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. 

“After a two year hiatus the Board and Staff at Rockin the Fields of Minnedosa are excited to invite you to #RFM2022 on July 29-31st. Come up and celebrate the return of Canada’s Premier Classic Rock Festival! Weekend General Admission tickets are available NOW and Day Passes go on sale Friday June 3. Save your spot by visiting rockinthefields.ca or calling 1-888-330-8333”