The Westman Multicultural Festival, a hallmark of cultural celebration, is set to light up Brandon, Manitoba, once again. Taking place February 6 - 8, 2025, the festival is a highly anticipated event that showcases the incredible diversity and heritage of communities in the Westman region. This annual celebration invites locals and visitors alike to immerse themselves in a rich tapestry of traditions, music, dance, and cuisine from around the globe. The festival is anchored by its vibrant pavilions, each representing a different culture or country. These pavilions, spread across various venues in Brandon, transform the city into a global village. Attendees can travel from one cultural destination to another in the same evening, experiencing the unique charm of each culture. From the hearty rhythms of Latin America to the intricate art and traditions of Asia, every pavilion offers a distinctive cultural journey. Visitors can enjoy: Live Performances: Talented artists showcase traditional and contemporary music, dance, and theatrical performances unique to their culture. Culinary Delights: Sample authentic dishes that capture the flavors and essence of the culture being celebrated. Cultural Displays: Learn about history, art, and customs through engaging exhibits and artifacts. The Westman Multicultural Festival goes beyond food and entertainment; it’s a powerful statement of unity and celebration. It’s an opportunity to break down cultural barriers and build friendships through shared experiences. With each dance, each bite of food, and each heartfelt exchange, the festival strengthens the bonds within Brandon’s multicultural community. What You Need to Know Dates: February 6 - 8, 2025 Locations: Multiple pavilions are located throughout Brandon. For dates/times please visit the Westman Multicultural Web Site here. HAMI: East End Community Centre 405 Park Street The Nigeria pavilion : ANAVETS hall at 31 14th St Jamaica pavilion: Fire Hall Event Venue at 637 Princess Ave. Ukraine pavilion: National Ukrainian Hall on 1133 Stickney Ave El Salvador pavilion: North End Community Centre at 1313 Stickney Ave. The Philippines pavilion: Knox United Church (451 18th St.), the Colombia pavilion: Royal Canadian Legion Hall (560 13th St. East), and the Mauritius pavilion: Westman Immigrant Services Multicultural Hall (403 13th St.) The India pavilion: Salon A at the Victoria Inn Scottish pavilion: Imperial Ballroom of the Victoria Inn The Palestine pavilion: Backyard on Aberdeen (1624 13th St.). Tickets: Admission to pavilions is free, though some may offer items for purchase such as food, drinks, or souvenirs. Whether you are a seasoned attendee or a first-time visitor, the Westman Multicultural Festival promises an unforgettable experience that will leave you with a greater appreciation of the world’s cultures. Mark your calendar and prepare for an enchanting journey of discovery in Brandon. Come with curiosity, leave with cherished memories!

I know what you are thinking how is he doing this when he is in Europe and Russia seeing clients. Well the show must go on to quote Freddie Mercury. Some news from the last 7 days. Local Pizza Hut owners have opened a new location in Steinbach 2 - Brandon's hardest working guy Ty Worthington continues to expand his empire with a new company called Graphic Factory on 16th and Rosser. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567302091717 3 - Spec Savers will be opening a location in the Shoppers Mall Brandon. That is it that is all darryl@bdnmb.ca

Crocus Plains Regional Secondary School is proud to announce its upcoming spring musical, "The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical." Adapted from the best-selling novel by Rick Riordan, this exciting family-friendly adventure will fascinate audiences with its blend of mythological storytelling, thrilling rock score, and powerful themes of friendship and heroism. Directed by Ramey Praznik, musical direction by Clint McLachlan, choreographed by Monique Roy-Keller, and featuring a talented cast of over 50 Crocus Plains students, this family-friendly production promises to be a highlight of the year. “As the half-blood son of a Greek god, Percy Jackson has newly discovered powers he can’t control, a destiny he doesn’t want, and a mythology textbook’s worth of monsters on his trail. When Zeus’s master lightning bolt is stolen, and Percy becomes the prime suspect, he must find and return the bolt to prove his innocence and prevent a war between the gods. But to succeed in his quest, Percy will have to do more than catch the thief. He must travel to the Underworld and back; solve the riddle of the Oracle, which warns him of betrayal by a friend; and come to terms with the father who abandoned him." In addition to its exciting storyline and electrifying music, "The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical" also explores important messages about identity, inclusivity, and acceptance. Through its diverse cast of characters and themes of empathy and understanding, the musical encourages audiences to embrace their differences and stand up for what is right. Don't miss your chance to experience the magic of "The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical" at the Western Manitoba Centennial Auditorium (WMCA)! Performances will take place at the WMCA from March 19 to March 21, 2025. Tickets are now on sale: Adult $23 Student $19 Senior $19 Children (12 and under) $15

For the fourth consecutive year, PBR (Professional Bull Riders) Canada’s elite Cup Series will buck into Brandon, Manitoba, holding the PBR Mazergroup Chute Out at Westoba Place at the Keystone Centre on May 23-24, 2025. Following the overwhelming enthusiasm and demand for PBR Canada Cup Series events in Brandon, including last season’s single day sold out show, the organization expanded the competition to two days in May 2025. The PBR Mazergroup Chute Out will have added significance as the lone PBR Canada Cup Series event in Manitoba during the 2025 season. PBR Canada’s Cup Series, which set tour attendance records in nine cities in 2024, regularly features Canada’s best riders alongside some of the organization’s top international athletes, squaring off against the rankest bucking bulls from across the nation. For two nights only, fans will witness exhilarating 8-second rides and wrecks throughout the unpredictable, action-packed event as the PBR’s courageous bull-riding athletes face off against their 1,800-pound opponents born to buck. The PBR Mazergroup Chute Out will mark the third event of the 2025 regular season for PBR Canada’s premier Cup Series. When the Cup Series last travelled to Brandon in May 2024, Weston Davidson (Strongfield, Saskatchewan) went a perfect 2-for-2 to win the Cup Series event inside Westoba Place at the Keystone Centre. The win was part of a career-year for Davidson. He registered an accompanying 10 Top 10 finishes and concluded the season No. 7 in the race for the 2024 PBR Canada Championship. Other past PBR Canada Cup Series event winners in Brandon are: Aaron Roy (2023 – Yellow Grass, Saskatchewan) and Blake Smith (2022 –Abbey, Saskatchewan). The bull riding action for PBR Canada Cup Series’ Mazergroup Chute Out, begins at 7:00 p.m. CST on both Friday, May 23 and Saturday, May 24. Tickets for the event go on sale Friday, January 17 at 10:00 a.m. CST, and start at $30, standard ticketing fees may apply. Tickets can be purchased at the Westoba Place at the Keystone Centre Box Office and online at Ticketmaster.ca. Stay tuned in to PBRCanada.com and follow the tour on Facebook (PBR Canada), X (@PBRCanada), and Instagram (@PBRCanada) for the latest results, news, stats and more.

The Westman Multicultural Festival is set to return to Brandon, Manitoba, from February 6 to 8, 2025. This annual event celebrates the region's rich cultural diversity by featuring various pavilions that showcase unique traditions, cuisines, music, and dance from different countries. This year, the festival is expanding to include 12 pavilions; INDIA · UKRAINE · MAURITIUS · PHILIPPINES · HAMI HISPANIC · MEXICO · JAMAICA · PALESTINE · SCOTLAND · EL SALVADOR · NIGERIA · COLOMBIA. The Nigerian and Palestinian pavilions are both new for 2025. The festival will take place at multiple venues throughout Brandon, each hosting different cultural pavilions. Visitors can look forward to interactive experiences, including traditional performances, authentic cuisine, and cultural displays. The event aims to foster community engagement and promote understanding and appreciation of the diverse cultures present in the Westman region. For more information on pavilion locations, schedules, and program details, please visit the official Westman Multicultural Festival Facebook page. The Westman Multicultural Festival is a family-friendly event, and admission is free. It's an excellent opportunity for residents and visitors alike to immerse themselves in the multicultural fabric of the community. Mark your calendars for February 6 to 8, 2025, and join in the celebration of cultural diversity at the Westman Multicultural Festival in Brandon.