The Snowed In Comedy Tour, now in its sixteenth year, is set to bring laughter to Brandon, Manitoba, on Thursday, February 13, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. The performance will take place at the Western Manitoba Centennial Auditorium, located at 205 20th Street. wmca.ca This year's lineup features four acclaimed comedians: Dan Quinn: Winner of the Just for Laughs Canadian Comedy Competition, known for opening for comedians like Rob Schneider and Russell Peters. Paul Myrehaug: Winner of the Great Canadian Laugh Off, bringing his unique comedic style to the stage. Pete Zedlacher: A six-time nominee for the Canadian Comedian of the Year and winner of Sirius XM’s Top Comic, with multiple appearances at Montreal's Just For Laughs Festival. Erica Sigurdson: With over 70 appearances on CBC's "The Debaters," Erica adds her sharp wit and observational humor to the mix. Tickets are available for purchase through the Western Manitoba Centennial Auditorium's website. Don't miss this opportunity to experience a night of top-tier comedy in Brandon. For more information about the tour and its performers, visit the official Snowed In Comedy Tour website.

The Westman Multicultural Festival returns to Brandon from February 6 to 8, 2025, bringing three days of vibrant cultural celebrations. Featuring 11 pavilions representing countries from around the world, the festival offers visitors an opportunity to experience diverse cultures through traditional performances, authentic cuisine, and immersive exhibits. This year’s lineup includes pavilions from India, Ukraine, Mauritius, the Philippines, Jamaica, Nigeria, Scotland, Palestine, Colombia, El Salvador, and HAMI (Hispanic Association of Manitoba).** With two exceptions*, all pavilions will serve alcohol. New for 2025:  Festival Passport Download and print the Festival Passport from our website, then visit all 11 pavilions to collect a stamp at each one. Once completed, take a picture of your passport and email it to info@gotothepavilions.com. A draw will take place on Friday, February 18, at noon from all completed entries. The lucky winner will receive $500 in cash and a prize package! Festival Kickoff The festival officially opens on Thursday, February 6, at 5:45 PM with an Opening Ceremony at the Ukraine Pavilion. For pavilion locations, schedules, and more details, visit gotothepavilions.com. About the Westman Multicultural Festival A volunteer-driven event, the Westman Multicultural Festival celebrates Brandon’s rich cultural diversity. Through performances, food, and education, the festival fosters community spirit and cultural appreciation. For media inquiries, interviews, or additional information, please contact: info@gotothepavilions.com Instagram + Facebook:  @wmmfest Colombia pavilion will be located at the Royal Canadian Legion Hall, 560 13th St. East. Friday, 5 p.m.–midnight; Saturday noon–1 a.m. Alcoholic drinks served. • El Salvador pavilion, North End Community Centre, 1313 Stickney Ave. Thursday, 6 p.m.–11 p.m.; Friday, 6 p.m.–10 p.m.; Saturday 2 p.m.–10:30 p.m. Only non-alcoholic drinks served. • HAMI (Hispanic Association of Manitoba), East End Community Centre, 405 Park St. Friday, 6 p.m.–10 p.m.; Saturday, 1 p.m.–10 p.m. Only non-alcoholic drinks served. • India pavilion, Grand Salon at the Victoria Inn Hotel, 3550 Victoria Ave. Thursday, 6 p.m.–9 p.m.; Friday 6 p.m.–10 p.m.; Saturday, noon–10 p.m. Alcoholic drinks served. • Jamaica pavilion, Firehall Event Venue, 637 Princess Ave. Friday, 5 p.m.–midnight; Saturday, noon–midnight. Alcoholic drinks served. • Mauritius pavilion, Westman Immigrant Services Multicultural Hall, 403 13th St. Friday, 6 p.m.–10 p.m.; Saturday, noon–11 p.m. Alcoholic drinks served. • Nigeria pavilion, Army Navy Air Force Hall, 31 14th St. Friday, 6 p.m.–11 p.m.; Saturday, 1 p.m.–11 p.m. Alcoholic drinks served. • Palestine pavilion, The Backyard on Aberdeen, 1624 13th St. Friday, 5 p.m.–midnight; Saturday, 6 p.m.–midnight. Alcoholic drinks served. • Philippines pavilion, Knox United Church, 451 18th St. Friday, 6 p.m.–10 p.m.; Saturday, 1 p.m.–10 p.m. Alcoholic drinks served. • Scotland pavilion, Imperial Ballroom at the Victoria Inn, 3550 Victoria Ave. Friday, 6 p.m.–1 a.m.; Saturday, noon–11 p.m. Alcoholic drinks served. • Ukraine pavilion, National Ukrainian Hall, 1133 Stickney Ave. Thursday, 6 p.m.–10 p.m.; Friday, 6 p.m.–11 p.m.; Saturday, 1 p.m.– 11 p.m. Alcoholic drinks served.

The Manitoba government is encouraging Manitobans to hit the trails this winter and once again offering free park entry for the entire month of February, Environment and Climate Change Minister Mike Moyes announced today. “Manitoba’s provincial parks offer an incredible variety of trails and activities for Manitobans of all ages,” said Moyes. “I am pleased to announce we are waiving the entry fee to all provincial parks for the month of February to make it more affordable for Manitoba families to get outdoors and enjoy all our beautiful provincial parks have to offer.” From groomed paths for cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, fat biking, snowshoeing and hiking, to exciting spaces like outdoor skating rinks, hockey arenas and toboggan hills, there’s something for everyone, the minister noted. Hecla/Grindstone Provincial Park provides free ice-fishing shelters on Lake Winnipeg or Manitobans can head to ski slopes in Asessippi or Whiteshell provincial parks, added the minister. In addition to free park entry, Manitoba Winter Trails Day will be celebrated for the first time on Saturday, Feb. 8. The day will occur annually on the second Saturday in February to showcase the province’s amazing winter trails and activities, celebrate the dedicated partners who create and maintain trails, and inspire Manitobans to embrace the season by enjoying outdoor adventures with family and friends, said Moyes. Manitobans can join park interpreters on Feb. 8 for guided trail adventures in these provincial parks: Birds Hill - embark on a snowshoe trek along the Nimowin Trail to search for animal tracks and signs of wildlife, and learn how creatures thrive during winter. Spruce Woods - take a guided hike on the Epinette Trail to discover the park's unique landscape and its intriguing connection to the spruce forest. Details and registration information for upcoming programs can be found along with more information on winter activities in provincial parks at www.manitobaparks.com. Manitobans are also encouraged to check this website for trail conditions before visiting parks. Trail users are reminded to only use trails for designated activities and never walk on groomed ski tracks, keep dogs on leash and practice the principles of Leave No Trace by removing everything that is brought in. Vehicle permits are not required in provincial parks in February, but Snopasses are still required for snowmobiles using designated trails.

Brandon, Manitoba, is set to welcome a new dining and shopping experience with the upcoming opening of Multi Cook, a Ukrainian-based franchise renowned for its European culinary delights and specialty food items. The announcement has created a buzz in the community, as food enthusiasts eagerly anticipate a taste of authentic Ukrainian and Eastern European flavors. Multi Cook  is celebrated for its wide range of ready-to-cook meals, homemade recipes, and premium ingredients. The franchise caters to those who appreciate traditional European cuisine while valuing convenience. Visitors to the new location can expect popular dishes like borscht, pierogi, and cabbage rolls, as well as gourmet options inspired by diverse culinary traditions. Delivery service will be available. The Brandon location (155-18th St. Unit B) will mark the franchise’s first venture into western Manitoba, aiming to serve both the local Ukrainian community and adventurous food lovers eager to explore new flavors. This opening reflects the growing demand for authentic and diverse culinary experiences in the region. Multi Cook is set to open its doors shortly, and excitement is already building. As residents of Brandon prepare to enjoy a slice of Ukrainian tradition, this addition is sure to enhance the city's cultural and culinary landscape. You can follow them on Facebook here.

The Manitoba government is contributing $1 million to support renovations and upgrades to the Western Manitoba Centennial Auditorium (WMCA) in Brandon, ensuring its long-term viability and success, Municipal and Northern Relations Minister Glen Simard announced today. “This facility is a hub for the arts and a vital part of the cultural fabric of Brandon and beyond,” said Simard. “This funding goes a long way to ensuring financial stability for the Western Manitoba Centennial Auditorium and also clears some space in the City of Brandon’s municipal budget. We are committed to ensuring that Brandon and the WMCA remain an important cultural hub for Westman.” The Western Manitoba Centennial Auditorium is Westman’s premier performing arts venue, located on the grounds of Brandon University. Established in 1968, the WMCA is a not-for-profit community asset for the city of Brandon and surrounding area. The auditorium hosts a variety of performances including professional ballet, a symphony orchestra, concerts, community and high school theatrical productions as well as numerous cultural events and festivals. “On behalf of Brandon city council, I am very appreciative of the $1 million investment from the Manitoba government to the Western Manitoba Centennial Auditorium," said Mayor Jeff Fawcett, City of Brandon. "As the premier performing arts center in the Westman region, the WMCA is a cornerstone of our community. This funding will positively influence our 2025 budget discussions, resulting in a one percent savings, which will ease the financial burden on Brandon taxpayers while ensuring the WMCA receives the necessary support. We are immensely thankful for the province's assistance.” “We are pleased and profoundly grateful,” said Kaitlyn Mitchell, general manager, WMCA. “This substantial funding is pivotal in ensuring the longevity and safety of the WMCA. The WMCA has long stood as a pillar of our community, nurturing creativity, enriching our cultural heritage and providing a venue for numerous performances and events. With this investment, we extend our heartfelt thanks to the Manitoba government for reaffirming our collective commitment to preserving and advancing this essential institution for future generations." This one-time funding will allow the WMCA to complete necessary critical repairs to keep the auditorium safe and functional for audiences including updates to meet current building codes, egress upgrades for fire compliance, plumbing upgrades and repairs to the foundation and roofing system, the minister noted.