of Brandon’s Parks Services Complex on 2020 McGregor Avenue. The displays will be turned on and remain lit from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. nightly through the winter season. No public vehicles are allowed in the direct area of the Power Smart Waterfall of Lights display. The public is encouraged to park in designated areas on McGregor Avenue or Hilton Avenue and walk through the area to view the lights. The City of Brandon asks all members of the public to enjoy the lighting displays at a safe distance and not to walk in areas where power cords are present. Depending on the weather, the ice will go in for 2023 season soon.

The Santa Parade marks the unofficial beginning of the holiday season, and it's a celebration that our community eagerly anticipates. The streets will be alive with the spirit of the season as the annual Santa Parade makes its way through the heart of our city on November 18th, starting at 6pm. With colorful floats, festive music, and of course, the jolly old man himself, Santa Claus, this parade is a cherished celebration that brings smiles to faces young and old. All float entries will be considered for several different judging categories including Best Parade Theme, Best Decorated Vehicle, People’s Choice and most original.