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

 For the first time since 2016, we are pleased to be hosting The RCMP Musical Ride to recognize the 150th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.  On Tuesday July 25th, 2023 the Virden Community Chamber of Commerce & Virden Agricultural Society will be hosting the RCMP Musical Ride. Join us at the Virden Ag Society Fairgrounds for live entertainment and the Musical Ride. Gates open at 5 pm, entertainment starts at 5:30 and then the ride will begin at 7 pm. A symbol of tradition, honour, and pride, The Musical Ride is a Canadian icon recognized at home and abroad. The Musical Ride supports front-line police operations by building positive relationships, supporting recruiting efforts and promoting the RCMP’s image in communities in Canada and around the world. The troop of up to 32 riders, who are all police officers, and their horses’ perform intricate formations and drills set to music, lasting about 30 minutes. these movements demand the utmost control, timing, and co-ordination. “We are so honoured to be hosting The Musical Ride once again. Seeing our community coming together to enjoy such an amazing spectacle makes us proud,” says, Carla McLean, President of the Virden Community Chamber of Commerce. Tickets are $15.00, with ages 5 and under free. Tickets can be purchased online or at Virden Hi-way Grocery and Flower Attic & Gifts in Virden. Rushed seating will begin at 5pm, limited bleacher seating is available so bring your own lawn chair. https://www.showpass.com/rcmp-musical-ride-virden/

Families have new books to enjoy at Western Manitoba Regional Library rural branches thanks to a generous grant from Winnipeg Foundation’s Literacy for Life Grant program. New board books and picture books were purchased for the Carberry/North Cypress, Glenboro/South Cypress, Hartney, and Neepawa Public Libraries for use in their Storytime and Baby Storytime programs, as well as for families to borrow and read at home. Having a selection of diverse picture books where children and their families see familiar images encourages further engagement with our libraries and our reading programs. “These new books increase the inclusivity of our story books at our branches and provide an opportunity to attract a more diverse segment of the population to our programs because they will see themselves and their families in the books and programs,” said Erika Martin, Director of Library Services. “All of our branches have experience hosting family literacy programs and children’s programming is an essential part of promoting and nurturing literacy in young children.” In addition to the books, this grant enabled the branches to purchase craft supplies to use with the programs. Each Storytime program includes time for making crafts which are chosen to enhance fine motor skills and encourage individual creativity. The Winnipeg Foundation is an endowment-based organization that makes community grants to charitable organizations in support of many areas, including family literacy. Western Manitoba Regional Library is the second largest regional library system in Manitoba by population with branches in Brandon, Carberry, Glenboro, Hartney, and Neepawa. Our mission is to enrich lives and strengthen communities by providing universal access to broad and diverse collections of resources relevant and responsive to community needs. For more information about the Winnipeg Foundation, find them at wpgfdn.org For more information about Western Manitoba Regional Library and our programs, see wmrl.ca.