Brandon, MB – Construction of the Festival Park Project is well underway at the Riverbank Discovery Centre, with an anticipated completion later this summer. The project has been the recipient of some good news in recent days as fundraising continues and the community can start to see the impact that this venue will have on our community and region. A recent Seat Sale Fundraising Campaign raised over $56,000 towards the project, with many businesses and individuals purchasing amphitheatre seats to support the cause. Sponsored in part by Assiniboine Community College the campaign wrapped up last week. Each donor had their name entered in a draw for Dinner for Eight in the Private Dining Room at the 2019 Grey Owl Restaurant which was won by Pat & Cliff Bowslaugh. Also, this week, Enbridge officials were in Brandon to present a cheque in the amount of $30,000 from the Enbridge Community Investment Fund. The Festival Park initiative is one of 55 projects that have received support from Enbridge as they begin their Line 3 Replacement program throughout the region. Finally, Brandon Riverbank Inc. and the City of Brandon were recipients of the Partnership Award at the Tourism Westman Tribute to Tourism Awards Gala, held in Gladstone on June 13, 2018. This award recognizes alliances that demonstrate a cooperative approach to tourism development and promotion, the two organizations were recognized for their ongoing collaboration on the Festival Park Project which will create a beautiful new space in our region that will signify a multitude of product and event development opportunities in Brandon and southwestern Manitoba. Festival Park is a unique venue that is currently under construction at the Riverbank Discovery Centre. It will include an outdoor covered stage with amphitheatre seating for up to 3,000 spectators. In addition, the park will feature two new family picnic shelters, an internal trail system connecting to the larger pathway network and will be enhanced with trees, shrubs and native prairie grasses. As the result of a loan from the City of Brandon, construction will be completed in one phase and is expected to be finished later this summer.

  Rockin’ the Fields of Minnedosa has announced that day passes to the popular event held every August Long Weekend will be available for purchase on Friday June 15th.  Tickets will be priced at $80 until Thursday August 2 after which they will increase to $90. Previously announced performers Snake Oil Sinners Headpins, Helix, Honeymoon Suite, Buckcherry, Kim Mitchell, Trooper, Chilliwack, Three Days Grace, and Burton Cummings will now be joined by The Incredibly Hip.  There are more to be announced. Although campground A has sold out there are still some spots available in B. There are plenty of vendors, hot showers, and everything else needed for this to be your weekend of the summer. Additional information is available at rockinthefields.ca or at 1-888-330-8333. Get the latest on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Get up close to WWII trainers and talk with their pilots and crew.  Aircraft showcased include: 2 Tiger Moths, 2 Harvards, Cornell, Fleet Finch, Stinson, T-28 Trojan, Stearman Thursday, August 9th, 2018 Gates Open: 4:00 p.m. Air Display: 6:00 p.m. Location: Brandon Municipal Airport (CYBR) Admission : $10 (12 & under free) Web site http://www.airmuseum.ca/

June 10, 2018 BRANDON, MB – The 136th Manitoba Summer Fair is over for another year with just under 100,000 visits over the five days.   “Moving back to our historic Dome building in time for the fair was incredible.” Said Ron Kristjansson, general manager at the Provincial Exhibition of Manitoba. “We had a lot of visitors take the time to wander through and see the work that has been done. Moving our offices back to where our events take place was a particular goal for our organization.”   The fair organizers made extra effort this year to add elements that would attract a wide range of ages. ‘The Seniors Tea and Dance was a big success.” Said Ellen Murray, Co-Chair of the Manitoba Summer Fair planning committee. ”We had close to 200 guests attend the afternoon event and interest has already been expressed for a similar event in the future.” Dayle Hughson, Co-Chair of the Manitoba Summer Fair planning committee stated that the newly added Homecraft Competition brought out some of the most talented artists from Brandon and surrounding area. “We were thrilled by the response to the Homecraft competition. “ Said Hughson. “The talent featured in this year’s show was incredible and we expect this competition to continue to grow next year.”   The annual pancake breakfast was welcomed back to the Dome Building this year in the newly renovated space with over 1000 visitors on Sunday morning. “The breakfast is always a fair favourite.” Said Brent Miller, president of the Provincial Exhibition. “We intend to make good use of the space in this building and are already looking at new opportunities for the coming year.”   Next up for the Provincial Exhibition is Manitoba AG EX, home of the Manitoba Finals Rodeo October 24 - 27. Visit the website for more details at www.provincialexhibition.com.

The 63rd annual Brandon Traveller's Day Parade starts at at 11 am on Saturday, June the 9th.  The parade begins at the corner 6th Street and Rosser Avenue and makes its way through downtown, ending at the gates of the fair.  Annually, the parade attracts 60 - 70 entries and is free to the public to attend.