Organizers say Home and Leisure Show a success

The 2026 Brandon Home and Leisure Show wrapped up on a positive note this weekend, with organizers and vendors praising strong attendance, expanded features and increased vendor participation.

Held at the Keystone Centre, the annual event, organized by the Provincial Exhibition of Manitoba, showcased home improvement services, building contractors, renovation specialists and locally made products, drawing visitors from across the Westman region.

Organizers made several improvements this year after listening to feedback from vendors who attended in 2025, co-chair Simon Atkinson, who is also a director with the Provincial Exhibition of Manitoba, told the Sun over the weekend.

“I think at this point I would call it a success,” Atkinson said. “Our vendors are happy, we’re getting good traffic coming through, the weather’s been relatively co-operative, and we’re seeing happy people.”

This marks the second year the Provincial Exhibition of Manitoba has hosted the show.

Among the changes were additional food vendors, a kids’ play area and an expanded speaker series. The show was also moved up a month after vendors suggested it would better align with homeowners beginning renovation and building plans for the year.

The event featured about 110 booths — an increase from last year — spread across multiple spaces in the Keystone Centre, including the Manitoba Room, UCT Pavilion, City Square and the Exhibition Hall.

New attractions included bouncy castles from Jumperoo, a golf simulator, food booths and a speaker series in which local businesses shared insights on home projects and renovations.

Another addition this year was a “Made in Manitoba Market,” showcasing locally produced goods ranging from food items to clothing.

“It’s great to support local,” Atkinson said.

While the show continues to grow, Atkinson noted that balancing vendor participation with public attendance remains a challenge.

“To justify vendors coming, we’ve got to get people through the door,” he said. “We’re trying to grow both sides at once, and one won’t grow without the other.”

Longtime exhibitor Mike Peters, co-owner of Alair Homes Brandon, said he has attended the show for nearly two decades — first through his family business and later with Alair Homes.

“I’ve been coming to the show with Alair Homes for nine years, and with my family business before that for probably 10 years,” Peters said.

He said the event has gone through different phases over the years, particularly following disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, he believes the show is now gaining momentum again.

“Lately, the Provincial Exhibition has taken over the show, and they’ve done a phenomenal job,” Peters said. “The quality of vendors has really improved this year, and we’re seeing a lot of traffic from the public.”

Peters also credited new ideas — such as family attractions, a stage for presentations and a bar area — with helping draw more people to the event.

The show has consistently generated business opportunities for his company, he said.

“We always come away with a few projects,” Peters said. “We meet clients face-to-face, talk about their ideas, and then they come visit us at the office.”

For Evan Keller, president of Westman Premier Homes, the show remains an important way to connect with the community and potential clients.

Westman Premier Homes specializes in custom home construction and renovations, offering in-house design services and full planning support from permits to project completion.

Keller said the show provides a starting point for conversations with homeowners considering renovations or building projects.

“It’s always a great place to come out and show the community that you’re in the custom home business,” Keller said. “There are always lots of opportunities for good conversations about different projects.”

He added that holding the event earlier in the year may help capture homeowners as they begin planning projects for the season.

“It catches people at the right time,” Keller said.

Vendors also reported strong traffic and promising leads throughout the weekend.

Despite the work involved in building and staffing elaborate booths, Keller said participation continues to pay off.

“It’s always been a good investment for us to attend,” he said.

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