Let’s Do Something — Dec. 14, 2023

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 14/12/2023 (643 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

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TODAY

• 10:15 to 11 a.m. — Story and Song Circle with Michelle at the Brandon Public Library. Preschoolers can join Michelle for stories, songs and crafts. The presence of a caregiver or parent is required. No registration necessary.

FRIDAY

• 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. — Brandon Farmers’ Market takes place inside The Town Centre (800 Rosser Ave., Brandon). Local fresh produce, baking, jams and jellies, pickling, yarn, bison, beef, beeswax candles, crafts and more. This event runs year-round.

• 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. — Senior Central Dances are starting for the season every Friday (until Dec. 15) at the Central Community Centre (529 Fourth St.) with coffee and lunch to follow. Prairie Fire will provide the music. Cost is $15 per person. Come and join us!

• 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. — Horse-drawn sleigh rides, tasty treats, Christmas light displays, children’s activities. Bring your family and create an old-fashioned Christmas memory at the Manitoba Agricultural Museum’s Winter Wonderland in Austin. Cost is $5 per person; family $20 (2 adults, up to 3 kids).

• 7 p.m. — Singles Night — Jingle and Mingle at The Backyard on Aberdeen (1624 13th St. Unit B). Looking for someone special or just to meet new people? Live music by Jaadar, snack bar, cash bar and games. Tickets are $25. RSVP to singlesnights-buoa.rsvpify.com.

SATURDAY

• 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. — The second annual Winter Solstice Event, hosted by Sylvia Aeichele and Teresa Grudinski, will take place at the North End Community Centre (1313 Stickney Ave.). This is a Holistic Intuitive Healing event. Donations accepted for Samaritan House.

• 3 p.m. — Brandon Conservatory Chorale presents a Christmas Concert at First Presbyterian Church (339 12th St.). Doors open at 2:30 p.m. Features Marla Fontaine, Youth Choir Director, and Deanna Ginn, Bel Canto Director. Admission is $10 and 12 and under are free.

• 4 to 7 p.m. — The Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh, Brandon chapter is starting regular Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh Shakha by inauguration with Hindu Heritage Camp. This is a family event for people of all ages. We aim to teach about our Hindu Dharma, who we are and about our roots. Everyone is welcome to join us at Maryland Park School (700 Maryland Ave.), from 4 to 7 p.m. However, an RSVP is required by calling 204-901-1007 or visit Sardar Patel Cultural Group on Facebook.

• 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. — Horse-drawn sleigh rides, tasty treats, Christmas light displays, children’s activities. Bring your family and create an old-fashioned Christmas memory at the Manitoba Agricultural Museum’s Winter Wonderland in Austin. Cost is $5 per person; family $20 (2 adults, up to 3 kids).

• 7 p.m. — The Brandon Wheat Kings host the Moose Jaw Warriors at Westoba Place. Tonight’s game is the annual Teddy Bear Toss game with fans invited to toss teddy bears on the ice when the Wheat Kings score their first goal. Tickets available at the Keystone Centre box office.

SUNDAY

• Throughout the day — The 42nd annual Brandon Christmas Bird Count will take place today. Participants will count birds within a 15-mile diameter surrounding the city of Brandon. To participate you can join a group as a field counter within an assigned area or be a feeder watcher and count the birds that are attracted to your yard and feeders. All participants are welcome to attend a post-count potluck supper where participants will report sightings and the day’s count will be tallied. The Westman Naturalists are also organizing the Rivers Christmas Bird Count for Dec. 30. For more information and to fill out a form to join us, email westman.naturalists@gmail.com or visit westman-naturalists.github.io/events.

• 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. — Horse-drawn sleigh rides, tasty treats, Christmas light displays, children’s activities. Bring your family and create an old-fashioned Christmas memory at the Manitoba Agricultural Museum’s Winter Wonderland in Austin. Cost is $5 per person; family $20 (2 adults, up to 3 kids).

• 5 p.m. — Stars On Ice returns to the Westoba Place in the Keystone Centre with their special holiday performance. Elvis Stojko brings a star-studded cast of Canadian and international skaters, including Kaitlyn Weaver and Andrew Poje, Keegan Messing, Alex Knierim and Brandon Frazier, Satoko Miyahara, Kirsten Moore-Towers and Michael Marinaro, Elladj Balde and more. Tickets are available at tickets-centre.com.

• 7 p.m. — Clear Lake Chamber Music Festival is thrilled to announce the grand finale of 2023 with a spectacular Holiday Lights concert. The performance will take place at the Lorne Watson Recital Hall, Brandon University School of Music at 7 p.m. Artistic director Daniel Tselyakov will captivate the audience with a virtuosic rendition of Pletnev’s arrangement of The Nutcracker and selections from Liszt’s Christmas Tree Suite. Additionally, jazz and gospel singer Monika Wall will collaborate with Daniel for beloved Christmas classics. Advance tickets are $25 for adults ($30 at the door); seniors/students $20 ($25 at the door). You can purchase tickets from the School of Music or by calling 204-727-9631 or 204-571-6547 or email Burba@BrandonU.ca or music@BrandonU.ca.

MONDAY

• 1:15 to 4 p.m. — The East End Sunshine Card Club meets Mondays at the East End Community Centre at the corner of Victoria Avenue East and Park Street. Coffee and snacks. Members and guests are welcome. For more information, call 204-727-3539.

• 6:30 p.m. — Meadows School Christmas concert K-4 at the Western Manitoba Centennial Auditorium. Tickets are available at the Western Manitoba Centennial Auditorium Box Office, cost is $6.

TUESDAY

• 1 p.m. — Maryland Park School presents A Winter Spectacular at the Western Manitoba Centennial Auditorium. Evening show begins at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are available at the Western Manitoba Centennial Auditorium Box Office, cost is $5.

WEDNESDAY

• 1 to 4 p.m. — Join members of the Brandon Scrabble Club on Wednesdays for an afternoon of Scrabble, coffee and laughs at the Brandon Public Library. Scrabble boards are provided and all levels of skill are welcome. No registration is required.

• 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. — The Brandon Embroiderers meet weekly to share their love of needlework, learn new skills and stitch together. All levels and abilities are welcome to attend. Call Dianne at 204-725-1445 or Darlene at 204-727-1624 for more information.

• 6 to 8 p.m. — Wednesday Knights at Chez Angela Bakery and Café (Unit C, 29 10th St., Brandon). The Brandon Knights Chess Club meets at Chez Angela on Wednesday evenings. All skill levels are welcome.

• 7 p.m. — New Era Christmas Concert at the Western Manitoba Centennial Auditorium. Tickets are available at the Western Manitoba Centennial Auditorium Box Office, cost is $5.

AT THE CLUBS

• Lady of the Lake (135-B 17th St. North, Brandon) — It’s the House of Hex Winter Wonderland Drag Show on Friday at 9 p.m. Sorry, this event is sold out. Upcoming: Dec. 22, Until It’s No Fun at 8 p.m. Tickets $5.

• The 40 (210 18th St. North, Brandon) — On Friday, The 40 presents IKONS OF ROCK: ’90s Rock Circus. Doors open at 8 p.m. sharp. Tickets available exclusively online at showpass.com. On Saturday, it’s Damn The Torpedoes: Tom Petty Tribute. Doors open at 9 p.m. $20 advance tickets on showpass.com or $25 at the door. All events are 18+ and a valid photo ID is required for entry.

• Great Western Roadhouse (1125 18th St. at Canad Inns) — Friday night DJ Knowledj, official DJ of the Backstreet Boys’ DNA World Tour, takes the stage.

• Chez Angela Bakery and Café (Unit C, 29 10th St., Brandon) — Upcoming: Dec. 22, Sweet Life with Quentin & Madelyn.

• Sand Hills Casino (777 Sand Hill Dr., Carberry) — Darren Lavallee brings some country/fiddle music to the stage on Friday and Saturday in the Oasis Bar and Grill. Live and always free.

• Eastside Eatery (1451 Richmond Ave.) — Join us on Saturday for The Jingle Ball with Nuthin’ But Trouble from 5 to 11 p.m. Tickets are $45 and includes a pre-performance Smoked & Sauced buffet featuring brisket, pulled pork, ribs, mac and cheese, baked beans, perogies, coleslaw, salads, veggies, buns and dainties. Table reservations for groups are available.

MUSEUMS AND GALLERIES

• Commonwealth Air Training Plan Museum (Brandon Municipal Airport, Highway 10, 1.6 kilometres north of Brandon) — This is Canada’s only air museum solely dedicated to the preservation of those who trained and fought for the British Commonwealth during the Second World War. Presently the Commonwealth Air Training Plan Museum is closed, but the Canteen Building is available for rent year-round and you can shop the Tiger Moth Gift Shop by appointment by calling 204-727-2444. The museum will reopen on April 1, 2024, weather permitting. The museum’s RCAF Second World War Memorial is open to the public from sunrise to sundown.

• Daly House Museum (122 18th St., Brandon) — Built in 1882, the Daly House was the original home of Brandon’s first mayor, Thomas Mayne Daly. Artifacts include a collection of late 19th-century and early 20th-century furnishings, First World War memorabilia, toys, dolls and women’s wear. Museum hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m. (September to June). Admission: $6 for adults, $5 for seniors and youth (six to 18 years old), family (up to two adults and three children) $12, and children under five are admitted free. For more information, visit dalyhousemuseum.ca or call 204-727-1722.

• Royal Canadian Artillery Museum (Building N-118 Patricia Rd., CFB Shilo) — In September 2023, we opened our Second World War vehicle display. Military vehicles provided firepower, logistical support, mobility and protection for the Canadian Army, enhancing their effectiveness during the Second World War. The exhibit includes eight military vehicles used by Canadians during the Second World War. Open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday to Friday. Admission: $10 for adults; $5 for seniors and students (six to 18 years old), free for children under six. Phone 204-765-3000 (ext. 3570) or email RCAMuseum@forces.gc.ca.

• Art Gallery of Southwestern Manitoba (Unit 2, 710 Rosser Ave., Brandon) — “A contemporary art gallery, school and shop that celebrates artistic excellence and diversity within our region and beyond.” The AGSM is Manitoba’s oldest centre for visual art and one of Canada’s first. It boasts two art galleries, studios for youth and adult classes, a gift shop that supports more than 90 Manitoban artists and artisans. The 19th annual Members’ Show will be in the Main Gallery until Dec. 16. Surien Fourie’s “Soul Bearing” is in the Community Gallery until Jan. 13, 2024. Hours: 4 to 9 p.m. Monday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday; 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday; noon to 5 p.m. Saturday. For more information, visit agsm.ca.

• Killarney’s Heritage Home for the Arts (44 Water Ave., Killarney) — The Killarney Turtle Mountain Arts Council’s gallery is in the Heritage Home for the Arts. Gallery hours are Tuesday to Saturday, 1 to 4 p.m. The gallery is closed all statutory holidays. Special tours can be arranged by calling the arts administrator at 204-554-0023.

• Brandon General Museum and Archives (19 Ninth St., Unit 101) — Attractions include the Brandon History Hall, Manitoba Telephone History, the BJ Hales Natural History Collection and rotating exhibits celebrating Brandon’s roots. Guided tours and visits are Tuesday to Saturday, noon to 4 p.m. Admission by donation. Booking in advance is strongly recommended. Phone 204-717-1514 or email bgmainfo@wcgwave.ca.

• 26th Field Regiment RCA/XII Manitoba Dragoons Museum (within the Brandon Armoury, 1116 Victoria Ave.) — The museum is open Tuesdays, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and closed for lunch. Also open by appointment.

• ArtsForward (293 Mountain Ave., Neepawa) — ArtsForward is the central arts venue in Neepawa, in visual, literary, performing and material arts. Hours are: 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Mondays to Thursdays; 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Fridays; closed on weekends.

• Virden Pioneer Home Museum (390 King St. West, Virden) — The museum house was built in 1888 by James F. Frame, a hardware merchant and prominent citizen in the community. We are now closed for the season and will open again in the spring of 2024.

UPCOMING EVENTS

• Dec. 22 — Come and enjoy a traditional turkey dinner with dessert by Aida’s Catering and a game of trivia by Kate at 6 p.m. at The Backyard on Aberdeen (1624 13th St. Unit B) Tickets are $40 and available at trivianight-byoa.rsvpify.com.

• Dec. 22 — Blue Christmas — a Service of Hope and Remembrance will take place at Trinity United Church (1515 Sixth St.) at 7 p.m. For many people, the Christmas season does not bring with it joy and happiness that is often associated with this time of year. Individuals may be facing the holiday after the death of a loved one; after a separation or divorce; facing illness with a loved one or self. This service will have more of a quiet, sombre feel and the scriptures, music and mediation will be focused on the comfort God offers during dark times. Everyone is welcome.

• Dec. 23 — Come join us for an unforgettable Merry-achi Christmas dinner party at the Royal Canadian Legion (560 13th St. East) at 6:30 p.m. The night kicks off with a dinner served by Sabor Latino followed by Mariachi Latino Band with some lively tunes, adding a touch of Mexican flair to the Christmas spirit and DJ music. Dinner from 7 to 8 p.m. Please be on time. Music, dance floor and bar open from 7 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. Bar only accepts cash or debit. General admission is $65; VIP seats $80. Tickets available online through Eventbrite or at Sabor Latino Restaurant. Guests must be 18 and over. Dress to impress!

• Dec. 25 — The Westman and Area Traditional Christmas Dinner will be held in the MNP Room at the Keystone Centre from noon to 6 p.m. No one should be alone at Christmas, so come down for a hearty meal with the fellowship of the community on Christmas Day. If you wish to volunteer, you can email christmasdinner@scgwave.ca or call 204-728-7987.

• Dec. 27 — The Brandon Wheat Kings host the Regina Pats at Westoba Place at 7 p.m. Tickets available at the Keystone Centre box office.

• Dec. 29 — The Brandon Wheat Kings host the Saskatoon Blades at Westoba Place at 7 p.m. Tickets available at the Keystone Centre box office.

• Dec. 31 — Nuthin’ But Trouble performs at The 40. Doors open at 8 p.m. Live music, late lunch and party favors. Advance tickets available at The 40 Bar (cash only) and showpass.com $20 plus applicable fees. Event is 18+ and valid photo ID is required.

• Jan. 5-6 — The Brandon University Bobcats basketball teams take on the University of Winnipeg at the Healthy Living Centre (2010 Louise Ave.) On Jan. 5, the women’s game begins at 6 p.m., with the men taking the floor at 8 p.m. On Jan 6, the women play at 5 p.m.; men at 7 p.m.

• Jan. 6 — The Brandon Wheat Kings host the Vancouver Giants at Westoba Place at 7 p.m. Tickets available at the Keystone Centre box office.

• Jan. 9 — The Brandon Wheat Kings host the Victoria Royals at Westoba Place at 7 p.m. Tickets available at the Keystone Centre box office.

• Jan. 12 — The Brandon Wheat Kings host the Swift Current Broncos at Westoba Place at 7 p.m. Tickets available at the Keystone Centre box office.

• Jan. 12-13 — The Brandon University Bobcats women’s volleyball team takes on the University of Regina at the Healthy Living Centre (2010 Louise Ave.) at 7 p.m. nightly.

• Jan. 12-14 — The Evans Theatre at Brandon University (270 18th St.) will be showing “Mr. Dressup: The Magic of Make Believe,” at 7:30 p.m. nightly. All seats are $6, cash only. For more information, visit evanstheatre.ca

• Jan. 13 — Wheat City Nuit Blanche, a multi-disciplinary performance and art event featuring Brandon University Music students, faculty and ensembles will take place at the Art Gallery of Southwestern Manitoba from 5 to 10 p.m.

• Jan. 14 — The Brandon Wheat Kings host the Prince Albert Raiders at Westoba Place at 7 p.m. Tickets available at the Keystone Centre box office.

• Jan. 15 — To kick off Manitoba Ag Days, come join us for Produced on the Prairies — A Craft Beer Tasting Event at the Dome Building on the Keystone Centre grounds at 7 p.m. The event will feature the best of Manitoba’s up-and-coming craft brewing scene. Sample a lineup of expertly crafted brews, meet the entrepreneurs and business owners behind these brands. Tickets are $40 and available online at Eventbrite.ca

• Jan. 19-20 —The Brandon University Bobcats basketball teams take on the University of Saskatchewan at the Healthy Living Centre (2010 Louise Ave.) On Jan. 19, the women’s game begins at 6 p.m., with the men taking the floor at 8 p.m. On Jan. 20, the women play at 5 p.m.; men at 7 p.m.

• Jan. 19-20 — Westman Drama Ministries presents Disney’s PIXAR “Finding Nemo Jr.” at 635 McDiarmid Dr. Come explore the big blue world as Westman Drama Ministries presents its first production in Brandon. This is a perfect show for the whole family. On Jan. 19 at 7 p.m. and Jan. 20 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Adults $22; children ages zero to 12 $19. VIP admission is $27. Tickets available at: finding-nemo-jr-westman,Eventbrite.com.

• Jan. 19-20 — The Evans Theatre at Brandon University (270 18th St.) will be showing “Maestro,” at 7:30 p.m. nightly. All seats are $6, cash only. For more information, visit evanstheatre.ca

• Jan. 20 — The Brandon Wheat Kings host the Lethbridge Hurricanes at Westoba Place at 7 p.m. Tickets available at the Keystone Centre box office.

• Jan. 21 — The Brandon Wheat Kings host the Medicine Hat Tigers at Westoba Place at 4 p.m. Tickets available at the Keystone Centre box office.

• Jan. 23 — Canada’s Juno award-winning group The Sheepdogs bring their Backroad Boogie tour to the Western Manitoba Centennial Auditorium at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available at the WMCA box office or by calling 204-728-9510.

• Jan. 26-28 — The Evans Theatre at Brandon University (270 18th St.) will be showing “Anatomy of a Fall,” at 7:30 p.m. nightly. All seats are $6, cash only. For more information, visit evanstheatre.ca

• Jan. 26-27 — The Brandon University Bobcats men’s volleyball team takes on UBC Okanagan at the Healthy Living Centre (2010 Louise Ave.) at 7 p.m, each night.

• Feb. 2 — The Brandon Wheat Kings host the Red Deer Rebels at Westoba Place at 7 p.m. Tickets available at the Keystone Centre box office.

• Feb. 2-3 — The Brandon University Bobcats men’s volleyball team takes on Mount Royal University at the Healthy Living Centre (2010 Louise Ave.) at 7:45 p.m. on Feb. 2 and 6:45 p.m. on Feb. 3.

• Feb. 2-3 — The Brandon University Bobcats women’s volleyball team takes on Mount Royal University at the Healthy Living Centre (2010 Louise Ave.) Feb. 2 at 6 p.m.; Feb. 3 at 5 p.m.

• Feb. 6 — The Habitat For Humanity, Brandon Chapter’s Designer Bag Bingo is back! Join us for 10 games of bingo with each prize being a designer bag! Takes place at the Royal Canadian Legion #3 (560 13th Street East). Doors open at 5:30 p.m.; bingo starts at 6:45 p.m. (Cash bar available). Ten games of bingo for $50; 50/50 draw; raffle table. Reserve your tickets online and pay for and pick them up at the Brandon Habitat ReStore.

• Feb. 9-10 — The Brandon University Bobcats women’s volleyball team takes on Thompson Rivers University at the Healthy Living Centre (2010 Louise Ave.) Feb. 9 at 6 p.m.; Feb. 10 at 5 p.m.

• Feb. 9-10 — The Brandon University Bobcats men’s volleyball team takes on Thompson Rivers University at the Healthy Living Centre (2010 Louise Ave.) at 7:45 p.m. on Feb. 9 and 6:45 p.m. on Feb. 10.

• Feb. 16 — Snowed In Comedy Tour will take place at the Western Manitoba Centennial Auditorium at 7:30 p.m. featuring Erica Sigurdson, Pete Zedlacher, Dan Quimm and Paul Myrehaug. Tickets are available at the WMCA box office or by calling 204-728-9510.

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