Let’s Do Something — Jan. 2, 2025

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 02/01/2025 (259 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

To get your event featured in a future edition of Let’s Do Something, please send an email to carthur@brandonsun.com with “Let’s Do Something” in the subject line.

TODAY

• Daily — The public skating oval at 2020 McGregor Ave. is open for the season. Display of lights around the skating oval will be on from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. nightly throughout the winter season. No public vehicles are allowed in the direct area of the 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. Music will play from noon to 11 p.m. every day for the season, and there are fire pits for the public to enjoy.

SATURDAY

• 9 a.m. — The fifth annual Westman Airsoft Con takes place in the Agricultural Centre of Excellence at the Keystone Centre (905 18th St., west entrance). Indoor Airsoft games and vendors. Airsoft games; target lane; buy, sell or trade. Registration at 9 a.m. One-day pass, $50; two-day pass, $70. Must be a minimum of 12 years of age with parental consent and a parent/guardian present. Ages 15 to 17, written parental consent required.

• 9 a.m. — The Brandon Wildlife Association is holding its 3D Brandon Indoor Winter Classic at the Keystone Centre this weekend. Youth event takes place this morning with two time slots: 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Ages 20 and under. Shoot for awards or shoot for fun. This afternoon: two courses to choose from: ASA or IBO, with 20 targets each. Top five of the shootout (for those signed up) will begin at 6:30 p.m. For more information or to register, call Jo-Brook Outdoors at 204-727-3552 or visit their Facebook page.

• 7:30 p.m. — Westman Drama Ministries is putting on a fundraiser cabaret with 68 kids (ages eight to 18) performing songs and dances from “Newsies,” “Peter Pan,” “Greatest Showman,” “Annie,” “Winnie the Pooh” and more. It will take place at McDiarmid Drive Alliance Church (635 McDiarmid Dr.). Tickets are available by donation and must be reserved ahead of time. There are a limited amount, so if you are interested in attending, reserve your tickets at buytickets.at/westmandramaministries.

SUNDAY

• 9 a.m. — The Brandon Wildlife Association continues its 3D Brandon Indoor Winter Classic at the Keystone Centre this weekend. Two courses to choose from today: ASA or IBO. For more information or to register call Jo-Brook Outdoors at 204-727-3552 or visit their Facebook page.

• 9 a.m. — The fifth annual Westman Airsoft Con takes place in the Agricultural Centre of Excellence at the Keystone Centre (905 18th St., west entrance). Indoor Airsoft games and vendors. Airsoft games, target lane, buy, sell or trade. Registration at 9 a.m. One-day pass, $50; two-day pass, $70. Must be a minimum of 12 years of age with parental consent and a parent/guardian present. Ages 15 to 17, written parental consent required.

MONDAY

• 10 a.m. — Come and join us for line dancing at Seniors For Seniors (311 Park Ave. East). Level 1: easy beginner, no experience, Mondays 10 to 11:30 a.m. or 6 to 7 p.m.; Level 2: advanced, some experience is recommended, understanding of basic steps and terminology, Mondays or Wednesdays 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Drop-in classes or punch cards can be purchased. Members, $3.50; non-members, $4.50. For more info, call Marilyn at 204-679-8081.

• 1:15 p.m. — East End Sunshine Card Club meets Mondays at the East End Community Centre (corner of Victoria Avenue East and Park Street, north entrance) until 4 p.m. Like to play cards? Then please join us. For details, contact Marlene at 204-727-3539.

• 6:30 p.m. — UCT Bingo takes place every Monday at 205 College Ave. Doors open at 4 p.m., with early bird start at 6:30 p.m. and regular games at 7:10 p.m. Canteen available. Proceeds stay in Brandon for needs in the community.

AT THE CLUBS

(Note: Information subject to change after print deadline.)

• Lady of the Lake (135-B 17th St. North) — On Friday at The Lady, we have ReImagined from 8 to 10 p.m. Cover is $10 at the door.

• Sand Hills Casino (777 Sand Hill Dr., Carberry) — Low Budget Rockstar entertains at the Oasis Bar & Grill Friday and Saturday with some rock. Live and always free.

• Georgie’s Lounge at the Keystone Motor Inn (1050 18th St.) — Every Friday and Saturday from 8 p.m. to midnight, there is karaoke in Georgie’s Lounge.

• Chez Angela Bakery and Café (Unit C, 29 10th St., Brandon) — Free Music Fridays for 2025 starts off with a bang as we celebrate with a special album launch party with Anastasia Jane at 6:30 p.m. Physical CDs, buttons and T-shirts can be purchased.

MUSEUMS AND GALLERIES

• Daly House Museum (122 18th St., Brandon) — Built in 1882, it 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. The current exhibit, “Who’s In That Photo? Discovering Brandon’s Polish Roots in Photography,” is on loan from Ottawa genealogist Frank Cedar and features 58 reproduced photos on immigration to Canada and the Prairies in the late 1800s. It focuses on Polish families that came from a small village in southeast Poland called Kazcyce to settle in Brandon and Melville, Sask. On display until April 30, 2025. Hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m. (September to June). Admission: $7 adults; $6 seniors and youth (6-18); family (up to two adults and three children), $13; children under five free. For more info, visit dalyhousemuseum.ca or call 204-727-1722.

• Art Gallery of Southwestern Manitoba (Unit 2, 710 Rosser Ave., Brandon) — Manitoba’s oldest centre for visual art and one of Canada’s first since 1907. The AGSM boasts two exhibition spaces, an art school and gift shop that supports more than 60 local Manitoba artists. In the Main Gallery: 20th Annual Members’ Show and Sale featuring over 60 local artists will be on display until Jan. 10. In the Kayes Community Gallery: “The Eternal Question,” an exhibition with Brandon local artist Tara Leach, on display until Feb. 1. Hours: Tuesday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Thursday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday, noon to 5 p.m.; closed on Sunday and Monday. Entry to the gallery inside The Town Centre parkade in the northeast corner. Free admission. For more information, visit agsm.ca.

• 26th Field Regiment RCA/XII Manitoba Dragoons Museum (within the Brandon Armoury, 1116 Victoria Ave. Please use 11th Street door) — Museum is open Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and closed for lunch. Also open by appointment by calling 204-717-4579. Visit our websites: 26fdregmuseum.ca or 12mbdragoons.com.

• 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 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.

• Commonwealth Air Training Plan Museum (CATPM) (Brandon Municipal Airport, Highway 10, 1.6 kilometres north of Brandon) — 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. The Museum is excited to announce the arrival of a number of British Commonwealth Air Training Plan aircraft, various aircraft engines and parts, all courtesy of the Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada. The CATPM at the Brandon Municipal Airport has closed for the season, but will reopen in the spring of 2025 from 1-4 p.m. (weather permitting). For more information, call the museum at 204-727-2444 or visit us on Facebook.

• Royal Canadian Artillery Museum (Building N-118 Patricia Rd., CFB Shilo) — We opened our new temporary exhibit, marking the 110th anniversary of the start of the First World War. The main features of the exhibit include a trench wall, First World War artillery and two machine-gun pits. Open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday to Friday. Admission: $10 for adults; $5 for seniors and students; children under six, free. Phone 204-765-3000 (ext. 3570) or email RCAMuseum@forces.gc.ca.

• Killarney’s Heritage Home for the Arts (44 Water Ave., Killarney) — 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.; closed all statutory holidays. Special tours can be arranged by calling 204-554-0023. You can also visit Killarney-Turtle Mountain Arts Council on Facebook, @killarneyarts on Instagram or our website at killarneyarts.com

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

• Virden Pioneer Home Museum (390 King St. West, Virden) — Museum house was built in 1888 by James F. Frame, a hardware and lumber merchant and prominent citizen in the community. The main house depicts how a family in the Victorian era would have lived. There are also two additional annexes and a coach house available for viewing. Currently closed for the season. Tours by appointment only by emailing virdenpioneermuseum@wcgwave.ca or calling 204-748-1659.

UPCOMING EVENTS

• Jan. 10 — The Brandon Wheat Kings meet the Portland Winterhawks at Westoba Place at 7 p.m. Tickets available at the Keystone Centre box office.

• Jan. 10 — Central Senior Dance returns for the season at Central Community Centre (529 Fourth St.) every Friday from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Music by Prairie Fire. Cost is $15 per person. For more information, contact Pat Anderson at 204-901-1910 or Donald Livesley at 431-763-6470.

• Jan. 10 and 11 — The Brandon University Bobcats basketball teams take on the University of Manitoba at the Healthy Living Centre (2010 Louise Ave.). On Jan. 10, women’s game at 6 p.m.; men’s at 8 p.m. On Jan. 11, women’s game at 5 p.m.; men’s game at 7 p.m.

• Jan. 10-12 — The Evans Theatre on the Brandon University campus returns after the holiday season. Showing this weekend: “Heretic,” at 7:30 p.m. All seats are $6. All concession items, $2. Save money with a five-movie pass for $25. Cash only please.

• Jan. 11 — PrairieCon Winter Games Day takes place at the Central Community Centre (529 Fourth St.) from noon to 10 p.m. Anyone can come by and drop in to play some tabletop games. Bring any kind of game you want, provided it’s family-friendly. For more information, visit info@prairiecon.com.

• Jan. 11 — Wheat City Nuit Blanche is taking over the Art Gallery of Southwestern Manitoba with “Curious Dialogues: Conversations with Space, Time and Beings.” Join Westman’s most creative crowd in encounters with the unexpected, from 5 to 10 p.m.

• Jan. 11 — Paint Your-Selfie Workshop by Errin Witherspoon Art at the Riverbank Discovery Centre. This four-hour workshop is designed to guide you through self-awareness and mindfulness using art as your medium.

• Jan. 11 — Steppin’ Out Old Tyme Dance takes place at the Royal Canadian Legion No. 3 (530 13th St. East) at 7:30 p.m. with live music by Nite Life. All are welcome to join us. Light refreshments are served. Admission is $20. For more information, call Barbara at 204-728-5636 or Dolores at 204-727-4999. We’re excited to see everyone out for the new year.

• Jan. 12 — Elvis’ 90th birthday celebration takes place at the Western Manitoba Centennial Auditorium with award-winning Elvis tribute artists Adam T. Elvis and Corny Rempel backed by The Good Rockin’ Tonight Band and The New Covenant Quartet at 2 p.m. Tickets available at the WMCA box office or by calling 204-728-9510.

• Jan. 12 — The Westman Scottish Association is hosting a shortbread making session in the Victoria Inn’s Imperial Ballroom at 10 a.m. We are looking for some mixers and volunteers to help us make our shortbread for the Multicultural festival. Requirements: a mixer and a sense of humour! Message us on Facebook if you are interested.

• Jan. 17 — Toronto-based rock band Sloan takes the stage at the Western Manitoba Centennial Auditorium at 7:30 p.m. Tickets available at the WMCA box office or by calling 204-728-9510.

• Jan. 17 — Kaleidoscope Concerts Series Neepawa presents the Winnipeg bluegrass supergroup Stanley County Cut-Ups at ArtsForward at 7:30 p.m. From hard-driving banjo solos to four-part harmony singing, blues-infused mandolin breaks and hair-raising fiddle tunes, this quartet covers all the bluegrass bases. Adult tickets, $20; K-12 students, $5 at the door only.

• Jan. 21-23 — Manitoba Ag Days, an exposition of agricultural production expertise, technology and equipment takes place at the Keystone Centre with exhibitors from across Canada and the United States.

• Jan. 26 — A Choral Celebration with University of Regina and Brandon University choirs will take place at Knox United Church at 3 p.m. The performance will include excerpts of masterworks, Canadian works and other gems. For more information, visit brandonu.ca/music.

• Jan. 26 — The Brandon Chamber Players present “Koneted” at McDiarmid Drive Alliance Church (635 McDiarmid Dr.) at 7:30 p.m.

• Jan. 26 — The Westman Wedding Expo takes place in the UCT Pavilion (entrance B) at the Keystone Centre from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• Jan. 28 — The Brandon University School of Music pro series presents BU New Music Festival (BUNMF) 2025 Sonic Innovations of Manitoba Concert No. 1 at 7:30 p.m. Celebrating Orjan Sandred and Gordon Fitzell.

• Jan. 29 — The Brandon Wheat Kings meet the Red Deer Rebels at Westoba Place at 7 p.m. Tickets available at the Keystone Centre box office.

• Jan. 30 – Feb. 2 — The Dakota Nation Winterfest 2025 Celebration will be held at the Keystone Centre presented by Sioux Valley Dakota Nation. Featuring hockey tournament, basketball, volleyball, Texas Hold’em, pool tournament, Monster Bingo and much more.

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