The Manitoba government is providing $500,000 in one-time grant funding to ensure the continued success of Dauphin’s Countryfest, Premier Wab Kinew and Sport, Culture, Heritage and Tourism Minister Nellie Kennedy announced today. “As Manitobans are increasingly impacted by tariffs down south, it’s important to preserve the organizations here at home that create economic activity, drive tourism and support culture – making us proud,” said Kinew. “Supporting this event will make sure country music lovers can continue to kick off their summer with first-class entertainment.” With the help of more than 2,000 volunteers, Dauphin’s Countryfest is the longest-running Canadian country music festival. In addition to internationally well-known and well-established headliners, the festival frequently showcases local Manitoba-based artists, noted the premier. “Dauphin’s Countryfest has played an important role in launching the careers of Manitoba artists and is a driving force in supporting the vitality of the Dauphin area and community,” said Kennedy. “Our government is proud to provide this grant funding to ensure the festival’s continued success.” Dauphin’s Countryfest is an important event for the City of Dauphin, which relies on the festival’s success to provide important investments that drive economic activity in the region, noted the minister, adding the festival also supports a variety of community initiatives and organizations. “Our board is beyond thrilled with the provincial government’s acknowledgement of just how vital a role we play in Manitoba,” said Duane McMaster, president, Dauphin’s Countryfest. “We are truly thankful to be able to invite all Manitobans to once again join us at Canada’s longest-running country music festival, not just this year but for many years to come.” The 2025 festival runs from June 26 to 29 at the Selo Ukraina site, 10 kilometres south of Dauphin. To learn more about Dauphin’s Countryfest, visit https://countryfest.ca/.

The Winnipeg Whiteout Hype Tour will make a stop at the Shoppers Mall in Brandon on Friday, April 18 from 11:00am-1:30pm. During the event, in the parking lot beside East Side Mario’s, fans can expect; White Out gear available for purchase, prizes to be won, and music, games & tons of fun.

Manitoba Lacrosse is putting on a FREE referee clinic to anyone, who's looking to make a little extra cash. Brandon native, and former Westman Wildcat netminder, Kristen Campbell recorded a 24-save shutout (5-0) against Finland in her first ever start for Canada at the World Hockey Championship. Brandon Wheat Kings goalie Carson Bjarnason recently was announced a finalist for the 2024-25 Del Wilson Memorial Trophy, presented annually to the WHL Goaltender of the Year. Bjarnason recorded a 22-15-3-0 record this past season with a 2.93 goals-against average (GAA).  Another Wheat King Luke Shipley was named a finalist for the 2024-25 Bill Hunter Memorial Trophy, presented annually to the WHL Defenceman of the Year.  Shipley amassed 57 points (20G-37A) in 60 games this past season. Former Brandon Wheat Kings U18 AAA, and present Northern Manitoba Blizzard, player Loughlan McMullan is off the the MJHL championship after disposing of the the Winkler Flyers in their semi-final matchup. The Blizzard now wait on the winner of the Dauphin Kings vs Portage Terriers matchup to see who is the league's best. Dauphin presently leads that series 3 games to 2. A pop-up disc golf tournament for players of all skill levels will be held in Brandon (Canada Games Park) on Saturday, May 24 from 8:30 AM - 04:30 PM. To register, or for additional information, please see the following link. Brandon Bobcats basketball player Sultan Haider was recently selected as the 1st pick overall in in the 2025 Canadian Elite Basketball League Draft by the the Montreal Alliance.

Week 1 of the 2025 Source for Sports AAA Hockey Challenge concluded earlier today. The tournament will then take a week off before resuming for two additional weekends; April 24 – 27 and May 1 – 4 will all games taking in place in Brandon. 2017 Silver  Jake Chandler scored two goals as the Synergy Wolves (pictured above) extended their winning streak to five games with a 6-4 conquest over the Central Plains Capitals at J and G Homes Arena on Sunday. Rounding out the scoring for the Synergy Wolves was Rhett Manns and Kylo Rae, Tucker Gray and Ryder Minshull each adding single tallies. Beau Findlay added two assists. Goaltender Blske Bell turned aside 10 shots for the Synergy Wolves in the win. Cashing in for the Central Plains Capitals was Mason Henderson, OLIVER HURRIE, BENTLEY GRAHAM and WESTON SIMPSON chipping in with a goal each. Goaltender WALKER POTVIN made 14 saves in the loss for the Central Plains Capitals.   2016 Silver Jackson Hilts turned aside all 14 shots he faced and Griffin Daviduk scored a hat-trick and added two assists as the Wheatland Wild won the 2016 Division with a 8-0 defeat over the Dakota at J and G Homes Arena. Adding markers for the Wheatland Wild was Rory Zawislak with two goals, Jayden Ryan and Easton McKay and Holt Arnason with a goal each. Callahan Smalley added three assists and Daviduk added two assists. Goaltender Nicholas Belohlavek made 25 saves in the loss for the Dakota.   2016 Gold Bryce Bell scored two goals to lift the Central Plains Chiefs to a 6-4 conquest over the Stealth Wolves at J and G Homes Arena on Sunday to win the 2016 Gold Dision.. Capping off the scoring for the Central Plains 2016 was Riley Ozunko and Jayden Boschman, Levi Hay and Cam Klassen each adding single tallies. Goaltender Kit Proctor turned aside 21 shots for the Central Plains 2016 in the win. Sniping for the Stealth Wolves was Colby Hodson with two goals and Ryder Henderson and Caisen Robertson contributing with a goal each. Knox Buskell added two assists. Goaltender Johnny Henderson made 12 saves in the loss for the Stealth Wolves.

Credit: May Contain Studio-Courtesy of Travel Manitoba While Manitobans and Canadians continue to look for ways to support local with their travel plans, Travel Manitoba has received an additional $4.5 million from the Manitoba government to boost the provincial economy and showcase Manitoba to Manitobans, the rest of Canada and the world. “Tourism is a key part of what makes Manitoba such a dynamic place to live, work and visit,” said the Honourable Nellie Kennedy, Minister of Sport, Culture, Heritage and Tourism, speaking at an event to mark the start of National Tourism Week. “With this investment, our government recognizes the importance of tourism and the role it plays in the economic well-being of our province. Travel Manitoba has a track record of success in growing tourism in ways that benefit all Manitobans.” “Investments in tourism are investments in Manitobans,” said Colin Ferguson, President and CEO of Travel Manitoba. “Manitoba is home to incredible heart-stirring tourism experiences that attract travellers from across the country and around the world. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, travel not only creates unforgettable memories but also supports businesses, jobs and investment in communities throughout Manitoba.” Ferguson noted the additional investment will allow Travel Manitoba to be more competitive in promoting Manitoba in key markets encouraging Manitobans, Canadians and travellers from around the world to discover what makes Manitoba a world-class, demand-generating travel destination. Of those dollars, 10 per cent will be earmarked for Indigenous Tourism Manitoba. “In just a few years, we have seen the number of Indigenous tourism businesses double,” said Holly Courchene, CEO of Indigenous Tourism Manitoba. “Manitoba is home to authentic and meaningful Indigenous experiences and this funding will help us support their growth and showcase them to the world.” In Manitoba, the impact of tourism is felt across the province. In 2023, the province welcomed 10.4 million visitors who spent $1.82 billion dollars, contributing $373 million in provincial tax revenues. These tax dollars can be invested in things that benefit all Manitobans including infrastructure, healthcare and education. Tourism is responsible for over 25,000 jobs in Manitoba. Kennedy presented Travel Manitoba and Indigenous Tourism Manitoba with an official proclamation to kick off National Tourism Week. “I encourage everyone to embrace the spirit of exploration and appreciation for our province’s incredible experiences. By supporting tourism businesses, experiences and attractions, we strengthen communities and build a stronger Manitoba,” Kennedy said. Tourism success will be on full display this week when the achievements of Manitoba’s tourism industry take centre stage at the third annual Tourism Awards Winnipeg | Manitoba. Hosted on April 10 by Travel Manitoba and Tourism Winnipeg, this prestigious event recognizes outstanding contributions in promoting Winnipeg and Manitoba as must-visit destinations. From May 27 to 30, Travel Manitoba and Tourism Winnipeg will welcome the world to Winnipeg for Rendez-vous Canada 2025, the nation’s premier travel trade show. This flagship event, held by Destination Canada and the Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC), brings together international travel buyers with Canadian tourism businesses in a marketplace-style event. “Hosting this event in Winnipeg reinforces Manitoba’s position as a world-class destination and underscores the province’s growing reputation as a leader in the tourism industry,” said Ferguson. “Tourism benefits Manitobans beyond dollars and cents. Festivals, major events and local attractions provide spaces for residents to connect, celebrate and engage with their communities. Cultural experiences highlight Manitoba’s rich and diverse heritage while the province’s vast natural landscapes, wildlife and world class fishing give locals and visitors alike the opportunity to explore and appreciate its beauty,” said Kennedy.