Brandon is set to get a little spookier this October as the annual Halloween Hop returns, offering families and thrill-seekers a chance to enjoy frightful fun while supporting local charities. Running from October 14 to 31, the Halloween Hop invites residents to visit three participating “spooky stops” — Alternative Choice Garden, Green Spot, and Livingstone Outdoor. Each location has prepared festive displays and seasonal attractions, with Livingstone Outdoor hosting its popular Haunted House at 1610 Byng Avenue. The haunted house, which has become a Halloween staple in the city, promises a mix of eerie rooms, special effects, and jump scares. For younger visitors or those preferring a gentler experience, a special “no scare” hour will run nightly from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. Admission is $10 for ages 12 and up and $7 for children under 12, with proceeds going to support organizations such as Big Brothers Big Sisters of Westman and Habitat for Humanity Manitoba – Brandon Chapter. Participants can also pick up a Halloween Hop passport at any of the three locations. Collecting stamps from all stops earns an entry into the Grand Prize Draw, with gift cards from each business up for grabs. The event not only provides Halloween entertainment but also strengthens community ties by bringing people together in support of local causes. With haunted houses, family-friendly fun, and prizes on the line, the Halloween Hop is shaping up to be one of Brandon’s must-visit events of the season.

L to R: Landon White (Principal), Heather Heide (Librarian), Sandrine Conrad (Worker, Westman Mental Wellness & Suicide Prevention Association), Cathy Williams (Co-Founder, Westman Mental Wellness & Suicide Prevention Association), Derian Penziwol (Boissevain Branch Manager, Sunrise Credit Union) We are excited to announce that we have been awarded an Empowering Your Community Grant valued at $10,000 from Concentra & Equitable Bank to continue our School Mental Health Resource Libraries project. At Sunrise Credit Union, we are dedicated to giving back to our local communities and our youth. We believe that investing in young people today is an investment for the future as we aim to create opportunities that help them grow, thrive and succeed. This grant, in partnership with the Westman Mental Wellness & Suicide Prevention Association, will go towards an initiative to bring mental health resource libraries to 14 schools across Western Manitoba. These resources will be available to students aged 5 and up, along with their educators, and will feature age-appropriate literature that is professionally reviewed, sourced, and supported. Each library will include paper and digital books, wellness activities, workbooks, and mental health content, including directories for available support through local, provincial, and national services and programs. They will be designed to spark meaningful conversations, empower youth, and work towards reducing the stigma. Establishing these libraries in schools not only provides students with access to these valuable mental health and wellness resources, but it also extends the support to our communities. By integrating these libraries into our educational spaces, we are creating safe environments for our youth and educators, and therefore their families to find support and information. The resources will be reviewed annually by mental health professionals and educators to ensure that they are up to date and relevant. This grant builds on Sunrise’s $16,000 contribution in 2024 to the Westman Mental Wellness & Suicide Prevention Association, further strengthening our long-term commitment to supporting youth mental wellness in Manitoba. We can inspire hope while building brighter futures by working together. Westman Mental Wellness & Suicide Prevention Association is a registered Canadian Charitable organization run by a group of dedicated volunteers. The Association provides funding and support to individuals, organizations and communities for initiatives supporting mental wellness and suicide prevention.

Brandon’s restaurant scene is about to get a new flavor. JayTads Lechon and Food Hub will officially open its doors tomorrow, offering residents a taste of the Philippines through some of the country’s most popular dishes. The restaurant is located at 1890-18th St N. Dine-in, takeout, and delivery will be available.. The menu will feature Filipino classics such as lechon, a slow-roasted pork dish known for its crispy skin and tender meat, kare-kare, a peanut-based stew with vegetables and meat, and pansit bihon, a rice noodle stir-fry. Guests can also look forward to staples like lumpia (Filipino spring rolls) and bagnet, a deep-fried pork belly dish prized for its crunch. With Filipino food becoming increasingly popular in Manitoba, JayTads Lechon and Food Hub adds another layer of diversity to Brandon’s growing culinary landscape. The restaurant will certainly become a welcoming space for both the Filipino community and those new to the cuisine.  

Riding Mountain National Park is  reopening the Boreal Trail. Located within a half-hour drive from Dauphin, this easy and accessible 1.2 km loop has long been a favourite among families, nature lovers, and the local community. The Boreal Trail winds through the boreal forest, crosses fenland, and offers tranquil views of Jackfish Creek. New bridges, boardwalks, benches, and trail tread support a refreshed visitor experience in this sanctuary of towering trees and glistening water. Designed to be accessible for all ages, including families with strollers and people who use mobility aids, time on the Boreal Trail offers opportunities for locals and visitors from afar to discover and connect with the incredible nature and history of Riding Mountain National Park. Parks Canada administered places are committed to providing visitors with high-quality and meaningful experiences. One feature along the trail is a new exhibit, developed in collaboration with Anishinaabe Elders, that highlights how wetlands connect land and people through water and describes the importance of the boreal forest to life and creation. The trail is open year-round. In summer, it is maintained for hiking. In winter, it remains open as a multi-use trail. Visitors are encouraged to plan ahead by checking current trail conditions, seasonal changes, and temporary closures on the Riding Mountain Trail Conditions webpage.

In the heart of Brandon, residents have a new place to get their hair trimmed, styled, and shaved: Jaysh Barbershop opened its doors recently at 211 12th Street. Owner Jayesh is no stranger to the local grooming scene, having previously worked at Tommy Guns in Brandon’s Shoppers Mall. Now, he’s branching out, applying his experience and personal touch to his own venture. Offering a full range of barber services — from classic haircuts and straight-razor neck shaves to beard trims and styling — the shop aims to serve clients of all ages. Pricing is competitive, with promotions such as a 10% discount on classic haircuts for a limited time and a client loyalty card. The online appointment system is already operational, with many booking slots filling quickly.