Downtown Brandon will soon transform into a winter wonderland as the annual Brandon Santa Parade returns on Saturday, November 22, 2025, beginning at 6:00 p.m. The beloved community tradition is expected to draw plenty of residents and visitors eager to celebrate the start of the holiday season. The parade will wind its way through the heart of downtown, travelling along Rosser Avenue and Princess Avenue, featuring dozens of brightly decorated floats, festive music, and plenty of community spirit. Local  businesses and organizations will once again showcase their creativity with dazzling displays, while children and families eagerly await the grand finale — the arrival of Santa Claus himself. Each year, the parade highlights a special theme. Last year’s celebration, “Christmas Around the World,” paid tribute to the many cultures and traditions that make up the Brandon community. Organizers promise another memorable theme this season :Winter Wonderland" ensuring a magical experience for all ages. The event is free to attend, and spectators are encouraged to arrive early to secure a good viewing spot along the route. As always, attendees are reminded to dress warmly, as the evening parade often coincides with chilly November weather. In addition to the festive floats, the Canada Post food drive will take place during the parade. Volunteers will collect non-perishable food items to support the Brandon Christmas Cheer Board, helping local families in need during the holiday season. The parade’s festive lights, music, and family atmosphere make it one of the most anticipated events of the year in Brandon. From young children waiting to see Santa to adults enjoying the nostalgia and sense of togetherness, the parade truly captures the spirit of the season. So bundle up, grab a hot chocolate, and head downtown on November 22 to take part in one of Brandon’s most cherished holiday traditions — the Brandon Santa Parade.  

The wait is over! The moment we’ve all been waiting for is here  as Dauphins Countryfest has announced their artist lineup for 2026. This years headlining acts include:  Jelly Roll, Nate Smith, and Tyler Hubbard of Florida Georgia Line, They’ll be joined by Cameron Whitcomb, Owen Reigling, Brett Kissel, Hunter Brothers, BlackHawk, Noeline Hofmann, Hailey Benedict, Alli Walker, Thelma & James, and The Martin Boys—as well as Manitoba’s own Jade Turner, and The Sean Taylor Band. “This year’s lineup brings together some of the biggest names and brightest up-and-coming artists in country music,” said Rob Waloschuk Promoter of Dauphin’s Countryfest. “I have been doing this for a long time, there have been hills and valleys in this industry and we have been in the valley for the last couple years, we believe this lineup will be a huge step in revitalizing the festival. For the majority of this lineup, this will be the first time they ever grace our stage, which is an exciting accomplishment for our programming this year.” For country-music fans in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and beyond, 2026’s edition offers a chance to attend a festival that combines high-profile acts with a rugged prairie-camping vibe — within driving distance of Brandon, MB. With the festival gearing up for a big year, now’s the time to start planning: set aside the weekend, book accommodation or camping early, and monitor the festival’s social media for additional festival announcements. Ticket Information Members have until October 28th to purchase their camping and weekend passes. General Public On Sale begins October 30th at 9AM CST at www.countryfest.ca, or by phoning 1-800-361-7300.

Brandon Salutes is proud to host the “Salute to Veterans” concert Sunday, November 2nd at 1:00pm at Brandon City Hall. The is a FREE event featuring the music of the  Royal Winnipeg Rifles Band and the 26th Field Regiment Pipes and Drums. Enjoy an afternoon of great music honouring our military history and veterans. Proudly supported by the Royal Canadian Legion and the Army, Navy and Air Force Veterans Association. The Brandon Salutes is mission statement is: “to foster unity of the military and civilian communities in Westman, based on a mutual respect of their unique contribution toward a strong and proud partnership.”

4-H Manitoba is proud to announce the recipients of the 2025 Leaders of Tomorrow Scholarships. The Manitoba Government generously established a $1 million endowment fund with the Brandon Area Community Foundation, which provided $38,126 for scholarships this year. Four outstanding 4-H Manitoba members were selected to receive scholarships in support of their post-secondary education. “We’re very proud of this year’s scholarship recipients and excited to see where their paths take them,” said Greg Penner, President of 4-H Manitoba. “Each of them has shown real leadership, dedication, and a commitment to their communities. Supporting them as they take the next step in their education helps build a strong future for Manitoba.” 4-H Manitoba’s mission is to build leadership in youth and adults while developing essential life and leadership skills as members “Learn To Do By Doing.” “One hundred and twelve years ago, Canada’s 4-H movement began here in Manitoba, paving the way for a long and successful history of opportunities for Manitoba’s youth to develop leadership and communication skills while learning about agriculture and environmental sustainability,” said Agriculture Minister Ron Kostyshyn. “On behalf of the Manitoba government, I congratulate all of the 2025 scholarship recipients and extend my heartfelt wishes as they head toward a bright future in our province.”

This past Saturday evening, Canadian icons Blue Rodeo took the stage at Westoba Place at the Keystone Centre in Brandon as part of their “Lost Together – The 40th Anniversary Tour”. The evening consisted  of their classic hits, heartfelt storytelling, and dynamic live performance. They were joined on the tour by guest artist Adam Baldwin, who opened the show with his own flavour of East Coast-soul rock. All photos by Scramble Studio.