The Canadian Pacific (CP) Holiday Train will return to the rails this season on its first cross-continent tour in three years, following virtual concerts in the pandemic years of 2020 and 2021. The train will again raise money, food and awareness for local food banks in communities along the CP network. "I'm grateful to the CP team members who adapted during the COVID-19 pandemic to deliver two exceptional virtual Holiday Train shows and to all those who continued to donate while we kept community members safe," said Keith Creel, CP's President and Chief Executive Officer. "The Holiday Train is all about families and communities coming together to celebrate the season and help those in need. We are excited to be back out on the rails and in our communities, taking these two beautiful trains across our network and sharing the joy that comes with gathering in the spirit of giving." The 2022 tour will launch on Nov. 23 with the Holiday Train's first-ever Maine shows in Jackman, Brownville Junction and Hermon. Also for the first time, the Holiday Train will host shows on Nov. 24 in Lac-Megantic, Sherbrooke and Farnham, Que.; the first Canadian stops of 2022. The tour will feature 168 live shows, including Toronto on Nov. 29; Bensenville, Ill., on Dec. 2; Davenport, Iowa, on Dec. 3; Kansas City, Mo., on Dec. 4; Calgary on Dec. 11; and a final show in Port Coquitlam, B.C., on Dec. 18. A full schedule is available at cpr.ca/holidaytrain. Live music is essential to the CP Holiday Train experience. This year's performers will include Alan Doyle, Tenille Townes, Mackenzie Porter and Lindsay Ell, to name a few. Details about this year's artists and which performers will play which shows are available at cpr.ca/holidaytrain. Holiday Train shows are free to attend. CP asks attendees to bring a cash or non-perishable food donation if they're able. Local food shelves will set up collection stations at each event, with all donations made staying with the local food bank to help people in need in the community. Because local food shelves buy food at a discount, cash donations can go further than food donations to help those in need. "Food banks and communities across Canada are so excited to see the CP Holiday Train return, as it brings together the City of Calgary to kick off the holidays and give back at the same time," said Calgary Food Bank President and CEO James McAra. "The Calgary Food Bank is so grateful for CP's continued support to help us build a Canada where no one goes hungry." Since the Holiday Train program launched in 1999, it's raised more than $21 million and collected 5 million pounds of food for community food banks across North America. "This year, more than ever, the support, awareness and goodwill that the CP Holiday Train brings will make an impact beyond imagination to the food support programs of East Side Neighborhood Services," said Mary Anstett, Vice President, Community Engagement for East Side Neighborhood Services in Minneapolis. "With the support that Holiday Train brings in, we can rest assured that so many will have warm nutritious food on their tables in the coldest months." (CP News Release)

Whispers in the Wheat, a movie that was filmed in Brandon and a farmyard in Rossendale is slated to be shown at the Evans Theatre in Brandon from from December 9-11. The film, written and directed by Alec Chambers of Muddy River Productions, is a story about a “young con-man who gets more than he bargained for when he searches for his late father’s final score.” The entire film was recorded from Aug 15-Aug 31 (2020) and features lead actors who are based out of British Columbia, while the rest if the cast is entirely from Manitoba.

Dauphin's Countryfest is pleased to release the first-round lineup of artists slated to perform at Canada's longest-running country music festival, taking place June 30th - July 2nd, 2023. “We are thrilled to announce one of the most well-rounded lineups we have ever done,” said General Manager Rob Waloschuk. John Fogerty, Dierks Bentley, Walker Hayes, Tenille Townes, Tim Hicks, James Barker Band, Robyn Ottolini, Jason McCoy, Tim & The Glory Boys and DJ Johnny Rivex are booked to perform throughout the weekend. "There is truly an artist for every Countryfest fan." said Waloschuk. Countryfest ticket purchasers will also be able to enjoy the Thursday Kick-Off Party with The Road Hammers and Honeymoon Suite, free to all who purchase prior to January 6th, 2023. TICKETS & CAMPING AVAILABLE Weekend passes, VIPs, camping and seating go on sale November 21st at 10:00 AM CST and can be purchased online at www.countryfest.ca or by calling 1-800-361-7300. Pre-sale for members started October 31st and ends on November 14th. There is a new ticketing option available this year for those who wish to reserve tickets and camping for as low as $100.

Vincent Massey is assembling their team of heroes and villains to present the adored Disney channel original “Disney’s Descendants,” the musical, on November 10, 11, and 12 2022, at the Western Manitoba Centennial Auditorium. “Disney’s Descendants” is a new musical based on beloved Disney Channel original movies, such as Snow White, Aladdin, and 101 Dalmatians. In the kingdom of Auradon, all of Disney’s favourite heroes and heroines live happily ever after. Meanwhile, the evil villains and troubled sidekicks have been banished to the Isle of the Lost, where they are stripped of their magical powers. Ben, the beloved son of King Beast and Belle, is about to be crowned king of Auradon and has a radical idea. He decides to invite four trouble-making offspring of the most wicket villains to take their places as students at Auradon Prep. Mal, Evie, Jay, and Carlos, the children of Maleficent, Grimhilde, Jafar, and Cruella De Vil, come to Auradon with an evil plan to steal Fairy Godmother's magic wand and restore their parents’ powers. But will they go through with their plan? Or do they have the potential to become good? Students and staff have been busy working together on “Disney’s Descendants” since last spring. For the cast and crew of this performance, this will be the highlight of their season as all their countless hours of hard work, laughs, tears, and memories come together in this comedic adventure musical filled with hit songs from various Disney films! The cast and crew feel so fortunate to be able to perform for the Westman region audiences once again. Working with acclaimed soprano Naomi Forman as vocal director, Mindy Halliday as choral director, and the owner/instructor of Dance Images Linda Kearns as choreographer has created a professional performance. Jaden Colbourne, who plays Carlos, says, “Major production is challenging in a good way- I’m going outside my comfort zone; this is new for me. I’ve never danced or sung before, but it’s been really fun learning. It’s been an unforgettable experience.” Anya Visser, a Grade 9 student who plays a cheerleader, says, “It’s really exciting, I watched my older sisters being a part of major productions and have always dreamt of doing the same. I have a great cast, and it feels surreal to be a part of it!” Vincent Massey’s ensemble of dancers and singers will blow Brandon audiences away. Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for students and seniors, and $12 for children under 12. Thursday, November 10 at 7:30 pm Friday, November 11 at 7:30 pm Saturday, November 12 at 2:00 pm

The Brandon Police Service Monster Mash will be held on Monday, October 31, 2022, at the Keystone Centre UCT Pavilion Room. The event runs from 7:00 to 11:00 p.m. for students of the Brandon School Division, grades 7 to 12. Students must provide their BSD Student ID.  Food, music, games, and prizes are just a few things planned for the festivities.