Destination Canada recently announced the launch of Field to Fork, a Saskatchewan-Manitoba agritourism project, which will include the city of Brandon and surrounding area. Field to Fork is part of the Destination Canada Tourism Corridor Strategy Program, which aims to contribute to a more resilient tourism industry via accelerated destination development of multiple corridors across Canada. The corridor program will invigorate Saskatchewan and Manitoba’s tourism landscape, enticing visitors to discover the area’s diverse regions and contributing to a more dynamic and competitive tourism industry, states a Destination Canada press release issued late last month. As one of the largest and most productive agriculture regions in the world, Manitoba and Saskatchewan are primed to become global agritourism leaders. In Manitoba alone, the agriculture and agri-food sector directly contributed 7.2 per cent of provincial gross domestic product (GDP) and 5.1 per cent of provincial jobs or 37,015 direct jobs in 2023, according to Manitoba.ca. As the first-ever corridor that includes a culinary focus, Field to Fork will be developed with support from the Culinary Tourism Alliance with gateway cities including: Winnipeg, Brandon, Saskatoon and Regina. Visitors can gain a greater understanding and awareness of where our food comes from in Canada through farm-to-table culinary experiences, educational workshops, Indigenous agritourism and festivals. Agritourism also provides an opportunity for those attending business-related meetings or conventions to learn about industrial processes, their impact on society and the environment, and their role in shaping the economy. “Whether it’s annual events such as Manitoba Ag Days, which draw significant attendance numbers from outside the province, or culinary expertise with several local establishments showcasing local ingredients which are grown right in our own backyard, our city will greatly benefit from this corridor,” said Lanny Stewart, director of marketing and communications for Brandon Tourism. “This Field to Fork concept will generate a new, sustainable level of tourism that, in my opinion, could rival any agritourism sector around the world.”   Photo Credit - Ken Gillespie

Elmo, Abby Cadabby, Cookie Monster, and their Sesame Street friends to feature in an all-new live show, Sesame Street Live! Say Hello, on June 20th. Round Room Live and Sesame Workshop are proud to announce a new live show, Sesame Street Live! Say Hello. The live show will bring the beloved characters from the iconic Sesame Street to life in a brand-new interactive production that will tour the U.S. and Canada, with a stop in Brandon on June 20. Tickets for the Sesame Street Live! Say Hello will go on sale Friday, October 25th, with pre-sales starting Wednesday, October 23rd. For tickets and additional information, visit www.keystonecentre.com. Elmo, Abby Cadabby, Cookie Monster, and their friends from Sesame Street are coming to your neighborhood to say hello! At Sesame Street Live! Say Hello, sing, dance, and play alongside your favorite furry friends, all while you follow Elmo’s puppy, Tango, in a fun game of hide & seek. So put on your dancing shoes and make your way to where the air is sweet for this all-new celebration on Sesame Street! “We are overjoyed and honored to be collaborating with Sesame Workshop to bring a brand-new tour of Sesame Street Live to stages across the U.S. and Canada,” said Round Room Live Founder and Co-President Stephen Shaw. “Round Room Live has a long history of exciting, innovative, and engaging productions, and we’re thrilled to combine our dedication to premium, unforgettable entertainment with the beloved characters of Sesame Street in an interactive musical adventure that will create memorable experiences for families of all ages.” “For over 50 years, Sesame Workshop has worked at the intersection of education, media, and research, creating joyful experiences that enrich minds and expand hearts,” said Whit Higgins, Sesame Workshop Executive Vice President, Head of Global Enterprises. “Round Room Live has a history of working with new and iconic properties to create engaging and thrilling live events. We can’t wait for families and friends to enjoy this brand-new Sesame Street show filled with song, dance, and a few fun and furry surprises.” Fans can visit SesameStreetLive.com now for tour dates and ticket information, and follow Sesame Street Live social media for exclusive tour content. FOLLOW SESAME STREET LIVE Official Website: www.SesameStreetLive.com Facebook: @SesameStreetLive Instagram: @SesameStreetLive TikTok: @SesameStreetLive FOLLOW SESAME STREET Official Website: www.SesameStreet.org Facebook: @SesameStreet Twitter: @Sesamestreet Instagram: @sesamestreet TikTok: @sesamestreet

The Manitoba Arts Network is excited to bring three public concerts to Brandon as part of Manitoba Showcase 2024. Featuring a diverse lineup of artists from Manitoba and beyond, these performances will take place on October 25 & 26, 2024, at Brandon’s Western Manitoba Centennial Auditorium, following a "No Ticket, Pay for the Value You Receive" model to make the concerts accessible to all. This year’s concerts offer a diverse lineup, including artists such as Quinton Blair, Leisa Way and The Wayward Wind Band, The Abrams, Fierbois, Leaf Rapids, and many more, including six RBC Emerging Artists. From country and rock to comedy with Molly’s Comedy Cabaret, the concerts promise an unforgettable experience for music lovers of all kinds. “The public concerts are a highlight of Manitoba Showcase 2024,” says Rose-Anne Harder, Executive Director of the Manitoba Arts Network. "We’re excited to offer this accessible Pay for the Value you Receive model so everyone can enjoy these incredible performances while supporting our local and national artists.” Beyond the concerts, Manitoba Showcase provides artists with an invaluable platform to connect with industry professionals, including presenters, agents, and media, helping boost their careers and expand their reach. This is a can’t-miss event for both the local community and music lovers across Manitoba. Kaitlyn Mitchell, General Manager of the Western Manitoba Centennial Auditorium, added, "Weare delighted here at the WMCA to have the Manitoba Arts Network Showcases return to our beloved venue. We are proud to support Manitoba artists and hope the public can join us for some wonderful  entertainment." Concert Schedule *Showcase 1: Friday, October 25, 2024 | 4:00 PM – 6:30 PM Featuring: Quinton Blair, Fierbois, Leaf Rapids, Terry Barbe3 * Showcase 2: Saturday, October 26, 2024 | 1:00 PM – 3:30 PM Featuring: Leisa Way and The Wayward Wind Band, The Abrams, Twin Flamed *Showcase 3: Saturday, October 26, 2024 | 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM Featuring: The Misery Mountain Boys, Low Budget Rock Star, Von Bieker, Molly’s Comedy Cabaret This project is made possible thanks to generous support from Manitoba Arts Council, Canadian Heritage, RBC Foundation, and FACTOR. For more information and to reserve your spot, visit the event page https://www.wmca.ca/events/r1sp8w3k8ikw2cbddedkihz9llsao3

 (Connie Lawrence speaking at Arabian Show announcement press conference. L-R: Devin Epp - Keystone Centre ag sales manager, Connie Lawrence - Keystone Centre CEO & general manager, Minister Glen Simard, Mayor Jeff Fawcett, Keystone Centre Board Chair Bruce Luebke) The Keystone Centre is thrilled to announce the highly anticipated return of championship Arabian horses with Canada’s National Arabian Championship Show. This prestigious event will take place August 7 – 16, 2025, marking the first national Arabian show since 2019 and promising to once again bring the excitement and energy of the Arabian horse community to the region. National Arabian horse championships have been a highlight of the Keystone Centre's annual events calendar in past years, attracting up to 800 horses, many of whom are accompanied by teams of as many as five owners, handlers, groomers and support staff. In previous years, this event has had a significant impact on the Brandon region, with hotels fully booked not only in the city but also in surrounding communities, as far as Moosomin and Portage la Prairie. This brand new show is run by the all Canadian management team and members of the National Arabian Breed Society. Canada's National Arabian Championship is more than just a competition; it’s a festive occasion that engages families and horse enthusiasts alike, creating vibrant social and economic activity. The show previously generated an economic impact of over $10 million and represented a significant budget line for the Keystone Centre. The return of a national event for Arabian horses is set to reinvigorate the local excitement and celebration of the spirit of Arabian equestrian excellence. Connie Lawrence, CEO & General Manager of the Keystone Centre, expressed her excitement about the return of the Arabians: “We are delighted to welcome back a National Arabian show to Brandon under the new name Canada’s National Arabian Championship. This event has always been a cornerstone of our annual programming, drawing in thousands of visitors and creating an incredible atmosphere. The Keystone Centre is committed to rebuilding this event with the National Arabian Breed Society, and ensuring that it continues to serve as a celebration of the Arabian horse breed and the community it brings together.” Dana Romijn, Secretary/Treasurer of the Canadian Arabian Horse Registry, and President of the National Arabian Breed Society, “We couldn’t be more excited to bring the Arabian Horse back home to Brandon with Canada’s National Arabian Championship. Our community thrives when we come together to celebrate our passions, and this show is a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved. We look forward to showcasing the beauty and grace of Arabian horses and connecting with horse lovers from across North America.”

The Keystone Centre is excited to announce a new partnership with Farmery Estate Brewing Company. This new partnership will see Farmery Estate Brewing Company supply ready-to-drink caesars, hard iced teas and a limited selection of their local craft beer. “We’re excited to welcome Farmery Estate Brewing to the Keystone Centre,” says Connie Lawrence, Keystone Centre CEO & General Manager. “Their dedication to local craftsmanship will bring a new dimension to our events, and enhance the experience of our guests.” Farmery, known for its locally crafted beers and commitment to sustainability, will complement the beverage offerings available at the Centre, providing patrons with an authentic taste of Manitoba’s brewing landscape. “Farmery Estate Brewery is incredibly excited to have our locally made products available at the Keystone Centre, says Chris Warwaruk, co-founder and co-owner of Farmery Estate Brewing. “It’s a great way to showcase the best of what Manitoba has to offer, right in the heart of Westman! Keystone Centre Extends Partnership with Molson Coors The Keystone Centre is excited to announce the extension of its pouring rights contract with Molson Coors, which will now run through 2027. Under this renewed agreement, Molson Coors will serve as the Official Beer Sponsor of the Keystone Centre, supplying a diverse range of beverages for all events held at the venue—including beer, malt beverages, ciders, and ready-to-drink cocktails. “Molson Coors is thrilled to extend our partnership with the Keystone Centre,” says Jesse Adamyk, Molson Coors district sales manager. “We believe Molson Coors is a natural fit with the Keystone Centre, and that our services, and exciting portfolio of brands will enhance the event experience.” This partnership is not only a commitment to quality beverages but also a dedication to enhancing the overall experience for our patrons. "We are proud to extend our partnership with Molson Coors, a brand synonymous with great taste and quality,” said Connie Lawrence, CEO & general manager of the Keystone Centre. “Their support plays a crucial role in our ability to host memorable events in our community." The Keystone Centre is dedicated to delivering outstanding experiences for its visitors, and with the continued support of Molson Coor, attendees can anticipate a fantastic variety of beverage options at all future events.