The Keystone Centre, a landmark in the heart of Brandon, Manitoba, marked its 50th anniversary this past Saturday with a grand celebration. The centre, which has been a cornerstone for community events, sports, and entertainment, commemorated this milestone with a blend of nostalgia and excitement for the future. The Keystone Centre has grown from its humble beginnings into one of the most versatile and significant venues in Western Canada. Originally constructed to host agricultural exhibitions and local sporting events, the facility has expanded over the decades to include an array of multipurpose spaces. It has hosted countless events, ranging from hockey games and concerts to trade shows and conferences, playing a vital role in the cultural and economic fabric of the region. The grounds at the Keystone turned into a hub of activity Saturday with a number of activities throughout the day including: a classic car show, live music, free BBQ, kids zone, an outdoor market and more. Long-time Brandon residents shared their personal connections to the Keystone Centre, recalling events like their first concerts, memorable hockey games, and community gatherings. These stories highlighted the facilities role as a place where memories are made and cherished. The 50th anniversary celebration of the Keystone Centre was not just a look back at the past but a celebration of the present and a hopeful glance towards the future. The organizations enduring legacy as a community hub was evident throughout the day's  events, reaffirming its place in the hearts of Brandon’s residents. As it moves into the next chapter, the Keystone Centre remains a testament to the power of community spirit and collective achievement. For more information on upcoming events and future plans, visit the Keystone Centre’s official website.

The much-anticipated annual Brandon’s Food Truck Warz is set to take place this year from September 13-15, and food enthusiasts are in for a treat as Olde English Fish N’ Chips joins the event for the first time. Known for their authentic British cuisine, Olde English Fish N’ Chips is sure to add a unique flavor to the festival, drawing both new and returning attendees with their traditional offerings. Olde English Fish N’ Chips has built a solid reputation for serving up classic British fish and chips. Their food truck, a mobile homage to the iconic British chippy, offers a menu that boasts perfectly battered fish and golden crispy chips. Their commitment to authenticity is evident in their use of traditional recipes and high-quality ingredients, ensuring every bite is a taste of Britain.   The appearance of Olde English Fish N’ Chips at Food Truck Warz has been met with considerable excitement. The event, which features a diverse array of food trucks, is a celebration of culinary creativity and community spirit. Food Truck Warz has become a staple in Brandon’s event calendar, attracting food lovers from all over Manitoba. “We are thrilled to welcome Olde English Fish N’ Chips to our lineup this year,” said event co-organizer Jody Sass. “Their dedication to authenticity and quality adds a new dimension to the festival, and we know our attendees will love their food.” The addition of Olde English Fish N’ Chips to Brandon’s Food Truck Warz marks a significant milestone for the event, showcasing the growing diversity and quality of food trucks participating. As the festival continues to evolve, the presence of unique vendors like Olde English Fish N’ Chips ensures it remains a must-visit for food aficionados. Food Truck Warz is an annual event held on the grounds at the Keystone Centre. Now, in it’s 7th season, the event also features the Select Shows Midway.

Food Truck Warz is set to make a triumphant return to Brandon, Manitoba in 2024. The popular event will once again take place at the Keystone Centre, bringing a wide array of culinary delights to food enthusiasts from September 13 to September 15. This year's festival will once again feature 28 food trucks, offering a variety of dishes from BBQ to BeaverTails, and pasta to poutine, ensuring there is something for everyone. Several new food trucks will be making their debut at the annual festival, adding a diverse array of cuisine to an already stacked lineup. In addition to the plethora of food food options, attendees can look forward to amusement rides provided by Select Shows, adding an extra layer of fun for both children and adults. This family-friendly event also supports local non-profit organizations, including Westman Dreams for Kids, making it a great opportunity for the community to come together for a good cause​. Admission to Food Truck Warz is $5 per person, with children 12 and under entering for free. Parking is free, and it's a cash-only event at the gate. For more details and updates, you can visit the event's official website or their Facebook page​.

The Salamander Summer Music Festival 2024 is set to return to Rideau Park in Brandon, Manitoba from July 19th to 21st. This community-focused festival aims to celebrate the arts, music, and culture, bringing together local talent and providing a vibrant space for artistic expression and community engagement. Festival attendees can look forward to a variety of activities, including live music performances, art workshops, a free kids' zone, an artisan market, and food trucks. The event will run from 4:00 pm to 11:00 pm on July 19th and 20th, and from 2:00 pm to 11:00 pm on July 21st​​​. The organizers recently held an event launch party where they revealed the names of the artists who would be performing at the festival this year. Among the artists scheduled to  appear include: Anastasia Jane, Young Pixels, Island Vibe, Ainsley Friesen, DJ Red, Shameless Folk, Sheriff Birch & more. Ticket prices are set at $25 plus taxes for adult day passes and $20 for youths. Weekend passes are available for $60 for adults and $50 for youths. Children under 12 can attend for free when accompanied by a paying adult. As a volunteer-run, non-profit event, the festival emphasizes community involvement and aims to create a welcoming environment where people can appreciate and participate in the arts. The organizers are currently looking for volunteers to help make the event a success​​. For more information and updates, you can visit the Salamander Summer Music Festival website​.

British Columbia rapper Madchild will be hitting the stage at Houstons Country Roadhouse on Friday, July the  6th. The stop in Brandon will be the 2nd show of his "10th Anniversary of Lawn Mower Man" Canadian tour starting July 5th in Winnipeg and running through August/September. After many successful years with hip-hop group, Swollen Members, Madchild creatively branched out as a solo artist in 2012 with his debut title track ”Dope Sick.” Robbie G is on board as the tour’s special guest. Doors for the Brandon show open at 7:00pm with a meet and great, and the show starts at 8:00pm. Advance tickets are available here. Popular Vancouver hip-hop artist, Snak the Ripper is also coming to Houstons on Friday, August 23. His impressive body of work includes several million views of YouTube and tours of Europe. Snak’s first album was released in 2007 and over the years he has toured in “support slots with the likes of RA The Rugged Man, Sean Price, Camp Lo, Swollen Members, Cunninlynguists, Choclair, and Moka only to name a few.” Fans in Brandon are certain to enjoy his loud, aggressive vocal style.