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.

Theresa Caputo, from TLC’s hit show, Long Island Medium, will be appearing live at Westoba Place at Keystone Centre on Saturday, April 13th at 7:30 PM. Theresa will share personal stories about her life and explain how her gift works. She will deliver healing messages to audience members and give people comfort knowing that their loved ones who passed are still with them, just in a different way. Tickets go on-sale Friday, February 1st at 10 AM and can be purchased at tickets.keystonecentre.com, charge by phone at 204.726.3555, and The Keystone Centre Box Office. Tickets start at $39.75 (plus applicable service charges) and are subject to change. Purchasing a ticket does not guarantee a reading. “The Experience” brings Theresa face-to-face with her fans, as she lets spirit guide her through the audience. A video display ensures everyone in the venue has an up-close-hands-on experience regardless of seat location. “The experience isn’t about believing in mediums. It’s about witnessing something life-changing” says Theresa Caputo. “It’s like Long Island Medium live, witnessing first-hand spirit communication.   The highly-rated show Long Island Medium follows Theresa’s life as a typical Long Island mom with one very big difference…she can communicate with the dead. Since she cannot “turn off” this gift, messages from departed loved ones can come through at any time, which lead to spontaneous readings with those she encounters. In addition to her television show, Theresa has appeared on such programs as “Jay Leno,” “Jimmy Fallon,” “Steve Harvey,” “Live with Kelly and Michael,” “Dr. Oz,” & “The Today Show.” Theresa’s latest book, “Good Grief: Heal Your Soul, Honor Your Loved Ones, and Learn to Live Again”, was released in 2017 and debuted on the NY Times Best-Seller List at #3. With her energetic, positive, and encouraging tone, Theresa uses the lessons from Spirit to guide the reader through grief toward a place of solace and healing. Theresa’s second book titled “You Can’t Make This Stuff Up” was released in September 2014 and debuted at #9 on the NY Times Best Seller List. Her first book titled “There’s More to Life Than This” was released in the fall of 2013. Theresa has been a practicing medium for over 20 years. She helps individuals find closure by delivering healing messages. For Theresa, this is not just her job... this is her life. Learn more about Theresa at www.theresacaputo.com.

The 16th Annual Westman Multicultural Festival kicks off Thursday, January 31.  This year there will be ten pavilions located throughout Brandon filled with food, drink, music, dance & culture from each of the participating countries.  A new pavilion (Jamaica) will be joining the cultural festival this year.  The pavilions are all FREE to attend.  A list of the Pavilions can be found at this link.

Classic Canadian hard rock bands  Helix, Killer Dwarfs, and Kick Axe will be hitting the stage at The 40 for one memorable concert.  The three bands have toured relentlessly throughout their careers and now they will be bringing their high energy show to Brandon on Saturday, March 23.  The Facebook event page can be found here. Helix has four gold and 2 platinum albums to their credit.  Popular singles include Rock You, Gimme Gimme Good Lovin’, (Make Me Do) Anything You Want, Running Wild In The 21st Century & Dream On. The Killer Dwarfs self-titled debut album was nominated for a Juno in 1983.  Hits include ‘Doesn’t Matter’, “Hard Luck Town” “Cowboys and Conmen “ & the chart topping “Driftin Back”. Kick Axe received a gold record for their debut album “Vices”.  On The Road To Rock, Heavy Metal Shuffle & A Little Help From My Friends are among the bands most recognizable hits. Sale Dates and Times: Public Onsale : Thursday, January 24th, 2019 at 10AM, Advance Tickets $40+ GST

Finding the best restaurant food can often be tricky, especially while traveling in rural communities you are unfamiliar with.  Below is a listing of several must try restaurants located not that from from Brandon. In no particular order. Happy Chopstick (Melita):  Every small town in Manitoba usually has a great Chinese restaurant and Melita is no exception.  Huge portions of flavorful food at a decent price. Benny's Astoria Pizza (Shoal  Lake):  Quite possibly Manitoba's best pizza. The restaurant is also known for it's delicious lasagna and tasty chicken!  Stop by and see Brad today. The Pelican Campground & Lounge (Ninette): The campground/lounge had been closed for twelve years until re-opening in April of this year.  Stop in for Chef Geoff's 8oz homemade cheeseburger and perfectly seasoned fries.  The wings are pretty good too. Woodfire Deli (Souris):   Woodfired pizza, sandwiches, wraps, salads and more all served in a cozy atmosphere.  Catering also available. Hoysun Chinese Food (Deloraine):  Just like its neighbor Happy Chopstick 30 minutes away, Hoysun Chinese Food serves up some enormous portions.   The food is always fresh, flavorful and hot. Gopher Creek Coffee Company (Virden):   This small Bistro in Virden uses the best in scratch ingredients to make their food in house.   Vegan and gluten free options available.  Sandwiches, wraps, salads and breakfast features like the Belgian waffle with brown sugar pineapple compote, coconut whipped cream (pictured below).