June 30, 2018 (Dauphin MB) -- The rain didn’t stop thousands of poncho-clad music-loving patrons from soaking up the sounds at Canada’s longest running country music festival. James Barker Band kicked off the evening as clouds rolled in and opened up over the festival site. Even though their set was cut short by the incremental weather, they did not disappoint the audience by returning for an unplugged version of their latest hit Chills.  Dallas Smith hit the stage delivering a driving country and rock set, undeterred by the rain coming down. Fans filled Countryfest’s amphitheatre to the brim for highly anticipated headliners Florida Georgia Line. The powerhouse duo, who played the festival in 2013, greeted the crowd by acknowledging Dauphin’s penchant for partying, along with the wet weather. “We know you Canadians like to rock! Even in the rain…” Dallas Smith joined Florida Georgia Line in their rendition of Morgan Wallen’s Up Down to bring to a close another memorable Friday night on the Club Regent Casino & Event Centre Main Stage. Festival patrons returning to the amphitheatre on Saturday will find out more about what Dauphin’s Countryfest has in store for the 30th anniversary coming up next year, in 2019. LINE-UP FOR SATURDAY JUNE 30: Club Regent Casino & Event Centre Main Stage Wes Mack – 1:30pm Leanne Pearson – 3:00pm QX104 Songwriter’s Circle – 4:30pm Midland – 7:00pm Luke Combs – 8:30pm Eric Church – 10:00pm Bell MTS Stage Live Karaoke – 12:00pm Past the Perimeter – 3:00pm Russell Lee – 4:45pm Doc Yates – 6:30pm Leanne Pearson – 8:15pm David James – 10:00pm Aaron Goodvin – 12midnite DJ Skene – 1:30am Credit Union Corral Stage Megan Nash – 6:00pm Band of Rascals – 7:30pm Attica Riots – 9:15pm Snake Oil – 11:00pm CONTESTS CELEBRATE BEING CANADIAN: BACON COVERED IN MAPLE SYRUP EATING CONTEST – What’s a more Canadian thing to do on the Canada Day long weekend than indulging in as much bacon as you can eat… covered in maple syrup?? Whoever eats the most bacon in ten minutes wins $100 and one full year of bacon bragging rights. HOME HARDWARE CAMPGROUND CONTEST – This Countryfest tradition offers great prizes and a heck of a lot of fun! Campers go all out decorating campsites, campers, tents and trucks, as they try to one‐up each other for the title of “most creative” display. Winners are announced on the Club Regent Casino & Event Centre Main Stage on Saturday at 2:30pm. LIMITED TICKETS REMAINING: There are still a few tickets available at the gate! Saturday, Sunday $99 / Day Parking $25 / Plus applicable fees and tax.

 June 22, 2018 (Dauphin MB) -- We’re now less than one week out from the 29th Dauphin’s Countryfest and the festival site is looking great! If you’ve been waiting to get your tickets for Canada’s longest running country music festival… then you’ve waited for the right time.   Countryfest is releasing their artist holds, making a number of prime tickets and camping spots now available to the public. Tickets and camping spots can be purchased online at www.countryfest.ca, by calling 1-800-361-7300, or in-person at the Dauphin’s Countryfest office (28 2nd Avenue NE in Dauphin). Countryfest promoter Rob Waloschuk is looking forward to this year’s lineup: “We’ve got a great mix of country, rock, blues and roots, for a well-rounded music weekend, and something for everyone. It’s sure to be another terrific Canada Day long weekend in Dauphin.”

Treehouse TV's Splash'N Boots will be coming to Brandon's WMCA on Thursday, September 27, as part of their The Big Love, Kisses and Hugs Tour.  Since their inception in 2003 they have released 9 albums, 3 dvd's and have toured across the world performing their live show.  In 2007, 2012, and 2014, Splash'N Boots won the SirusXM Independent Music Award for Children's Artist/Group or Duo of the Year.  They have also been nominated for a Juno award on 4 separate occasions. Tickets go on-sale Monday, June 18 @ 10:00 am and start at only $26.00 each.  Tickets can be purchased at the WMCA's box office or online.

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.