Dale Hutchings, a skilled local handyman, has found a unique way to combine his craftsmanship with a popular backyard game: cornhole. Dale, who began making cornhole boards 1.5 years ago, has quickly turned his hobby into a growing side business, providing custom-made boards to the community. The journey started when he created his first set for his family, with his daughter contributing a special touch by painting the boards. This initial design has since become the foundation for many of his creations. Dale’s attention to detail and commitment to quality are evident in the materials he uses. Each board is crafted from 3/4” birch plywood, paired with premium-grade 2x4’s that have fewer knots for added stability. The legs of the boards are designed to fold, making them easy to transport and store. To ensure durability and weather resistance, Dale treats all the wood with a high-grade lacquer, applying two coats to the base, bottom, and legs, and three coats to the top surface. One of the standout features of Dale’s cornhole boards is the level of customization he offers. “I work with each customer on colors, designs, logos, and even bag colors,” Dale says. Whether it’s a simple design or something more intricate, Dale takes pride in bringing his customers’ visions to life. The basic sets typically take 1-2 weeks to complete, while custom orders, depending on the complexity, can take anywhere from 2-4 weeks. For customers looking to add an extra flair to their boards, Dale collaborates with Cor Enterprises on Park Avenue, where the boards are enhanced with logos, designs, or words. The designs, which can be up to 12 x 12 inches in size, are created by two skilled ladies at Cor Enterprises. Additionally, Dale has partnered with Accent Striping for customers who want their boards completely wrapped. He can also supply the cornhole bags, ordering them from two different companies that offer a wide variety of color options. Dale emphasizes the importance of planning ahead when placing an order, as the turnaround time can vary depending on his workload and the availability of his partners. To secure a custom order, a 50% deposit is required. Customers can reach out to Dale via email at hutchingsdale1973@yahoo.com or through Facebook Marketplace for additional information and pricing options.. In addition to his standard offerings, Dale also provides options for adding lights and scoreboards to the boards at an extra cost. As demand for his cornhole boards grows, Dale remains committed to delivering high-quality, personalized products that bring joy and entertainment to backyards across the community.

Souris, Manitoba, is a hidden gem in the heart of the Canadian prairies. With its rich history and charming attractions, it’s a perfect destination for a day trip or a leisurely afternoon. Nestled in the quaint town of Souris, the Whistling Donkey (94 First St S) is a cozy restaurant known for its welcoming atmosphere and delicious food. As soon as you walk in, you will be greeted by the friendly staff and the warm, rustic decor that made you feel right at home. The restaurant is always buzzing with the chatter of locals and visitors alike, creating a lively yet relaxed environment. The menu offers a variety of mouth-watering options, from a classic BLT sandwich to their massive philly steak sandwich (pictured below). Those with a slightly larger appetite will want to check out their sirloin steak sandwich, served on garlic bread and topped with mushrooms and an onion ring.     The staff go out of their way to ensure that every guest has a memorable experience. It is clear that this restaurant is more than just a place to eat; it is a community gathering spot where people came to connect, share stories, and enjoy each other’s company.   Once lunch is done, be sure to check one of the town’s most famous landmarks: the Swinging Bridge. Spanning the Souris River, this historic pedestrian bridge is the longest of its kind in Canada and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The Swinging Bridge isn’t just a beautiful spot; it’s also a piece of history. The bridge has been rebuilt several times over the years, most recently in 2013, after being damaged by floods. Despite these challenges, it has remained a symbol of resilience and community spirit in Souris.

A somewhat new term in the restaurant business over the past 4 - 5 years is Ghost Kitchen.   Basically a restaurant attempts to do a totally different menu and type of food but prepared and cooked from a current restaurant are you confused ..... so am I. Mosey's Southern BBQ has come to Brandon and located in Boston Pizza.   You can only through food apps such as Skip and others. https://www.skipthedishes.com/moseys-southern-bbq-2040-marshall-line The menu will feature pulled pork, chicken, mac and cheese, and smokey beef etc.  

Johnny Reid's "Christmas with Johnny Reid" tour is making a stop in Brandon, Manitoba on December 13, 2024. This festive concert will take place at the Western Manitoba Centennial Auditorium, starting at 7:30 PM. Reid, a multi-JUNO Award-winning artist, will be performing a mix of personal holiday favorites, cherished Christmas classics, and sharing inspiring stories to get everyone into the holiday spirit. Reid and his band bring you a festive evening of holiday originals and beautiful renditions of the Christmas songs you know and love. This event is part of a broader tour across Canada, celebrating the season with Reid's signature blend of soulful music and heartfelt storytelling. Other stops on the tour includes performances in Calgary, Regina, Winnipeg and Thunder Bay. Tickets for CHRISTMAS WITH JOHNNY REID are on sale starting August 23 at 10am local time and available at the Western Manitoba Centennial Auditorium Box Office, or by calling 204-728-9510.

The excitement is building as Big Daddy's Perogies & More prepares to make its first-ever appearance at the highly anticipated 2024 edition of Brandon's Food Truck Warz. This event, which draws food lovers from across the region, is set to showcase some of the finest culinary offerings, and Big Daddy's is ready to make a big impression. Known for their handmade perogies and a variety of comfort food favorites, Big Daddy's Perogies & More has been winning over hearts and stomachs of people at all events they participate in. Their upcoming debut at Food Truck Warz promises to introduce even more people to their delicious, homestyle cooking. In addition to their famous perogies, Big Daddy's will offer a selection of other comforting dishes, including a BBQ beef brisket sandwich, Ukrainian taco, perogie pie, kubi snack, and the Big Daddy El Grande Taco Supreme (pictured above) consisting of a 10" perogie shell, lettuce, tomatoes, taco beef, spicy cheese sauce, and sour cream. Brandon's Food Truck Warz 2024 is shaping up to be a fantastic event, and the addition of Big Daddy's Perogies & More is sure to add a rich, cultural flavor to the festivities. Attendees can look forward to indulging in some of the best comfort food around when Big Daddy's rolls into town. Food Truck Warz takes place September 13-15, 2024 at the Keystone Centre and will offer 26 Food Trucks from all over Manitoba. In addition Select Shows will return to Food Truck Warz. $5 per person Children 12 & under FREE. Free Parking. Facebook event page here.