Little Ray's Nature Centre and the Foundation for Animal Rescue are bringing you a not to be missed event, February 22, 23, and 24 at the Keystone Centre. The exhibit will feature over 30 live animal exhibits, 2 highly interactive educational programs, plus loads of staff who will be circulating with animals for families to meet. Get face to face with a sloth, an alligator, an armadillo, a skunk, many more mammals, snakes, birds and much more. Also featuring brand new exhibits: Wild Canada – Celebrate Canada’s diverse species, Diversity of Living Things – Learn why natural biodiversity is essential and Responsibly Exotic – Responsible care of exotic pets. WHEN; February 22nd - 1:00 to 8:00 February 23rd - 10:00 to 5:00 February 24th - 10:00 to 5:00 ADMISSION: Buy admission at the door! Single Admission: $14.50 After fourth person in a group, each additional person is $10 Children 2 and under are FREE.

The typical comment that I often hear “there is nothing to do in the city”.  Anna Dumas owner of the Prairie Firehouse on Princess Ave begs to differ. March 8th at 7:00 pm the Prairie Firehouse will feature something brand new – Premium Speed Dating. https://www.facebook.com/events/2189864087774490/ The basics are this is open to the first 40 people and will be held in the private dining room.  The event will last roughly 2 hours and people will be able to hang around after and mingle if they so choose. Price is $30.00 per person and this includes some APPs and soft drinks.  A cash bar will be available as well. According to Dumas, she feels that this will be very successful just based upon the feedback from her circle of friends.  “We truly lack human interaction and my friends are not really interested in meeting someone on Tinder or Bumble or other dating apps that exist today”.  If the first one is a success Dumas feels she would do this monthly. The Firehouse has hosted many successful events such as Paint Night with Shane Robbins and Trivia Nights, Karaoke Nights, and Wine and Yoga.

Photo gallery from last evening's sold out Paul Brandt, High Valley, Jess Moskaluke and The Hunter Brothers show at the Keystone Centre.  The Journey Tour 2019 will be in Dauphin tonight at Credit Union Place (200 – 1St Street SE).  Thanks to Jamie Willey (Studio 78) and Chrystal Jensen for the photos.

Canada’s Premiere Classic Rock Festival is headed back to Minnedosa in 2019 for three days of outstanding classic rock under the summer sun.   Collective Soul, 54-40, Tom Cochrane, Platinum Blonde and the Sam Roberts Band will all take to the main stage at the 16th annual festival. Saturday night's headliner Collective Soul is an American based rock band who rose to international fame in 1993 with their song “Shine.”  Some of their other notable singles include “The World I Know,” “Precious Declaration,” “December,” and “Where the River Flows.” The rest of the festival lineup includes: April Wine, Sass Jordan, Lee Aaron, Harlequin, Streeetheart and the Battle of the Bands winner.  Tickets go on sale February 8 at 10:00am! Rockin' the Fields of Minnedosa 2019 takes place August 2-4.  With hot showers, vendors, ice, camping, water and septic service, garbage and recycling pick up, onsite security and first aid there are many ways to keep yourself comfortable.   Additional festival information is available at rockinthefields.ca or at 1-888- 330-8333.

With less than two months to go until the 2019 Royal Manitoba Winter Fair, organizations are putting the final touches on the attractions line-up for this year’s fair. At the top of that list is a brand new dog show, the WoofJocks presented by Fusion Credit Union.   “We are here to support our members and to build prosperity in our communities in any way we can.’ Said Ron Hedley, Fusion Credit Union CEO.“ Offering financial advice to members, supporting local businesses, being a good employer or sponsoring causes that are local, are important; we live here, too, so these things are important to us. We are proud to be a major sponsor of the Royal Manitoba Winter Fair with new entertainment - the Woof Jocks. The Woof Jocks will replace the Superdogs show that has been a staple attraction at the fair for many years.  “Adding a fresh new dog show to an already great line up of main arena entertainment is the perfect fit for this year’s fair.” Said Ron Kristjansson, General Manager of the Provincial Ex. A regular at Canada’s Wonderland, the WoofJocks team is excited to bring their incredible canine talent to Brandon. “On behalf of all the entire WoofJocks team (including the dogs!), let me just say that we feel very privileged and deeply honoured to be part of the Royal Manitoba Winter Fair.” Sais Karen Sandford , production manager and host of WoofJocks. “Everyone is incredibly excited, and we look forward to meeting many new friends, and showing you what these wonderful dogs can do.” Other feature attractions include the loveable Care Bear characters on Wednesday, March 27 for Credit union Family Day and the Shopkins Live musical performance on Brandon University Kids Day, Thursday, March 28. Daily horse shows, cattle shows and the wildly popular Royal Farm Yard are a must see for all visitors with new elements being added to all of the areas. Other family acts performing daily are Magic by Aaron Matthews, Illusionist Jesse Lewis, Juggler extraordinaire Craig Douglas, everyone’s favourite clown, Doodles and more musical entertainment being added to the Shur-Gro stage and the Barn Bar. The evening show includes high stakes equestrian show jumping with top caliber riders and horses competing for their share of close to $140,000 in prize money. The Hackney events and crowd favourite, Heavy Horse Hitch competitions will close out the evening show each day.