If you click on the word entrepreneur you might see the photo of Brandon's Darcy Willey. In September Willey will open a new business at NeXgen 1608 Park Ave. called the Hologram Zoo.   This company started  in Australia however Willey has secured the Manitoba rights and is the first of its kind in North America.   Close to a one million dollar investment and is slated to open in the middle of September. Some information from the NeXgen Facebook page We're thrilled to announce the launch of North America's FIRST HOLOGRAM ZOO, right here in Brandon, Manitoba! This revolutionary attraction uses CUTTING-EDGE TECHNOLOGY to bring the animal kingdom to life in a way you've never experienced before. Our hologram zoo is an immersive world where you'll encounter stunningly realistic animals, learn about their habitats and conservation efforts, and be inspired by the beauty of nature. Plus, enjoy seasonal installations like: Christmas: a thrilling ride on Santa's sleigh filled with holiday cheer! Halloween: a spooky spectacle featuring bats, spiders, and more! Our installations will change regularly, so you'll always find something new and exciting! We're proud to partner with Axiom Holographics, whose Hologram Zoo has received the prestigious BEST INVENTION OF 2023 AWARD and the THOMAS EDISON AWARD for innovation and excellence in technology! Don't miss out on this groundbreaking experience that's sure to delight visitors of all ages! Stay tuned for updates and sneak peeks, and get ready to be amazed by the future of wildlife exploration!   As always congrats to Darcy Willey and this new business that will be amazing for school and birthday parties. Click below for the promo video https://www.facebook.com/nexgenfec/videos/792642242700705/        

The Churro Stop is set to return to Food Truck Warz in Brandon in 2024. This year's event will take place from September 13 to 15, 2024, at the Keystone Centre grounds. The Churro Stop is known for its delicious churros, including varieties filled with Dulce de Leche and Bavarian cream, as well as a selection of dipping sauces. In 2017, they took home the Fan Favorite award at Brandon's Food Truck Warz and then finished second in 2018 voting. "We are extremely excited to welcome The Churro Stop back to our event in 2024" said co-organizer Darryl Wolski. "In the past they have developed quite the loyal following in Brandon and we expect that trend to continue this year" added Wolski.     Churros, often described as the Spanish doughnut, are a fried-dough pastry traditionally sprinkled with sugar and sometimes cinnamon. Their origins trace back to Spain and Portugal, but they have become a beloved treat in many countries around the world. The classic churro is simple yet delicious, with a crunchy exterior and a soft, doughy interior. The Churro Stop will successfully capture the hearts and taste buds of many this Food Truck Warz, combining the timeless appeal of churros with the convenience and excitement of mobile dining. Whether you’re a churro aficionado or a first-time taster, the Churro Stop will offer a delightful experience that’s hard to resist.

The Westman Multicultural Festival held their Summer Multicultural Celebration yesterday at the Brandon Riverbank. This one-day event showcased the rich cultural diversity of the Westman region and was a vibrant celebration of music, dance, food, and interactive cultural experiences from the many different groups who took part.

The Big Brothers Big Sisters of Westman will be hosting their annual haunted house event at Livingstone Outdoor -(1610 Byng Avenue, Brandon) in 2024.  This event is a significant fundraiser for the organization, with all proceeds going to support local child and youth programs. The haunted house will feature a variety of scares, ranging from classic horrors to modern frights, designed to keep attendees on edge. This event is part of the organization's broader mission to create and support mentoring relationships that ignite the potential in young people. Dates and Times:October 17-19 and October 23-26, 20246:00 PM - 10:00 PM Admission:12 and Over: $1012 and Under: $7

The second ever Salamander Summer Music Festival returned to Brandon this weekend. The 3-day event took place at Rideau Park (305 Park Street), featuring live music, art workshops, food trucks, an artisan market, and a free kids' zone. New to the festival this year, Salamander fest was fully licensed with @section6brewing and @woodengatecider available to cool you down with a refreshing beverage. The festival boasted a diverse lineup of performers, including Anastasia Jane, Young Pixels, Island Vibe, Ainsley Friesen, DJ Red, Shameless Folk, Full Flannel Jacket, and Sheriff Birch, among others. The event is organized by a volunteer-run, non-profit group focused on community involvement and artistic expression. Additional details and updates on the yearly festival can be found on the festival's official website​ (Salamander Fest).   ​​