On Saturday July 22, 2017, every A&W restaurant in Canada will be pouring free frosted mugs of root beer from open to close. A&W Canada is looking to celebrate its roots, and are asking Canadians to raise a glass to the iconic beverage that day. "Root beer has a long history in Canada and A&W Root Beer has been a family tradition for decades," said A&W Canada's Senior Director of Marketing and Brand Communications, Tom Newitt. "On Free Root Beer Day we will be celebrating this, and our pioneering efforts to source simple, natural ingredients for the beverage." A&W has been on a relentless journey to source natural ingredients for all its menu options. The launch of A&W Root Beer crafted with natural ingredients earlier this month marked a significant milestone. A&W Root Beer is now made with natural cane sugar and natural flavours like sarsaparilla root, licorice, birch bark, and anise. About A&W Canada's Root Beer made with natural ingredients: Natural Cane Sugar: harvested from the sugar cane plant and identified by its caramel colour, natural cane sugar provides a fruity sweetness and floral aroma. Sarsaparilla Root: sarsaparilla is a plant with long vines and edible roots that lends distinct notes of vanilla, caramel and wintergreen. Birch Bark: light, fresh yet complex, birch bark brings a subtle earthiness to the smooth, delicious taste offering an almost delicate minty flavour. Licorice: natural licorice creates a richness of flavour in every sip with slightly bitter, sweet and spicy undertones. Anise: an aromatic spice delivering pleasant characteristics of fennel and tarragon, anise has been enjoyed as far back as ancient Egypt.

Brandon University Bobcats Media Release The BIRT Cup celebrated its tenth anniversary on Friday by welcoming about 200 golfers, but while it was supposed to be the finale it will not be the last however as the Brandon University Bobcats will officially take over the tournament. At Friday's event, BIRT Cup founder Scott Hlady officially announced that the Brandon University Bobcats will take over hosting duties, and continue the trend of supporting local charities and individuals. The tournament started in 2008 by Hlady, a BU hockey alum, and friends as a small summer gathering since has grown into an annual favorite. The tournament has raised money for local charities and sport organizations, all while providing the opportunity for local golf enthusiasts and sports fans to participate and have fun with members of the local sports scene. The fact that the tournament isn't ending but rather changing hands to something near and dear to Hlady is an exciting opportunity. "I think it's really exciting to know that something you started is revamping itself and going to a group that can help grow the tournament," says Hlady. "I spent five years in the program playing hockey for Brandon University and now my kids are developing in the local sport program, so to have the Bobcats take over to continue that tradition of what the BIRT Cup stands for and continue providing opportunities through sport is exciting to me as a community member," Hlady continues. The BIRT Cup stands for Basics, Integrity, Respect, and Tradition, four values Brandon University Athletics has always placed in high regard, and now the Bobcats will look to continue the tradition of excellence the BIRT Cup has created. "We are excited to be able to continue the work of the BIRT Cup into the future," says Russ Paddock, BU Athletic Director. "The BIRT Cup has created a legacy of giving back and being one of the most fun golf tournaments in our area. Brandon University Athletics looks forward to continue to bring the community together to support charitable sport organizations and individuals while providing participants a great day of golf and fun." The first Bobcat BIRT Cup will be held next summer. Further details are to be announced at a later date.

Precision Toyota will undergo some massive new changes over the next 18 months, according to Scott Ball from Precision. “It will be lots of work but worth it at the end of all of the reno’s“ Ball tells bdnmb.ca.  This will be a state of the art facility and the renovations will start in March 2018.  Precision Toyota is located at 404 18th St N, in Brandon. https://www.facebook.com/PrecisionToyota/

A post of Facebook Tuesday morning, by a Brandon resident, indicated that 5 Guys Burgers & Fries in Brandon was closing on July 30, 2017.  It took  us some time but BDNMB.CA eventually contacted the local establishment for confirmation and were informed that indeed the restaurant was closing on July 30th, and there was no plans to relocate/re-open.

On July 4th Trish Fjeldsted CFD added AIFD to her list of credentials. Accredited membership in AIFD is extremely selective and can be obtained only after a candidate has effectively demonstrated advanced professional ability of his or her floral artistry. Members proudly wear the "AIFD" addendum on their name to demonstrate that their peers have selected them to become accredited members of American Institute of Floral Design. They must continue to demonstrate their cutting edge art by meeting specified continuing education requirements and by helping pass on their expertise to others. What an incredible family I am now part of. The only thing that AIFD fosters more than the continuing education and growth of floral designers and the floral industry, is a constant feeling of community and friendship. We are so proud that Trish has been recognized by her peers in this way and we are proud to claim one of about 50 AIFD accredited floral designer's in Canada, right here in Brandon! Congratulations on reaching a lifelong dream, we can't wait to see what you will reach for next!