Let’s Do Something — Aug. 15, 2024

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This article was published 15/08/2024 (424 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

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TODAY

• 8 a.m. — Virden Indoor Rodeo and Wild West Daze takes place at Tundra Oil and Gas Place with events throughout the town of Virden. Kicks off today with a pancake breakfast from 8 to 10 a.m. High school rodeo begins at 9 a.m. During Downtown Daze from 5 to 10 p.m. our stores will be open, and various family activities will take place, including bouncy castles, face painting, local vendors and food trucks and live entertainment. Wild West Days Show and Shine in the Farmers Market area from 5 to 9 p.m. weather permitting. For a complete schedule of events, visit virdenindoorrodeo.ca.

• 10:15 to 11 a.m. — Storytime at the Brandon Public Library (710 Rosser Ave.) for ages 18 months to five years takes place every Thursday. The presence of a caregiver or parent is required. No registration necessary.

FRIDAY

• 8 a.m. — Virden Indoor Rodeo and Wild West Daze takes place at Tundra Oil and Gas Place with events throughout the town of Virden. High school rodeo begins at 8 a.m. with rodeo performance at 7:30 p.m. During Downtown Daze, our stores will be open, and various family activities will take place, including bouncy castles, face painting, local vendors and food trucks and live entertainment. Coors Light Barn Bar open from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. For a complete schedule of events, visit virdenindoorrodeo.ca.

• 9 a.m. — Manitoba Sheep Association and Manitoba Stock Dog Association with take over the Minnedosa Fair Grounds this weekend with events running both days. This event is open to the public with free admission. Featuring stock dog trials; wool handling, ring judging, sale and more. For more information, visit Manitoba Sheep Association on Facebook.

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

• 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. — Westman Immigrant Services and the Brandon Downtown BIZ host a downtown summer market on Fridays at 1001 Pacific Ave., featuring food trucks, local vendors and homemade goods.

• 1 p.m. — Spruce Woods Astronomy public event includes activities at the Interpretive Centre such as solar observing, learning the solar system, Aurora presentation and night observing. For additional info, visit Winnipeg.rasc.ca/events.

• 5:30 p.m. — Minnedosa’s Annual Fun Fest returns for another weekend of fun for the whole family. Friday features the Fun Fest Gala at the Minnedosa Community Conference Centre. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.; supper at 6:30 p.m. Entertainment by Brad Johnson and The Talent. Cash bar. Silent auction; dessert auction; 50/50 and door prize. Tickets are $40 and are available at RD’s on Main; Sharon’s Diner; Inspire Studio; Gold Leaf Boutique or by calling 204-867-0468.

SATURDAY

• 7:30 a.m. — Minnedosa’s Annual Fun Fest continues with the Minnedosa Lions pancake breakfast from 7:30 to 10:30 a.m.; parade at 11 a.m.; street market; Valley Cruizers car show; barbecue; entertainment and kids zone; games and beer gardens. For a complete schedule of events, visit 2024 Minnedosa Fun Fest on Facebook.

• 7:30 a.m. — The Glenboro Agricultural Society annual fair and demolition derby takes place at the Glenboro Fair Grounds. Agricultural exhibitions, free pancake breakfast at 7:30 a.m.; miniature horse show, vintage farm machinery displays, activities for kids, corn maze, food vendors, demolition derby at 1 p.m. and much more. Admission is $10 per person; children 12 and under are free. Dusty Mile Outfitters live band at 7:30 p.m.

• 8 a.m. — Virden Indoor Rodeo and Wild West Daze takes place at Tundra Oil and Gas Place with events throughout the town of Virden. Lions pancake breakfast in the Virden Legion Hall at 8 a.m.; parade at 10 a.m.; 3D barrel racing at p.m.; rodeo performance at 6:30 p.m. Daze Dance at the Virden Curling Rink featuring Byron Falk and The Half Time Cowboys at 10 p.m. During Downtown Daze, our stores will be open, and various family activities will take place, including bouncy castles, face painting, local vendors and food trucks and live entertainment. Coors Light Barn Bar open from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. For a complete schedule of events, visit virdenindoorrodeo.ca.

• 9 a.m. to noon — Farmers’ Market will be held in The Town Centre parkade every Saturday until Oct. 5. Features fresh produce, baking, jams and jellies, pickling, meats, crafts, beeswax candles, hand towels and much more. Free Saturday parking. Rain or shine, we’ve got you covered.

• 9 a.m. — Manitoba Sheep Association and Manitoba Stock Dog Association with take over the Minnedosa Fair Grounds this weekend with events running both days. This event is open to the public with free admission. Featuring stock dog trials; wool handling, ring judging, sale and more. For more information, visit Manitoba Sheep Association on Facebook.

• 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. — The Riverbank Discovery Centre Farmers’ Market (545 Conservation Dr.) features 37 full-time and part-time vendors offering a wide range of products. Event runs on Saturdays until the end of September.

• 10 a.m. — The Brandon Public Library’s Downtown Branch (710 Rosser Ave.) is hosting Escape Room in the Library: Art Heist every Saturday in August. The library has started an art collection and has acquired a priceless artifact … do you think you have what it takes to steal it? Gather your team and test your wits by cracking codes, deciphering clues and navigating puzzles to pull off the ultimate theft. This program runs Aug. 10, 17 and 24 with three time slots: 10 a.m.; 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. and is open to children ages 12 and up. Email programs@wmrl.ca to book your slot. Free admission.

• 11 a.m. — A fundraising barbecue in support of Brandon Sunset Rotary and Spruce Woods Housing Co-op will take place at Sobeys West from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Hotdog and a drink for $3 or smokie and a drink for $5.

• Noon — Doors Open Tours gives people the opportunity to access heritage facilities/sites throughout the city of Brandon that are not normally open to the public at no cost. This is a self-guided tour that takes place from noon to 4 p.m. each day. Check out brandon.ca/doors-open for more details or City of Brandon Parks & Recreation Services on Facebook.

• 2 p.m. — Pilates and Plants class at Alternative Choice Garden Centre (34th Street and Patricia Avenue). Immerse yourself in the serene and uplifting atmosphere of a greenhouse setting, where you’ll experience a thoughtfully crafted blend of movements suitable for all bodies, ages and abilities. Fee: $15. To register, visit alternativegroup.ca/plants-and-pilates-class.

• 4 p.m. — Book launch and reading with Manitoba author Sheldon Birnie will take place at Poor Michael’s Emporium (322 Highway 10 at Onanole). Birnie’s new collection of short-fiction, “Where the Pavement Turns to Sand,” takes readers on a midnight cruise through shadows of the Canadian Prairies before dumping you back on your doorstep, unsure as to what just transpired.

• 7 p.m. — Prairie Wires Summer Sound Series concert 4/4 takes place at Princess Park from 7 to 9 p.m. This concert will focus on a showcase of Brandon University School of Music alumni featuring Brady Allard, L’Alien and Koda Maxon. You may want to bring your own lawnchair. This event is free to attend. In case of rain, this event will move to Section 6 Brewing Co. (1126 Princess Ave.)

SUNDAY

• 8 a.m. — Minnedosa’s Annual Fun Fest continues with breakfast at Minnedosa Golf Course; Heritage Days at the Heritage Village; train rides; plaque dedication; Métis dancers and fiddlers and more. For a complete schedule of events, visit 2024 Minnedosa Fun Fest on Facebook.

• 9 a.m. — 2024 Motorcycle Show n’ Shine will be held at the Sand Hills Casino from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Spectators are welcome. All riders are welcome. Registration at 9 a.m. and is free.

• 10 a.m. — Virden Indoor Rodeo and Wild West Daze concludes at Tundra Oil and Gas Place with events throughout the town of Virden. Manitoba calf ropers; 3D barrel racing; demolition derby at 1 p.m.; Rodeo performance at 5:30 p.m. For a complete schedule of events, visit virdenindoorrodeo.ca.

• Noon — The Westman Ultimate Disc League is hosting a Family Fun Day at Dinsdale Park from noon to 4 p.m. Bring the family by to grab a hotdog, snack and water (while supplies last), then play some frisbee-themed games.

• Noon — Doors Open Tours gives people the opportunity to access heritage facilities/sites throughout the city of Brandon that are not normally open to the public at no cost. This is a self-guided tour that takes place from noon to 4 p.m. Check out brandon.ca/doors-open for more details or City of Brandon Parks & Recreation Services on Facebook.

MONDAY

• 8:30 a.m. — The Riverbank Discovery Centre is running a Swamp Camp for the following weeks: Aug. 19-23. This outdoor adventure is for children aged 6 to 9 and features outdoor exploration, crafts, activities and experiments. Morning programs: dropoff between 8:45 and 9 a.m.; afternoon programs: dropoff between 12:45 and 1 p.m. To register, email programs@riverbank.mb.ca or call 204-717-8802.

• 6 p.m. — Introductory program for pickleball basics and rules will be offered on Mondays and Wednesdays from Aug. 12-21, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Sportsplex arena. One hour of learning followed by one hour of gameplay. Equipment provided. Ages 16+. To register, visit brandon.ca/rec-programs or call 204-729-247. Cost $60.

• 6:30 p.m. — Women in Harmony rehearses on Mondays at Trinity United Church in Brandon (1515 Sixth St.). If you would like to check out a rehearsal to see if singing barbershop music with a dynamic and welcoming group of women is for you, join us on Mondays at 7 p.m. For more information, call Naomi at 204-724-5152 or email womeninharmony1975@gmail.com.

• 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. Come enjoy a fun evening at minimal cost.

TUESDAY

• 6:30 p.m. — Every Tuesday, all summer long, join us for Music in the Park (Princess Park). Free. This week’s music by Just 4 Kicks.

• 6:30 p.m. — Join the Brandon Knights Chess Club for a few hours of chess every Tuesday at the Brandon Public Library (710 Rosser Ave.) from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Boards and pieces will be supplied. All skill levels are welcome. No registration is required.

WEDNESDAY

• 1 to 4 p.m. — Join members of the Brandon Scrabble Club for an afternoon of Scrabble, coffee and laughs at the Brandon Public Library. Scrabble boards are provided, and all levels of skill are welcome to attend. 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 info.

• 2 to 4 p.m. — Join us at Daly House Museum for our Summer Fun Program. Today is Teddy Bear Picnic. Pre-registration is required by call Daly House at 204-1722 or email dalymuseum@wcgwave.ca. Please register by the Tuesday of the first program your child wishes to attend. There is a $12 registration fee for all programs. Next up: Aug. 28, Scavenger Hunt.

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

AT THE CLUBS

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

• Lady of the Lake (135-B 17th St. North) — Come join us for live music on the back patio on Friday with Irvine Miller from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Then stick around for Frank Patrick with Robyn MacColl at 8 p.m. Tickets are $10.

• Sand Hills Casino (777 Sand Hill Dr., Carberry) — Jesse Bandura will entertain in the Oasis Bar & Grill Friday and Saturday as well as at the Casino Canopy at the Motorcycle Show n’ Shine. Live and always free.

• The 40 (210 18th St. North) — Friday at The 40 is Karaoke Night with PJ from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. On Saturday, Ontario’s The Fixer will be stopping in on their Love & Misfortune Tour with the help of 7Sinners and Reaverz. Doors open at 9 p.m. Cover $10 at the door. These events are 18+ and photo ID is required.

• 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) — Join us for Rock Spectacle ’24 – a Funtastic Culinary Experience. This is a fusion of incredible rock covers and delectable food. Sing along, dance to the live jams of The Tomcats. There are seven different dishes of food on offer. Tickets include concert, meal and one complimentary drink ticket. Call 204-721-0719 ext. 3 for tickets.

• Eagles Nest Bar & Grill (3500 McDonald Ave.) — Join us for a full night of Reggaeton with DJs David Gomez, Westher, Davier Gomez on Saturday. No cover before 11 p.m.

• Section 6 Brew Company (1126 Princess Ave.) — Live music on Thursday with Redhead Mack from 7 to 10 p.m.

• Houstons Country Roadhouse (3130 Victoria Ave.) — Come join us for some fun at Houstons. Upcoming: Aug 23, Kill Messenger Tour.

• Great Western Roadhouse (1125 18th St. at Canad Inns) — Brandon’s party bar. Upcoming, Sept. 6, Lil Xan with special guest $teven Canon and Brad Tapper.

MUSEUMS AND GALLERIES

• Commonwealth Air Training Plan Museum (Brandon Municipal Airport, Highway 10, 1.6 kilometres north of Brandon) — In honour of the RCAF’s 100th anniversary, the Commonwealth Air Training Plan Museum, 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, has switched to summer hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., seven days a week at the Brandon Municipal Airport. Visitors will be invited to travel back to the 1940s while touring a Second World War-vintage hangar serving as a display area for aircraft, vehicles and hundreds of artifacts from that era. RCAF members who lost their lives during the Second World War are honoured on the museum’s RCAF Memorial wall.

• 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. Currently on exhibit is “The Sound of History: Bands and Musicians of Western Manitoba” until Sept. 7. 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 (6-18); family (up to two adults and three children), $12; children under five free. For more information, visit dalyhousemuseum.ca or call 204-727-1722.

• Royal Canadian Artillery Museum (Building N-118 Patricia Rd., CFB Shilo) — Our Second World War vehicle exhibit includes eight military vehicles used by Canadians during the Second World War. Military vehicles provided firepower, logistical support, mobility and protection for the Canadian army, enhancing their effectiveness 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, children under six, free. Phone 204-765-3000 (ext. 3570) or email RCAMuseum@forces.gc.ca.

• Art Gallery of Southwestern Manitoba (Unit 2, 710 Rosser Ave., Brandon) — Manitoba’s oldest centre for visual art and one of Canada’s first, the AGSM boasts two art galleries, studios for youth and adult classes and a gift shop that supports more than 60 local Manitoba artists and artisans throughout Canada. Join us today from 5 to 7 p.m. for the opening reception of “Me, I Think,” with Manitoba artist and author Craig Russell. This is a series of nearly 100 selfies taken outside the vernacular of social media. The exhibition will be on display in our Kayes Community Gallery until Nov. 7. In the Main Gallery: “Of Armour Bespoke, Of Fabric, Of Skin, Of Within,” until Aug. 24. Summer hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday to Friday; Thursdays open until 9 p.m. and closed Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays until August. Admission is free to visit the AGSM. For more information, visit agsm.ca.

• Wasagaming Community Arts (110 Wasagaming Dr.) — We are excited to welcome you to Wasagaming Community Arts on Friday at 7 p.m. for the opening reception of our final exhibition of the season, featuring the incredibly talented Richelle Treloar, Brody McQueen, Jamie Dixon and Tengnamoe. This is an exciting and vibrant show you are not going to want to miss. If you can’t make the opening reception, the exhibition runs from Aug. 16 to Sept. 3. We are open daily from 10 am. To 5 p.m.

• 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. You can also visit Killarney-Turtle Mountain Arts Council on Facebook, @killarneyarts on Instagram or our website at killarneyarts.com

• 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.

• 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.

• 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) — The 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. We also have two additional annexes and a coach house available for viewing. We are open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday to Saturday. For more information, email virdenpioneermuseum@wcgwave. ca or call 204-748-1659.

UPCOMING EVENTS

• Aug. 22 — The Brandon General Museum and Archives (BGMA) and the Downtown Ambassadors present the Historic Downtown Walking Tour. The tour will leave from Princess Park shortly after noon. Make sure to reserve a spot so we can keep an eye out for you. Tour is approximately one hour. Call 204-717-1514 to register or email bgmainfo@wcgwave.ca

• Aug. 22 — The Last Dance Roller Disco will take place at the Sportsplex arena from 7 to 9 p.m. Skate rentals are available courtesy of the Wheat City Roller Derby League. Pre-booking of the skates open at noon. Limited quantity and sizes available and can be reserved for a maximum of 50 minutes. Admissions to be paid for at the front desk.

• Aug. 23 — The United Way of Brandon is hosting a barbecue and Tools for School Drive held at Murray Chevrolet Cadillac Buick GMC Brandon (1500 Richmond Ave,) from 11 a.m. to 1:30 pm. We are collecting school supplies for the 2024 Tools for School program. $5 for a hotdog, chips and drink. For a complete schedule of events, go to cornandapple.com

• Aug. 23-25 — The Morden Corn and Apple Festival. Come and enjoy one of the largest street festivals in the province. Featuring street vendors, flea market, crafts and artisan alley; busking stations, midway, petting zoo; Rendezvous Craft Beer corner; free apple juice and free corn! Live entertainment includes The Watchmen and 54:40.

• Aug. 24 — The Great Brandon Mystery (family edition) competitive mystery-solving program will see teams of two to five race against time to solve one of Brandon’s greatest mysteries. Participants will travel around solving challenging clues and puzzles, and complete challenges. From 1 to 4 p.m. Cost: $25 for individuals; $100 for teams. Call 204-729-2471 for additional information.

• Aug. 25 — The Clear Lake Country Destination Enrichment Organization announces the Summer Sunset Free Concert Series starting this month. We have two major Canadian artists performing at a free, open-air, family-friendly event. The concerts take place on the shores of Clear Lake in Wasagaming’s central park. On Aug. 25, we have Owen Riegling, a country artist from Ontario with opening act The Route 10 Collective with the music of The Band’s Last Waltz. Concert time is 6:45 p.m. Upcoming: Sept. 8, Begonia at 7 p.m.

• Aug. 25 — Pragati – The Indian Cultural Association is hosting Colour Fest 2024 at Dinsdale Park (321 Assiniboine Ave.) from 6 to 10 p.m.

• Sept. 4 — Beginners bridge lessons will begin on Sept. 4 and run every Wednesday morning from 9:15 to 11:45 a.m. at Seniors for Seniors Centre (311 Park Ave. East). This is a chance for everyone from beginners to slightly experienced players to develop and practise their bridge skills. No previous knowledge is necessary and you do not need a partner. The cost each week is $3.50 for members; $4.50 for non-members. The registration deadline is Aug. 30. To register or for further information, contact Lori McBeth at lori.mcbeth@gmail.com or Kathie Gordon at Gordon.kathiem@gmail.com.

• Sept. 5 — The City of Brandon Parks & Recreation Services presents the world renowned Royal Canadian Air Force Band live at the Fusion Credit Union Stage at the Riverbank! The show starts at 6:30 p.m. and is free for all to attend.

• Sept. 7 — Festival of Joy will be held at St. Augustine School grounds (330 3rd St.) from 1 to 6:30 p.m. featuring family fun and games, live music, community potluck, prayer tent, mass, praise and worship. No charge. Bring a lawn chair.

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