The City of Brandon in partnership with Brandon Downtown BIZ is issuing a  call to artists, property owners, and community members to apply for the 2026 Downtown  Outdoor Art Grant. The current intake period is now open and will close on May 31, 2026.  The Downtown Outdoor Art Grant is funded by the City of Brandon in partnership with the  Brandon Downtown BIZ, with additional funding from the Brandon Area Community  Foundation. This collaborative investment reflects a shared commitment to strengthening  downtown through creative placemaking and community-driven initiatives.  Building on the strong momentum of last year’s program, the Downtown Outdoor Art Grant  continues to support creative projects that enhance public spaces and contribute to a  vibrant and engaging downtown.   Applicants are encouraged to bring forward a wide range of ideas. Whether fully developed  or in early stages, the Brandon Downtown BIZ welcomes conversations with anyone  interested in exploring a potential project and can provide guidance throughout the  application process.  “We’re looking for a variety of art forms to enhance downtown Brandon,” said Emmy  Sanderson, Executive Director of Brandon Downtown BIZ. “From murals and installations  to interactive and community-driven concepts, we encourage people to think outside the  box and propose all different types of art. It could be a sculpture, a light installation, or an  interactive display, which could be permanent, or temporary. We would also love to see  community members come together in partnership.” In 2025, six projects were approved, with two already completed and an additional four  scheduled for completion this year. Community members can already experience the  impact of the program through completed works, including a mural on Compass Credit   Union by Manitoba artist Nereo Zorro and a community art project led by local artist Chris  Reid at Samaritan House Ministries. These projects highlight how the program brings  creativity into everyday spaces while fostering community connection.  The program has been widely embraced by the community for its positive impact. Funded  projects are helping transform underutilized areas into inviting, interactive spaces, while  also contributing to vandalism prevention and fostering a stronger sense of community  pride.   “This program continues to demonstrate how public art can shape a more dynamic,  inclusive, and engaging downtown,” said Amanda Dupuis, Community Housing &  Wellness Programmer for the City of Brandon. “We’re excited to see what new ideas  emerge this year and to build on the success we’ve already seen.”  The City of Brandon and the Brandon Downtown BIZ look forward to another successful  year of collaboration, creativity, and community-building through the Downtown Outdoor  Art Grant. Individuals with questions or project ideas are encouraged to reach out directly  to info@brandondowntown.biz.  

 Brandon Tourism is pleased to announce that UpHouse has been selected  to lead the development of a new tourism strategic plan and place brand for the city of Brandon.  Following a competitive procurement process that attracted several highly-qualified firms,  Brandon Tourism has selected UpHouse, a marketing, PR and media agency headquartered in  Winnipeg, MB. Specializing in evoking the emotions that bring people to a place, you can see  their creative storytelling through their work as Travel Manitoba's agency of record, leading the  refreshed brand and positioning, Canada's Heart is Calling.  They've helped craft meaningful brands for places as close to Brandon as Clear Lake Country,  and worked with destinations as far-reaching as Tourism Ireland through partnerships with  influencers.  This project represents a significant step forward in shaping the future of tourism in Brandon.  The tourism strategic plan will provide a clear roadmap to guide growth, investment, and visitor  experience development, while the place brand will define and articulate Brandon’s identity in a  way that resonates with residents and visitors alike.  “We are excited to partner with UpHouse on this important initiative,” said Lanny Stewart,  director of marketing and communications with Brandon Tourism. “Their understanding of  Brandon’s opportunities and their collaborative approach will help us build a strong, authentic,  and competitive destination brand.”  Brandon Tourism extends its sincere appreciation to all firms who participated in the procurement process. The submissions demonstrated a high standard of professionalism, insight,  and innovation, and we recognize the significant time and effort invested by each proponent. We  thank all participants for their interest in contributing to Brandon’s tourism future.  Work on the project will begin in the coming weeks and will incorporate stakeholder  engagement throughout the process. For updates on the Brandon Tourism strategic plan and  place brand project, make sure to follow Brandon Tourism on social media.

One of Westman’s most anticipated family events is set to return this spring, as Westman Dreams for Kids prepares to host its annual Children’s Country Fair on Sunday, May 24, 2026. The beloved community celebration, which coincides with the spirit of the season following the arrival of Spring, promises a full day of free entertainment for families across the region. Organizers say the event continues to grow each year, offering children and parents alike a chance to come together, enjoy the outdoors, and create lasting memories. The fair will feature a wide range of activities designed to appeal to all ages. Children can look forward to bouncy castles and inflatables, face decorating, interactive crafts and games, and a popular petting zoo. Returning favourites such as horse and wagon rides will also give families a taste of country charm right in the heart of Brandon. In addition to the free activities, a cash-only canteen will be available on-site, offering a variety of snacks and treats throughout the day. The Children’s Country Fair is a signature event for Westman Dreams for Kids, a local organization dedicated to supporting children and families in need across southwestern Manitoba. Proceeds and community support generated through events like this help fund meaningful programs and initiatives throughout the year. Local businesses and community members are also encouraged to get involved. Sponsorship opportunities remain available, giving supporters a chance to contribute directly to the success of the event while helping strengthen community connections. With no admission cost and something for everyone to enjoy, organizers are inviting families from Brandon and surrounding communities to mark their calendars and attend. The Westman Dreams for Kids Children’s Country Fair takes place Sunday, May 24, offering a full day dedicated to fun, laughter, and community spirit.

The Tim Hortons® Smile Cookie campaign is back from April 27 to May 3, 2026, with 100% of proceeds from every Smile Cookie sold in Brandon supporting the Brandon Area Community Foundation and Helping Hands Brandon Now in its 30th year, the Smile Cookie campaign continues to make a meaningful impact in communities across Canada. Since its launch in 1996, the campaign has raised millions of dollars for local charities, hospitals, and community programs, with funds staying in the communities where they are raised. During Smile Cookie Week, Tim Hortons restaurant owners proudly donate the full proceeds from each freshly baked chocolate chunk Smile Cookie to local organizations, helping support important programs and services close to home. “Our annual Smile Cookie campaign is an opportunity for our team, our guests, and our community to come together and support incredible local organizations,” said Rhonda Pardy, Tim Hortons Westman & Area. “With the continued support of our community and local partners, we are excited to make a meaningful impact once again this year.” Pre-order Smile Cookies online or in-store to support the campaign. Pre-orders are now available at: https://timhortonswestman.ca/brandon-smile-cookie In addition to funds raised through the Smile Cookie campaign, several local partners will be supporting this year’s initiative as Partner of the Day, helping amplify awareness and drive community impact throughout the week: Monday, April 27: Assiniboine Credit Union & Sunrise Credit Union ● Tuesday, April 28: Christie’s Office Plus ● Wednesday, April 29: Murray Auto Group ● Thursday, April 30: Cardinal Capital Management ● Friday, May 1: J&G Group ● Saturday, May 2: Canadian Tire ● Sunday, May 3: Guild Insurance ● Community Partner: Pattison Media Smile Cookie Campaign Facts ● 100% of proceeds from Smile Cookies support local charities and community groups ● The Smile Cookie campaign began in 1996 in Hamilton, Ontario ● Tim Hortons restaurant owners support hundreds of charities across Canada each year ● Funds raised locally stay within the community

This week in Winnipeg and next week in Brandon the Manitoba Band Association (MBA) Family of Festivals Level One Band Festivals welcome more than 5,300 younger band students. In total 104 concert bands and nearly 5,300 students will share music, learn, and grow through what is for many their very first band festival experience. The MBA Family of Festivals, which began in February and runs over a total of 15 days through June 7, 2026, is one of the largest of its kind in Western Canada. The Family of Festivals concludes in early June with a non-competitive and non-adjudicated Community Band Festival June 6 - 7 at beautiful Coronation Park in Winnipeg. Donations Encouraged in Support of Main Street Project We are encouraging festival-goers to bring donations of new and gently used adult clothing and toiletries in support of Main Street Project, who lost their entire inventory of supplies when the Manwin Hotel burned down this winter. This campaign is being organized the 2026 Leadership Winnipeg cohort that our Executive Director, Brent Johnson, is participating in this year - a program jointly offered by The Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce and Volunteer Manitoba. Celebrating National Volunteer Week Volunteers are the heartbeat of our Family of Festivals, and we could not provide these experiences or keep them so accessible without their support. Everywhere you turn, there is a friendly human helping and not only ensuring our festivals run smoothly and on time, but helping ensure these are positive, educational experiences for the thousands of young band students and hundreds of music educators who participate in them. Thank you to all of our amazing volunteers! Festival Program & Schedule The full digital program & festival schedule can be viewed online here. Winnipeg: April 21 - 24, 2026 (9am - 4:30pm daily) at My Church Winnipeg (955 Wilkes Ave) Brandon: April 28 (1pm - 4pm) & 29 (9am - 4pm) at the Western Manitoba Centennial Auditorium and the Brandon University School of Music Clinicians Each band will work with up to three clinicians, providing them feedback, encouragement, next-steps, and encouragement to continue their journey as young musicians. Each Band receives written and recorded feedback during their performance, and then a live post-performance workshop with one clinician, and their experience concludes with a third clinician providing a band basics workshop, reinforcing important fundamentals that are so critical at these early stages of musical growth. Family of Festivals Full Overview The Manitoba Band Association (MBA) Family of Festivals (formerly the Optimist International Band Festival) have been a Manitoba tradition since 1976 and is growing this year to include the Concert Band Festival, Jazz Band Festival, the Level One Band Festivals in both Winnipeg and Brandon, and a Community Band Festival. These educational, non-competitive experiences are designed to celebrate music-making, community, and promote students’ and community members’ growth & development through a long-standing culture of positivity and encouragement. Bands come to share, learn, grow, and support each other and they leave these festival experiences inspired, energized and ready for more. Building on the success of our 2025 festivals, we are excited to be sustaining growth in several areas of our 2026 Family of Festivals:   The Concert Band Festival experienced nearly 30% growth in participation in 2025 necessitating the addition of a third performance stage at RBC Convention Centre. This year the size of several bands has outgrown available facilities in the traditional format, and an alternative festival flow is being implemented on Friday to accommodate these large ensembles of up to 150 students meaning this year’s festival will be even more exciting with more students involved and engaged with these experiences.   To accommodate more bands at the Level One Festival in Winnipeg, and bands that have grown too large for the stage at My Church, we are adding a full additional day with an alternative use of space and festival flow to ensure all bands and students can have this experience without having to limit how many musicians can take part.   To accommodate growth in participation at the Brandon-based Level One Festival, we continuing the addition of a second festival day taking place at the Western Manitoba Centennial Auditorium and Brandon University School of Music and made possible in part thanks to funding from the Brandon Area Community Foundation.   For the 2nd year, a Community Band Festival at beautiful Coronation Park in Winnipeg celebrates lifelong music-making and encourages students and adults alike to engage with lifelong music-making. These additions and expansions will ensure that no one is left behind and that hundreds more students, educators, and community musicians can have an MBA Family of Festivals experience in 2026 that will stay with them for a lifetime. Digital Festival Program Continuing our commitment to environmental sustainability, the Family of Festivals digital program featuring adjudicator and clinician bios, and the full festival schedule is available in an improved format: https://www.mbband.org/family-of-festivals/festival-programs Full Festival Dates & Locations: Concert Band Festival: February 17-20, 2026 at the RBC Convention Centre Jazz Band Festival: March 5 & 6, 2026 at Centre culturel franco-manitobain Level One Winnipeg Festival: April 21 - 24, 2026 at My Church Winnipeg Level One Brandon Festival: April 28 & 29, 2026 at Brandon University & Western Manitoba Centennial Auditorium Community Band Festival: June 6 - 7, 2026 at Coronation Park in Winnipeg