The largest and most realistic dinosaur exhibit in North America is BACK, BIGGER and BETTER than EVER! Our herd of photorealistic dinosaurs is ready to delight Abbotsford area families when Jurassic Quest® arrives at the Keystone Centre this weekend from June 17-19 only. Jurassic Quest will visit Canada for the first time since 2019 with its most beloved and unique experiences for the whole family including life-like dinosaurs, dinosaur rides, live dinosaur shows, interactive science and art activities, bounce houses, inflatable attractions and more. In addition to new dinos in the herd, new activities for 2022 include the “Triceratots” soft play area for our littlest explorers. New for 2022, join us for The Quest, our official educational and entertaining journey through the Jurassic. The Quest is an interactive adventure where guests will meet dinos and prehistoric sea creatures, take a unique Dino Snap, search for fossils, watch a live Raptor Training Experience and more. Follow the ten clues to the “Quest Spot” signs and collect a prize at the end. The Quest is included with general admission. Families can walk through the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous periods to see the dinos that ruled on land, and “deep dive” into the “Ancient Oceans” exhibit, making its Canadian debut, to come face to face with the largest apex predator that ever existed – a moving, life-size, 15-metre-long megalodon! Meet the babies, hatched only at Jurassic Quest: Cammie the Camarasaurus, Tyson the T. rex and Trixie the Triceratops – and, you may even catch one of our star dino trainers: Safari Sarah, Dino Dustin, Captain Caleb, Prehistoric Nick or Park Ranger Marty! Loved by millions, only Jurassic Quest can bring families memories this BIG! The Jurassic Quest herd of animatronic dinos – from the largest predators to playful baby dinos – are displayed in realistic scenes with some that move and roar, allowing guests to experience them as they were when they roamed the earth millions of years ago. Jurassic Quest works in collaboration with leading paleontologists to ensure each dinosaur is painstakingly replicated in every detail, from coloration to teeth size, to textured skin or feathers, drawing on the latest research about how we understand dinosaurs and ancient giants of the sea looked and moved. TICKETS & LOGISTICS Tickets are available online at www.jurassicquest.ca or on-site. Tickets are for a timed arrival window, and advance ticket purchase is strongly encouraged. Guests can walk through the dinosaur experience at their own pace, and strollers are permitted. Some venues may have wheelchairs for use, but please contact the venue in advance to make arrangements. Event:              Jurassic Quest in Brandon Place:               Keystone Centre 726-3500. #1 1175 18th Street Brandon, Manitoba Date:                June 17-19 Time:               Friday 1-8pm, Saturday 9am-8pm & Sunday 9am-6pm Tix & Info:      https://tickets.jurassicquest.ca/brandonmb2022 KIDS & ADULTS: $27.50 SENIORS: $22 KIDS UNLIMITED RIDES (INCLUDES ENTRY): $45 for all-you-can-ride access to dinosaur rides, inflatables and fossil dig. General admission tickets include access to the dinosaur and marine exhibits, arts and crafts activities, and dinosaur shows. There are rides and activities that require activity tickets available on site, or guests can upgrade to the Kids Unlimited Rides ticket (the best value for children ages 2-12). Entry is free for children under age 2.

Following a 2-year hiatus, the extremely popular Canada Day celebration is set to return to the Brandon Riverbank. Once again, organizers have planned a fun-filled day for those attending. This year, entertainment on the Fusion Credit Union Stage begins at 10:00am and the day ends with the popular fireworks show scheduled for 11:00pm. Throughout the day there are many activities/attractions planned including face painting, mascots, children's entertainment, bouncy castles and more. Helicopters (additional cost) will be onsite offering scenic rides over the city. Clubbing Fraggles, Full Flannel Jacket, and the Incredibly Hip are among the main stage entertainment. A number of food vendors will also be on-site for those looking for a bite to eat. Click on this link for a full list of the day’s activities.

Locals supporting Locals was the intent of the Eastside Art Project, and that goal seems to be working. Brandon business owner Jay McCullum, his wife Mary along with local artist Chris Macaluso of "Chris Macaluso Design" set out to make a spot where Westman artists could showcase/sell their artworks without the typical consignment fees that other galleries tend to charge their artists for hanging up their art.   Now when customers go into Eastside Eatery for a delicious meal, they can browse a wide selection of artworks hanging on the walls which has transformed the dining room into an art gallery of local talents. If they see something they like Eastside's friendly staff will be happy to help them with any questions/purchases.   One of the project's bonuses is the artwork displayed at Eastside Eatery has a maximum price tag of $100 so anyone can get a unique locally made piece of artwork for a reasonable price all while supporting local artists. I for one hope to grab one of Tyler Hendersons' awesome pop art paintings soon. Rob Madill-McKenzie 

The Art Gallery of Southwestern Manitoba is offering a jam-packed month of drawing, painting, puppets, clay classes, cartooning, and much more this July! Children and Teens can dive into the fantastic world of art making this summer and work with talented artists and instructors. Registration begins June 6th for activities and art projects in an inspiring, creative, and supportive setting for learners of all ages and abilities. Please remember - classes fill up quickly, so sign up now to avoid missing out! The Children’s and Teens Summer Art Program begins July 4th and runs until July 29th. Full days or half days are available. Classes range in length from 2-day workshops to 5-day week long programs. The programs accommodate ages 6-9, 9-12, and 13-17. Does your child love to stay busy and have a great imagination? Join Monica Joshi during the afternoons in Week 3 for Stranger Things on the Prairies or Week 4 Escape Into Art this Summer where they will draw, paint, sculpt, and bring 3D artworks to life. Children will have fun making friends as they design imaginative characters and build intergalactic landscapes. Is your teen artist interested in developing advanced drawing & painting techniques with pen, ink, graphite, and watercolour? Be sure to sign up for Brooke Piche’s Drawing & Surrealism class or Art Studio Workshops designed specifically for teens. Youth will find inspiration to take their artwork and ideas to a whole new level and develop techniques in line, shading, and portraiture. Also back by popular demand is a Harry Potter-inspired class for youth ages 9-13. Discover how JK Rowling’s books & movies provide a rich source of inspiration for new art projects, illustrations, wands, potions, and more. Do your little ones love to get creative with paint, clay, rainbow unicorns, and sparkles? Leave the mess to us, and bring your kids to the gallery so they can have fun and set their imagination free with classes such as Colour Catchers, Under the Sea & Summer Scenes, or Path to the Stars! Instructors Jamie Ketcheson and Hannah Seitter will help children to spark their creativity and ignite their imagination in a relaxed and stimulating studio environment. Children will learn step by step how to work with soft, squishy clay, make suncatchers, puppets, superhero artwork, or Go Green with papermaking and mini-robot sculptures. There is something for everyone in a wide range of workshops this summer. These workshops, plus many more, are all listed on the Art Gallery’s website: agsm.ca or contact the AGSM for a printed brochure. To register: please contact us in-person, online or via phone at 204.727.1036.

The City of Brandon’s popular “Music in the Park” summer program hits its opening note on the evening of Tuesday, June 7th, 2022 in Princess Park in downtown Brandon.  The eclectic FREE music programming is presented each year by the City of Brandon’s Parks & Recreation Services and features amazing musical talent of some of Western Manitoba's finest performing artists.    Kicking off the 2022 edition of the Music in The Park program will be a performance from the Vincent Massey jazz band and choral ensemble. A full lineup of this year’s scheduled Music in the Parks performances running from June 7th through to the finale performance on August 30th can be found at brandon.ca/music.  All shows begin at 6:30 p.m. The public is encouraged to bring a lawn chair or blanket for outdoor music-listening comfort.  The City of Brandon’s Parks & Recreation Services staff extend their sincere thanks to all musical performers, sponsors, and audience members for their commitment to community building through live music.