So over the weekend it was well kind of boring and was doing accounting and schedule stuff and watching YouTube videos.  And a flash came over me to come up with a new monthly feature called Bits and Bites.   For the record I am kind of addicted to those things ..... great snack. Local business and news stories from Brandon. Highly anticipated Cora Breakfast and Lunch on 18th Street will open before the end of 2024. Vionell Holdings is in the process of expanding Rotary Villas and have a show suite available to see right now.   Also another Vionell project is the Edge 2 Building should be open July 1st. Darcy Willey new venture North America's first Hologram Zoo on Park Ave. should be open soon.  On line bookings and more info please refer to - https://www.facebook.com/nexgenfec KFC on the North Hill has reduced hours of operations from 24 hours a day to 9 am - midnight. Mobile Tech Lab located in the Corral Centre is now closed until further notice. Former Florida Panther second round pick and Brandon Wheat King defencemen Colby Robak has left Murray's to now be a full time trainer at FIT on 18th street.   Robak told BDNMB.CA that he is going to use the most modern methods plus some of the old school ideas to training his clients.   Former owner of FIT Jim Frederickson was a major influence on Colby. Photo Courtesy of C Train and Colleen Robak Any ideas please send your comments to darryl@bdnmb.ca or dwolski@2112hockeyagency.com    

Departing Montreal on November 21, The CPKC Holiday Train embarks on it’s annual trip across Canada. Now in its 26th season, The Holiday Train has raised more than $24.3 million and collected 5.3 million pounds of food in the process. The train is scheduled to make a stop in Brandon on December 5 at . In addition to an amazing display of lights the CP Holiday Train will also have live on board performers from Tyler Shaw and Shawnee Kish.  CPKC does ask those coming to visit the train to consider bring a donation of a non-perishable food item or cash to help area food banks. All the donated items and funds stay in the community. Location: Field south of the CPKC tracks north of Rosser Ave E, west of the Rosser Ave rail crossing Time: 19:00 - 19:30 The full list of Canadian stops can be found here.

The holiday season will officially begin in Brandon on Saturday, November 23rd, 2024, as the much-anticipated Brandon Santa Parade returns to light up the streets of Downtown. This year, the Parade is proud to present the theme “Christmas Around the World”, celebrating the cultural diversity of Brandon and bringing our many communities together to share in the holiday spirit. The parade will begin at 6:00 PM, promising an evening filled with festive floats, music, and, of course, the much-awaited arrival of Santa Claus himself. With many spectators expected to attend, the Parade continues to be a cherished tradition that unites families, friends, and neighbors in the celebration of the season. The Parade will feature a wide range of floats and performances showcasing holiday celebrations from different cultures, adding an extra layer of magic and wonder to this year’s event. Float Registration Now Open! Registration is now open for those who wish to enter a float in the Parade. Participating is easy! You can register your float online by visiting brandonsantaparade.com. There is an option for electronic submission or, if you prefer, you can print the form and submit it via email paradebrandon24@gmail.com or drop it off at the Dome Building, located at 1200 13th Street, Brandon. A black mailbox is available outside the building for your convenience. Don’t miss the chance to showcase your creativity and join in the festive fun! Parade Route and Road Closures The parade route will start at 6th and Rosser and run west on Rosser to 17th Street then back east on Princess. Spectators are encouraged to arrive early to secure their viewing spots and enjoy the festive atmosphere that will take over Downtown Brandon. Support and Sponsorship Opportunities The Brandon Santa Parade is made possible by the generous support of local businesses and community sponsors. Businesses interested in sponsoring the event or contributing in other ways are encouraged to contact the Parade organizing team for more information. Sponsorship packages are still available at various levels. For more information on how to get involved, visit brandonsantaparade.com or email paradebrandon24@gmail.com. Join Us for a Magical Evening The Brandon Santa Parade is not just an event – it’s a celebration of community, togetherness, and the joy of the holiday season. Mark your calendars for Saturday, November 23rd at 6:00 PM, and join us downtown for an evening filled with festive fun, twinkling lights, and holiday cheer from around the world!

Westman Communications Group (WCG) has been awarded $8 million from the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission’s (CRTC) Broadband Fund. This funding can potentially be used to bring fibre-based Internet to 16 rural communities in Manitoba, positively impacting nearly 1,500 households. “We are taking action to help ensure that all Canadians have access to high-speed Internet,” said Vicky Eatrides, Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer, CRTC. “The projects announced will bring fibre Internet to 16 rural communities in Manitoba. This will improve access to health care and other government services, support small businesses, and create new economic opportunities.” The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) launched the Broadband Fund in 2019 to help connect rural, remote, and Indigenous communities across Canada. Funding from the CRTC Broadband Fund is contributed to by large Canadian telecommunications service providers and is not derived from taxpayers. This additional funding will aid WCG in building over 300 kilometres of transport fibre infrastructure, further expanding the availability of reliable and high-quality Internet service. “The ability to bring fibre-based technology to more communities can allow for improvements to communication capabilities. It enables businesses to grow and participate in the global economy and helps to improve essential services such as health care,” said Eagle J. (Bud) Keys, President and CEO of WCG. “High-speed Internet is essential to community growth and sustainability. As a local Manitoba Cooperative, we are dedicated to connecting the Manitoba area and would like to thank the Federal Government for their shared commitment to our goal." WCG services over 80 communities and will continue to ensure that under-served areas receive the connection typically reserved for major urban areas. To learn more about WCG and the services they offer, visit www.westmancom.com.

The Keystone Centre is excited to announce a partnership with McCain Foods and Westman Communications Group to introduce 100% recyclable aluminum cups to all concession stands and bars in Westoba Place for the upcoming hockey and special events season. Starting this fall, fans attending events at the Keystone Centre will be able to enjoy their favourite beverages in eco-friendly cups that not only reduce waste but also provide a unique brand experience. Each cup will feature the logos of all three partners - McCain Foods, Westman Communications Group, and the Keystone Centre - as well as a QR code directing fans to a one-stop hub for ticket purchases, 50/50 tickets, and more. "We are thrilled to partner with McCain Foods and Westman Communications Group to bring this innovative and sustainable solution to our venue," said Connie Lawrence, CEO of the Keystone Centre. "As we continue to work on elevating the fan experience at the Keystone Centre, we are committed to finding new and creative ways to reduce our environmental impact. This partnership allows us to do just that, by introducing a premium product that is also better for the planet. We believe that by working together, we can make a positive difference in our community while also providing our fans with an unforgettable experience." The new aluminum cups will be used at all hockey games, concerts, and special events held at the Keystone Centre throughout the season. Fans will have the opportunity to scan the QR code on the cup using their mobile devices to access exclusive content, including ticket offers, 50/50 tickets, and more. “McCain Foods is proud to partner with the Keystone Centre and Westman Communications Group on this initiative," said Diego Fernandes, Plant Manager of McCain Foods Carberry. "We believe that sustainability is important for our business and for our community, and we are excited to bring this innovative solution to the facilities many attendees." “Westman Communications Group strives to improve eco-sustainability across the Westman region,” adds E.J. (Bud) Keys, CEO & President of Westman Communications Group. “I am heartened that the Keystone Centre shares our vision in our eco-awareness and is proud to partner with them on the Aluminum Cup initiative. Our cooperation in environmental awareness is key to ensuring a greener Westman.” Fans can check out the brand new aluminum cups at the upcoming Brandon Wheat Kings home games October 4th, and 5th, and at the return concert starring Sawyer Brown with Shenandoah and special guest George Fox, October 27th.