New yurts at Childs Lake Campground in Duck Mountain Provincial Park will be ready to welcome guests in mid-August, a project completed under the Manitoba government’s new Provincial Parks Infrastructure Renewal Strategy, Natural Resources and Northern Development Minister Greg Nesbitt announced today. “We know many Manitoba campers are eager to experience our beautiful provincial parks by camping in a yurt, and that is why I am excited to announce that four new yurts will be ready to welcome guests within the next few weeks,” said Nesbitt. “This is one of many projects that are underway and being developed as part of our government’s new parks strategy that we unveiled in May. This bold plan prioritizes projects that enhance recreational opportunities and protect our precious ecosystems.” With blue-green water fed by fresh springs, the Childs Lake Campground is located in Duck Mountain Provincial Park, which rises in long hills near the Manitoba-Saskatchewan border. Yurts in Manitoba’s provincial parks–unique, large, fabric-sided accommodations that are part cabin, part tent–are extremely popular with campers and this new development comes to further satisfy this demand, the minister noted. It is anticipated that the four new yurts will be ready by Aug. 18. Reservations for the new yurts will open Aug. 10 at 9 a.m. For more information, visit www.manitobaparks.com. As part of the $220 million Manitoba Provincial Parks Infrastructure Renewal Strategy, campers will see a 50 per cent increase in yurts, more campsites with electrical service, enhanced interactive experiences along with improved services and access to nature in each of the 20 busiest provincial parks. The strategy focuses on two streams that invest $121 million in parks infrastructure and $103 million in roadway renewal within and around provincial parks over the next 10 years. To learn more about the Manitoba Provincial Parks Infrastructure Renewal Strategy and view the list of projects, visit www.gov.mb.ca/nrnd/parks/parks-strategy.html. Since the Provincial Parks Act was proclaimed in 1960, there have been 93 parks established in Manitoba including the designation of Pemmican Island Provincial Park in July. Manitobans can stay up to date with provincial park news, activities and events by following Manitoba Parks on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MBGovParks or on Twitter at www.twitter.com/MBGovParks.

A one day Summer Multicultural Celebration is taking place today at the Brandon Riverbank Discovery Centre. Live entertainment from 9 countries, food trucks, free admission, shopping, & more. Activities run until 10pm.

The first ever Salamander Summer Music Festival in Brandon kicked off late this afternoon. The 3-day event is taking place at Rideau Park (305 Park Street) and features DJs, local bands, university artists, performance troupes and more! Among the artists scheduled to  appear include: House of Hex, DJ Dirt, DJ Red, Julianna Moore, Full Flannel Jacket, Vertigo/Matt Cory Band, Mitchell Makoons, Jan Ek, Attica Riots and more.  In addition to the live musical performances, a number of activities and attractions are also onsite including food trucks, a mocktail garden, and a vendor village. You still have time to catch the action tonight as Kilushan's closing set is scheduled to take place from 9:30-11pm. Saturday's lineup can be viewed here. Sunday's schedule here.

Following a very long absence, Oktoberfest returns to Shilo. This one day music, culinary and beer festival will take place at the Community Centre Annex (BLDG L-25) on Saturday, October 14. The doors open at 5:30, with the meal scheduled for 7pm and a live German band hitting the stage at 9pm. Tickets ($35ea) to the event go on sale August 1 and will be available at the following locations; all three messes, Mess Admin Office, RCA Museum, and the Carberry Legion. You will also be able to reserve tables for of ten or more by emailing shiloserviceclub@gmail.com.

Raelyn Masson, a Brandon elementary student was selected as a top ten finalist beating out more than 250 entrants nationally in a sustainable food program for her Superfood Salad (full recipe below.) Raelyn entered the prestigious Cheese4Change program last month, which supports healthy and sustainable eating among Canada’s youth, with a video of her making and discussing her Superfood Salad and sustainable commitments. Raelyn showcased locally grown spinach, cucumbers, raspberries and other seasonal fruits and vegetables along with Canadian feta to make her salad, landing her in the top 10.  Raelyn received a special prize and hand-signed card from the President of Tre Stelle Cheese congratulating her on her submission and encouraging her to enter again next year to win the grand prize of $5K for schools and $500 for students. A link to the recipe has been provided below. Raelyn - Cheese4Change Recipe