The sparkling display of holiday lighting at the MB Hydro Power Smart Waterfall of Lights is on. The Power Smart Waterfall of Lights is located immediately west of the City of Brandon’s Parks Services Complex on 2020 McGregor Avenue. The displays will be turned on and remain lit from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. nightly through the winter season. No public vehicles are allowed in the direct area of the Power Smart Waterfall of Lights display. The public is encouraged to park in designated areas on McGregor Avenue or Hilton Avenue and walk through the area to view the lights. The City of Brandon asks all members of the public to enjoy the lighting displays at a safe distance and not to walk in areas where power cords are present. Depending on the weather, the ice will go in for 2023 season soon.

It's fantastic to hear about Austin Dobrescu's new venture, EVO Golf, in Downtown Brandon. The facility is a modern and well-constructed space that caters to both hardcore golfers and casual fans. The convenience of parking at 545 Pacific Ave. adds to the appeal of the location. Cesha - Stacy and Kerry Austin feels during the COVID-19 pandemic, when many activities were limited, reflects an understanding of the increased popularity of golf during such times. The inclusion of various putting games and contests for different skill levels is a thoughtful touch, making the facility accessible to a wide range of golf enthusiasts. The plan to obtain a full liquor license and introduce food services in the coming months indicates a commitment to creating a complete and enjoyable experience for visitors. The incorporation of fitness areas and an interactive putting green further enhances the overall offering. It's exciting to hear about leagues already starting and the positive reception of Austin's concept. The state-of-the-art shooting bays and the intention to create a social atmosphere, especially in the evenings, make EVO Golf not just a place for honing golf skills but also a community hub. Interactive Putting Green The future plans for private parties and events showcase a forward-thinking approach to making EVO Golf a versatile destination. Congratulations to Austin Dobrescu on the successful launch of EVO Golf, and best wishes for its continued success in providing a great golfing and social experience for the people of Brandon and Western Manitoba. Of note, Brandon Downtown Development Corporation did help EVO Golf in assisting with the development of his space. EVO Golf https://www.evogolf.ca/

Westman Communications Group (WCG) has announced the Connecting Westman Funding Program will return for 2023. Applications are now open for all communities WCG serves. The program offers funding opportunities to schools with the intent to help fund school projects and school-driven initiatives. In 2022, WCG helped fund eight projects by contributing $25,000. The Connecting Westman Funding Program was implemented in 2021 and has been integral to WCG’s priority to give back to its communities. Schools will be able to apply for funding projects and other school-based initiatives. By investing in education institutes, WCG is working to foster growth and sustainability in communities across Manitoba. “The Connecting Westman Funding Program is an integral part of our cooperative ideals,” said WCG Marketing Manager Brandi Crowe. “The growth and success of WCG is due to the continued support of our members, and we’re happy to show our appreciation. This program has been a wonderful opportunity to give back in the past, and we expect this year to be just as impactful.” The Connecting Westman Funding Program is now open for applications until December 15, 2023. Before applying, please view our guidelines and application criteria at https://westmancom.com/connectingwestman-funding.

Little Chief’s Place, a family-run corner store in Brandon's south end, recently changed ownership. For more than two decades, Jim & Bonnie Osiname had been the friendly faces behind the counter providing groceries and goodwill to area residents. Under their guidance, Little Chiefs was a throwback to the small-town convenience stores of the past  where the store owner knows your name and your favorite snacks. Their friendly demeanor and dedication to customer service proved that it's not just the products on the shelves that make a store special but also the people who work there. Located at 2025 Lyndale Dr, the cozy convenience store has been a fixture of the neighborhood since December of 1997. The convenience store stocks a range of everyday items for people on the go such as snack foods, confectionery, lottery tickets, soft drinks, coffee, tobacco products, and more. Little Chief’s Place also is a Chester’s Fried Chicken location as well as an M&M Food Market Express location. Congratulations to the new owners and best of luck to Jim & Bonnie on their retirement.

NorthStar Insurance & Real Estate is hosting an Open House at their new Brandon location on Wednesday, November 8th. The new location, which officially opened on September 5th, offers personal, leisure, business/commercial and agriculture insurance to Brandon and surrounding communities. Brian Currie, Manager of Insurance Services at NorthStar is welcoming the public to the  event to help celebrate and meet Marley Enns, Insurance Broker at the Brandon location. “We’re inviting new and existing clients to stop by, meet Marley and learn more about our insurance options,” states Currie. The Open  House is taking place on Wednesday, November 8th between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm. “We’ll be offering treats, refreshments, giveaways and a chance to win door prizes,” says Currie. “Everyone is welcome to attend.” NorthStar Insurance and Real Estate is proud to deliver expertise within their communities, while helping their communities grow  stronger, one household and one business at a time. “The opening of a new office takes a considerable amount of time and work behind the scenes and we’re so excited to now be open to the public,” says Marlene Heise, Director of Wealth and Insurance Services at Fusion  Credit Union. “The community of Brandon has been so welcoming to us since we opened our doors. We’re inviting everyone to celebrate this huge milestone with us. It’s our way of thanking and giving back to the community.” The office is conveniently located beside Fusion Credit Union, at Unit E-1212 18th Street in Brandon. For more information regarding the grand opening, call 204-571-3929.