Get the napkins ready!. According to a recent Facebook event page, Brandon's biggest backyard BBQ returns in 2021, as Ribfest will hold a drive thru event at the Keystone Centre. From September 24-26, you can find all of your favourite BBQ staples like finger-lickin’ BBQ ribs, chicken, pulled pork and more.  The list of "ribbers" attending has not yet been released. The Facebook event page can be found here. Ribfest takes place one week following one of Brandon's most highly anticipated events: Food Truck Warz. Food Truck Warz features 26 food trucks, Select Shows Midway, and a beer garden. From BBQ to BeaverTails and from pasta to poutine, the options are plenty. Event information for Food Truck Warz can be found at the following link: www.foodtruckwarz.com

More than 11,250 Manitobans took advantage of the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce’s Tourism Rebate Incentive Program, TRIP, adding up to more than 9,300 hotel room nights during the two-week window, as well as more than 2,500 rebates on admission to Manitoba’s STAR attractions. And now, the MCC is excited to announce an additional 18 days of Manitoba adventures, road trips, and staycations will be eligible for rebates, August 26 to September 12, 2021. “To say this recovery program is a success would be a huge understatement, because thanks to Manitobans, TRIP has had an immediate, direct, and significant impact on Manitoba’s tourism industry,” said Chuck Davidson, President & CEO, Manitoba Chambers of Commerce. “TRIP is a win-win design, with Manitobans out touring our beautiful province and enjoying the sights, while supporting the recovery of our recreational assets. And the best part: there are still more rebates available so we can open it up to even more Manitobans!” The Phase 2 TRIP program window opens this Thursday, August 26 and closes on Sunday, September 12, the day following the Banjo Bowl. Manitoba residents aged 18+ (who have not yet participated in TRIP) can upload proof of purchase receipts for eligible hotel/motel stays as well as for attraction admission fees to www.tripmb.ca, in order to access a $100 hotel rebate, OR a $150 rebate off the price of a specially-designed hotel package, as well as a 50% rebate off the price of general admission at one of 31 Manitoba Star Attractions. “The Tourism Rebate Incentive Program has truly been a stroke of genius and it has saved Summer 2021,” says Joel Waterman, General Manager, Inn at the Forks. “The benefits have been twofold – it has encouraged Manitobans to feel comfortable getting out and rediscovering their province, while also giving hotels and attractions a much-needed boost. Our property created a unique package for TRIP and we saw a huge spike in occupancy — the brightest days we have seen since the pandemic began.” As a result of COVID-19 prevention orders still in place in early July 2021 which retained restrictions to capacity limits in public spaces, MCC opted to delay the launch of TRIP to ensure access to attractions, which still saw some attractions only able to be open to the public for one week of the initial 2-week TRIP window. “The TRIP design is nimble, which means it can be quickly replicated for a second phase, and serve as a model for similar ventures in the future,” says Atul Sabharwal, Founder, SNIPP Interactive, the innovative TSX Venture listed (TSX-V:SPN) technology company MCC contracted to manage the rebate administration. “Participants promptly receive a rebate conveniently by email — in most cases in less than 48 hours — simply by photographing their receipt and uploading it to the website, then completing a brief form. It is straightforward, low cost to administer, and secure. SNIPP is very proud to have been a part of this recovery initiative.” Davidson says that based on uptake during phase 1, the remaining TRIP rebate budget will likely be allocated in full by the time the three-week phase 2 window closes. “We encourage all Manitobans who have not yet participated in TRIP to consider booking a getaway. Support our province’s wonderful tourism professionals by spending directly with them, enjoy a nice break, and close off the summer in a special way. Plus, you can get something back!” To access the list of all participating hotels/motels and STAR Attractions, go to www.tripmb.ca or click here. Phase 2 eligible receipts must be uploaded no later than 11:59 PM CST on Sunday, September 19 in order to qualify for rebate. (MCC News Release)

City of Brandon Parks & Recreation Services is excited to announce that Music In The Parks is going LIVE on Tuesday, August 24 and Tuesday, August 31. These LIVE performances will take place at Princess Park (818 Princess Avenue) at 7:00 p.m. The first live performance on August 24 will be from Until It’s No Fun, a group of seasoned musicians with years of experience in various kinds of music. The band brings a lighthearted attitude to all it does and refuses to take itself too seriously. The second live performance on August 31 will be from Misty Street, a musical group with leanings toward rock, pop, blues, and folk music. Since its inception in 2007, Misty Street has been active on the local music scene in Brandon and surrounding Westman area. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own chair and maintain physical distancing. In addition to these two live performances, a series of virtual performances are free and live-streamed on WCGtv Channel 12 SD / 1012 HD, WCGtv Video On Demand (VOD), and online at westmancom.com/personal/wcgtv/watch-live. A full list of virtual and live performances can be found at brandon.ca/events/music-in-the-park. (City of Brandon PSA)

No matter what type of food you’re craving, bdnmb.ca's Food Truck Warz selection of food trucks will satisfy your need. This year, the 4th annual Food Truck Warz will take place at the Keystone Centre from September 16-19. Winnipeg's Derek Collins is no-stranger to the restaurant, fair and food truck festival scene. The colorful Collins has participated in Brandon's Food Truck Warz numerous times (Phat Dawgs, Onion Bloom) and this year he is returning once again with a new entry, Wiggle Chips. Wiggle Chips serves seasoned chips on a stick topped with all your gourmet fixings. They also offer a variety of gourmet tater-tots. Judges at Winnipeg's ManyFest voted Wiggle Chips the most original entry in 2017. Additional information on the event can be found on our Facebook page here.

The FunSize Farmyard (near Shilo) is a brand new petting zoo offering a hands-on experience for the young in a unique farm like atmosphere. It's an ideal location for animal lovers of all ages to meet their furry and feathery friends which includes horses, goats, chickens, ducks, quail, guinea pigs, rabbits and a donkey. They are open 10-5 daily, except Mondays. Currently they are offering 1.5 hour timeslots ( $5pp no petting, or $8pp including petting) throughout that time period. Your time must be booked ahead of your visit, although they encourage people to phone if they are in the area and looking for something to do. There is always the possibility of an opening. The FunSize Farmyard is currently allowing 3 families per session. They hope to be able to increase that as time goes on and they figure out exactly the demands on the business. In addition to the petting zoo there is a play structure you are welcome to use and a short walking path with hidden Gnomes for the kids to spot. Additional information can be found on their Facebook page here.