The Westman Gaming Expo will be taking place weekend (March 2&3) in the Manitoba Room at the Keystone Centre. The weekend will be filled with thrilling battles, strategic showdowns, and non-stop gaming action including games like Warhammer: 40,000, Super Mario Smash Bros., Magic: The Gathering and more! There will also be many vendors onsite. A new addition to the event this year is a sports card and memorabilia section hosted by CK Sports Cards. Over 60+ tables of sports cards and memorabilia.

The 26th annual Sioux Valley Dakota Nation’s Winterfest was held last weekend in Brandon and bdnmb.ca had staff photographer Scramble Studio on-hand to capture the following images from the event. The festival encompasses activities and events for all age groups including a square dance competition, talent show, wacipi, basketball, volleyball, hockey and moccasin games.

The Manitoba government is offering free park entry for the entire month of February to encourage Manitobans and visitors to explore the many winter activities available in provincial parks, Environment and Climate Change Minister Tracy Schmidt announced today. “February is a great time to enjoy Manitoba’s provincial parks,” said Schmidt. “We know affordability is top of mind for many families, so I am pleased to announce we are waiving the entry fee to all provincial parks for the month of February. We encourage all Manitobans to get outdoors and enjoy everything our beautiful provincial parks have to offer.” Vehicle permits are not required in any provincial park in February but Snopasses are still required for snowmobiles using designated trails. Entrance fees still apply in national parks. Manitoba’s provincial parks have many different trail systems scattered around the province with groomed trails for a variety of activities including cross-country skiing, fat biking, snowshoeing and hiking. Paint Lake, Spruce Woods and Turtle Mountain provincial parks also offer outdoor skating areas, hockey rinks and toboggan hills. Hecla/Grindstone Provincial Park has ice-fishing shelters on Lake Winnipeg that are free to use. People looking for downhill skiing and snowboarding experiences can visit the Asessippi Ski Resort in Asessippi Provincial Park or the Falcon Ridge Ski Slopes in Whiteshell Provincial Park. Park interpreters in Birds Hill, Spruce Woods and Whiteshell provincial parks are offering numerous guided programs that enrich visitor experiences and promote stewardship of Manitoba’s park resources, noted the minister. Highlights for the month of February include wolf howl hikes, snowshoe treks, ski clinics, quinzhee building and ice fishing. Event details and registration information can be found at www.gov.mb.ca/sd/parks. Teachers can also book free guided field trips to Birds Hill, Spruce Woods and Whiteshell provincial parks along with virtual programs to bring park interpreters into classrooms. Manitobans are encouraged to check trail conditions before visiting parks. Trail information and maps can be found at www.gov.mb.ca/sd/parks. Trail users are encouraged to help keep parks clean and beautiful by only using trails for designated activities, keeping dogs on leashes and practising the principles of Leave No Trace by removing everything that is brought in. For more information, visit www.gov.mb.ca/sd/parks/recreation-and-activities/trails/index.html#trailregulations. Annual park vehicle permits for 2024-25 will be available for purchase beginning on March 1. To buy a permit, visit www.manitobaelicensing.ca. Manitoba Parks has also started recruitment of seasonal staff for the upcoming summer.  Those looking for summer employment and career opportunities in provincial parks should visit www.gov.mb.ca/sd/parks frequently as more jobs are posted in the coming weeks. For more information on winter activities in provincial parks, visit www.gov.mb.ca/sd/parks and follow Manitoba Parks on Facebook and X.

The Westman Multicultural Festival is happy to announce its return for the first time since 2020. The Festival takes place from February 8 - 10, 2024, at various locations throughout Brandon. This three-day event promises to bring the community together with a celebration of diversity, culture, and unity. GO TO THE PAVILIONS! Featuring six pavilions representing Mauritius, Ukraine, India, El Salvador, Philippines, and Mexico, the Westman Multicultural Festival invites attendees to embark on a global journey without leaving Brandon. The festival kicks off on Thursday, February 8th, at 5:45 pm, with the opening ceremonies at the El Salvadorian Pavilion. Guests can anticipate an evening filled with cultural performances, traditional music, and a warm atmosphere that reflects the spirit of togetherness. Entry to all pavilions is free. One of the festival's highlights is the diverse culinary offerings, allowing attendees to savor authentic dishes from each country. Additionally, select pavilions will serve alcoholic beverages. Don't miss the chance to come "Together Again!" this winter at the Westman Multicultural Festival. The 2024 pavilions will be located at: EL SALVADOR:  North End Community Centre, 1313 Stickney Avenue HOURS: THU (Opening Ceremony) 5:00pm - 11:00pm, FRI 6:00pm - 10:00pm, SAT 2:00pm to 10:30pm INDIA:  Imperial Ballroom, Victoria Inn Hotel & Conference Centre. 3550 Victoria Avenue HOURS: FRI 5:00pm - 11:00pm, SAT 11:00am - 11:00pm MAURITIUS:  Westman Multicultural Centre, 403 13th Street HOURS: FRI 6:00pm - 10:30 pm, SAT 2:00pm - 10:30pm MEXICO:  Brandon Shrine Club, 1110 McTavish Avenue East. HOURS: THU 6:00pm - 10:00 pm, FRI 5:00pm - 10:00pm [after party 11:00pm - 1:00am], SAT 1:00pm - 10:00pm [after party 11:00pm - 1:00am] PHILIPPINES:  Knox United Church, 451 18th Street HOURS: FRI 6:00pm - 10:00pm, SAT 1:00pm - 10:00pm UKRAINE:  Ukrainian National Home, 1133 Stickney Avenue HOURS: THU 5:00pm - 11:00pm, FRI 5:00pm - 11:00pm, SAT 12:00pm - 11:00pm To plan your festival experience and get more information about the pavilions, visit Go To The Pavilions .com | gotothepavilions.com.

A day filled with laughter, joy, and limitless adventures at Family Fun Day, presented by the Keystone Centre and Limitless Events. Proceeds from this event will support Westman Dreams for Kids, making a positive impact on our community. February 3, 2024 Two Time Slots Available: 11 am - 1 pm and 2 pm - 4 pm $2 Entry Fee (Proceeds support Westman Dreams for Kids) Open to All Ages Get ready for an epic adventure with interactive inflatables, obstacle courses, bounce houses, giant games, arcade thrills, inflatable axe throwing, an exhilarating mobile zipline, and more! Let’s make lasting memories together while supporting a great cause.