Let’s Do Something — March 28, 2024

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 28/03/2024 (896 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

• All day — The Royal Manitoba Winter Fair, held annually during Manitoba’s March spring break, is a tourism highlight in Western Canada. The RMWF is one of Western Canada’s largest agricultural events, the largest annual event to be held in Brandon and only one of two fairs in Canada to receive Royal designation from Queen Elizabeth II. At the fair, you can expect to see world-class show jumping, heavy horse competitions, livestock sales and displays, a quality hands-on agriculture education program, live entertainers, more than 300 commercial and agricultural exhibits and much more. For tickets, visit provincialexhibition.com/royal-manitoba-winter-fair.

• 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. — The Rotary Club Spring Book Sale will be held in the Imperial Ballroom at the Victoria Inn (3350 Victoria Ave.) with more than 75,000 books. Free book for every child. Please bring your own book bags.

• 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.

• 1 p.m. — 365 Group for cancer survivors, caregivers and those who love them meets at Murray House (521 Frederick St.). Please call Larry 204-728-0221 or Anne 204-728-9958 to register or for more information.

FRIDAY

• All day — The Royal Manitoba Winter Fair, held annually during Manitoba’s March spring break, is a tourism highlight in Western Canada. The RMWF is one of Western Canada’s largest agricultural events, the largest annual event to be held in Brandon and only one of two fairs in Canada to receive Royal designation from Queen Elizabeth II. At the fair, you can expect to see world-class show jumping, heavy horse competitions, livestock sales and displays, a quality hands-on agriculture education program, live entertainers, more than 300 commercial and agricultural exhibits and much more. For tickets, visit provincialexhibition.com/royal-manitoba-winter-fair.

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

• 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. — The Rotary Club Spring Book Sale will be held in the Imperial Ballroom at the Victoria Inn (3350 Victoria Ave.) with more than 75,000 books. Free book for every child. Please bring your own book bags.

• 7:30 p.m. — “The Persian Version” screens at the Evans Theatre at Brandon University (270 18th St.). All seats $6, cash only. For more information, visit evanstheatre.ca.

SATURDAY

• All day — The Royal Manitoba Winter Fair, held annually during Manitoba’s March spring break, is a tourism highlight in Western Canada. The RMWF is one of Western Canada’s largest agricultural events, the largest annual event to be held in Brandon and only one of two fairs in Canada to receive Royal designation from Queen Elizabeth II. At the fair, you can expect to see world-class show jumping, heavy horse competitions, livestock sales and displays, a quality hands-on agriculture education program, live entertainers, more than 300 commercial and agricultural exhibits and much more. For tickets, visit provincialexhibition.com/royal-manitoba-winter-fair.

• 9 a.m to 2 p.m. — The Rotary Club Spring Book Sale will be held in the Imperial Ballroom at the Victoria Inn (3350 Victoria Ave.) with more than 75,000 books. Free book for every child. Please bring your own book bags.

• 11 a.m. — Friends of Riding Mountain National Park Learning Centre are hosting some Easter activities at 154 Columbine St. in Wasagaming. Hotdog and smokie fundraiser from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.; come-and-go Easter scavenger hunt from noon to 3 p.m. and Easter s’mores from 2 to 3 p.m. For more information, call 204-848-4037.

• 1 p.m. — The seventh annual Easter EGGstravaganza Egg Hunt, hosted by Assiniboine Community College, takes place at the Assiniboine North Hill Campus (1035 First St. North) Len Evans Centre for Trades and Technology. Arrive at 1 p.m.; egg hunt starts at 1:30 p.m. sharp! Bring your own basket. Free candy and prizes. Egg hunt is for children aged 12 and under.

• 2 p.m. — Story Trails, a hike through the forest led by an Indigenous storyteller. Grab a free snowshoe rental and listen to stories. Assiniboine Food Forest (201 17th St. East). Free. Register at Brandon.ca/Rec-Programs or call 204-729-2471.

• 7:30 p.m. — “The Persian Version” screens at the Evans Theatre at Brandon University (270 18th St.). All seats $6, cash only. For more information, visit evanstheatre.ca.

SUNDAY

• Day — Westman’s Spring Soccer Program is open for registration until March 31 for girls and boys turning 3-17 years of age in 2024. The program runs in Brandon (BYSA), Minnedosa (MYSA), Rivers (RYSA) and Boissevain under Southwest United (SUSA). U3-U17 (minis) teams play in their local community only. U9-U17 teams play in a league against the other community teams, boys on Monday and Wednesday and girls on Tuesday and Thursday. To register, visit westmansoccer.ca and click on the Spring Soccer Registration tab. The season starts in May and will run for eight weeks.

MONDAY

• 1:15 to 4 p.m. — East End Sunshine Card Club meets Mondays at the East End Community Centre (405 Park St., corner of Park and Victoria Avenue East). Coffee and snacks. Members and guests are welcome. For more information, call 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. Come enjoy a fun evening at minimal cost.

• 7 p.m. — Paquette Productions presents, direct from the U.K., “Walk Right Back — The Everly Brothers” at the Western Manitoba Centennial Auditorium (205 20th St.). The show follows the brothers’ rise to fame from humble country beginnings to superstardom. Tickets are available at the WMCA box office or by calling 204-728-9510.

WEDNESDAY

• 10:15 a.m. — Drop in to the Brandon Shoppers Mall Library Branch for Wiggly Wednesday, a story time program for children ages 0-5. Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by a caregiver.

• 1 p.m. — The Brandon Neighbourhood Renewal Corporation in partnership with the new Action Research on Chronic Homelessness (ARCH Project) proudly presents Street Stories at the Western Manitoba Centennial Auditorium (205 20th St.) until 4 p.m. Listen to stories shared by Indigenous Knowledge Keepers and Storytellers experiencing homelessness in Brandon. Stories will illustrate paths that have led to homelessness and explore routes we can travel to safe and secure housing. Free admission. For more information: actionresearch@bnrc.ca or call 204-729-2490 ext. 109.

• 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.

• 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

• Lady of the Lake (135-B 17th St. North) — Upcoming: April 5, The Tom Cat Trio. Tickets $10; April 11, Spring Fashion show and dinner.

• The 40 (210 18th St. North) — The bar and vendor will be open on Good Friday for holiday hours from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Come join us on Saturday for Matt Cory’s EP release showcase. Show at 9 p.m. Tickets $15 in advance or $20 at the door.

• Sand Hills Casino (777 Sand Hill Dr., Carberry) — Rocketbilly takes the stage with some classic rock and country at the Oasis Bar & Grill Friday and Saturday nights. 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.

• Eastside Eatery (1451 Richmond Ave.) — Aces Entertainment is introducing Spades Saturdays. Join us for an exclusive monthly night with a twist — different venue, different concept each time. This Saturday, we are taking it to the Eagles Nest Bar and Grill for our winter fair weekend launch party. ’90s/2000s hip hop and R&B plus rap club hits and dancehall with DJ OG Palta and DJ DZL. Live performances by TJAY Suave with support by BBG Gambino. Doors open at 10 p.m. Get on the guest list at acesentertainment.ca/rsvp.

• The Dock on Princess (1133 Princess Ave.) — We are super excited to have Bull Ruckus playing in the pub tonight. Happy hour set at 4:45 p.m. with the main show at 7:30 p.m. The next mystery in our series is a family case on Friday from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The case of who stole Honey the Bunny from Ms. Hartwell’s classroom. Family-friendly — we recommend ages 10 and up. Bring your young detectives and help us solve the case in time for Easter. Upcoming: April 1: Murder Mystery of CEO Sandra Ivey. Put your best team together and book your table by calling 204-726-1234 or email erin@thedockonprincess.com. Seating is limited.

• Houstons Country Roadhouse (3130 Victoria Ave.) — It’s a Pyjama Party on Thursday. Join us for a night of fun and laughter as we embrace the spirit of Bad Bunny with a pyjama party like no other. Prizes for best dressed. Then on Saturday, get ready to vibe with DJ Kaotik as we keep the party going until 3 a.m. Free cover until 11 p.m.

• Great Western Roadhouse (1125 18th St. at Canad Inns) — We are open on Friday from 9 p.m. to 3 a.m. Free cover until 11 p.m.

Museums and galleries

• Commonwealth Air Training Plan Museum (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. 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. In honour of RCAF’s 100th anniversary, the museum is hosting a free open house April 1 from 1 to 4 p.m. as we reopen for the season. Travel back to the 1940s while touring a Second World War-vintage hangar, aircraft, vehicles and hundreds of artifacts from that era. Coffee and dainties from Chez Angela will be served. 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 adults; $5 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 adults; $5 seniors and students (6-18), 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, a gift shop that supports more than 90 Manitoban artists and artisans. In the Community Gallery: “Young & Creative in Southwestern Manitoba,” until April 13. Upcoming in the Main Gallery: “The Problem of the Moon,” running from April 4 to June 8. 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.

• 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.

• Glen P. Sutherland Gallery of Art (2021 Victoria Ave. at Brandon University) — On Thursday at 7 p.m. is the opening reception of “Prairie Reflections: Where have they gone?,” a thesis exhibition by Kathy Harrison, a student in the IshKaabatens Waasa Gaa Inaabateg Department of Visual Art at Brandon University, will open at the Glen P. Sutherland Gallery of Art. Free admission. The exhibition of paintings and mixed media installation illustrates the decline in the Tall Grass Prairie and offers hope for future restoration. The exhibition concludes today — open from 1 to 4 p.m.

• 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., 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. For more information, email virdenpioneermuseum@gmail.com.

UPCOMING EVENTS

• April 4 — The award-winning Konektis choir, with 50 singers from all over Westman, will perform at the AUD Theatre (228 Wellington St. West, Virden) at 8 p.m. Admission $15 at the door. Doors open at 7:30 p.m.

• April 4-6 — Brandon University Drama students present David French’s comedic drama “Salt-Water Moon” at the Evans Theatre on the Brandon University campus. April 4, 5 and 6 at 7 p.m., with a matinee on April 6 at 2 p.m. Tickets are cash only at the door. General admission $20; seniors $10; students $5. For more information or to reserve, email SaltWaterMoon2024@gmail.com or visit Eventbrite.com.

• April 5 — The Western Manitoba Centennial Auditorium (205 20th St.) presents Looking Glass Theatre’s “Padre X,” a true story of Canadian Second World War Capt. John Weir Foote, the only chaplain to win the Victoria Cross — a story that, until now, has never been told. Shows at 1 p.m. which also features a talk back with the award-winning Canadian playwright, Marc A. Moir, after the show, and 7:30 p.m.

• April 5 — The Jakeleg Blues Band will perform at the Sawmill Tea and Coffee Co. (298 South Railway St., Boissevain) at 8 p.m. For tickets or more information, call 204-534-2956.

• April 5-7 — Brandon’s Home and Leisure Show will take place at the Keystone Centre (use entrance beside the Brandon Curling Club on east side of centre). Come and join us for the latest innovations in home, building, leisure and recreation products and services. April 5 from 1 to 9 p.m.; April 6 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; April 7 from noon to 5 p.m. General admission: adults $10; seniors $10 and children under 16 are free when accompanied by an adult.

• April 6 — Knox United Church’s (451 18th St.) annual spring indoor garage (rummage) sale will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Please use 17th Street entrance. Clean reasonable priced items including household, outdoor, sport, clothing, books, collectibles etc. Something for everyone!

• April 6 — Steppin’ Out Old Tyme Dance will be held at the Royal Canadian Legion Brandon No. 3 in Brandon (560 13th St. East) from 7:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. Live music by Northern Reflections. All are welcome to join us. Light refreshments served. Admission is $20. For more information, call Barbara 204-728-5636.

• April 6 — GloveBoxGold presents Tom Petty’s “Full Moon Fever” at the Western Manitoba Centennial Auditorium (205 20th St.) at 8 p.m. A Fleetwood Mac set followed by a full set of Tom Petty’s greatest hits. Doors open at 7 p.m.; show at 8 p.m. Tickets are available at the WMCA box office or by calling 204-728-9510.

• April 7 — The Crocus Obedience and Kennel Club (COKC) is hosting an ACC Sanctioned One-Day Agility Trial in Barn 3 (Practise Barn) at the Keystone Centre.

• April 11 — Come join us for a Spring Fashion Show and Dinner at Lady of the Lake. Doors open at 6 p.m.; dinner at 6:30 p.m.; show at 7 p.m.; shop until 9 p.m. Tickets are available online at ladyofthelake.ca with proceeds to Women’s Resource Centre Brandon.

• April 12 — The season’s final Konektis choir concert will take place at Knox United Church (451 18th St.) at 8 p.m.

• April 13 — Knox United Church (415 18th St.) presents Just Desserts and Trivia Night. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Trivia begins at 6:45 p.m. Cost: Adults $20; under 15 $5. Teams of eight are suggested. Expect three rounds of trivia with luscious dessert between rounds. Registration in advance is required by contacting Katheryne at 204-573-6558 or email buyknoxtickets@gmail.com

• April 13 — The Virden Collegiate Choir is pleased to be joined by the St. James Assiniboia Senior Divisional Choir in the Virden Auditorium Theatre (228 Wellington St. West, Virden) at 3:30 p.m. VCI choir directed by Luke Munchinsky. SJASD Senior Choir directed by Avonlea Armstrong-Green. Tickets are $10 general admission at the door. Doors open at 3 p.m.

• April 13 — The City of Brandon Parks and Recreation presents The Great Brandon Mystery First Edition (April 13 or June 1) and Second Edition (May 18 or June 15) from 1 to 5 p.m. This is a completive mystery solving program for adults. Inspired by Explorer’s Club, teams of two to five will race against time to solve one of Brandon’s greatest mysteries. Participants will be required to travel around solving challenging clues and puzzles and even completing challenges. The first team to solve the mystery will receive a prize. Cost is $25 for individual spot or $100 for the team. Visit brandon.ca/rec-programs to register or call 204-729-2471.

• April 14 — Westman Jams meets at Eastside Eatery (1451 Richmond Ave.) from 2 to 4 p.m. Join the Jam and play, sing, listen or dance. Have some fun and help us raise money for the Reg Jones Memorial Scholarship Fund, which financially assists local students attending the International Music Camp at the International Peace Garden.

• April 18-21 — The Brandon Psychic and Crystal Fair will take place at the Victoria Inn (3550 Victoria Ave.) featuring some of Canada’s top psychics, mediums, astrologers, rune reading, healers, tea leaf, palm readers and aura photo booth. Lots of beautiful crystals and handmade jewelry. Tickets are $10 (good for the entire weekend); children 12 and under are free. $3,000 in door prizes. April 18, 2 to 10 p.m.; April 19, 2 to 10 p.m.; April 20, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; April 21, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

• April 19 — The Western Manitoba Centennial Auditorium (205 20th St.) welcomes dancers from the Royal Winnipeg Ballet School Anna McCowan-Johnson Aspirant Program for a performance of both classical and contemporary dance, “On the Edge,” at 7:30 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are available at the WMCA box office or by calling 204-728-9510.

• April 20 — The 26th Field Regiment, Royal Canadian Artillery, XII Manitoba Dragoons Museum and Friends of the Museum Inc. (FOMI) present the 43rd annual Vimy & Beyond Fundraiser “Operation Overload,” D-Day 80th Anniversary at the Brandon Armoury (1116 Victoria Ave.). Please use the 11th Street entrance. Dinner from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. No reserved seating. Chinese food with cash bar. Choir, Pipes and Drums, auctions and 50/50 draw. Cost is $25 per person. RSVP by April 16 to Jacquie: 204-724-7530 or email 26fomi@gmail.com Payment must be made by April 16. Cheques can be mailed to FOMI, 1116 Victoria Ave., Brandon, MB R7A 1B2 or etransfer: 1116fldmuseum@gmail.com. Virtual Vimy via ZOOM, register: 26fdregmuseum@wcgwave.ca. All proceeds directed to the museum.

• April 20 — Come and celebrate the 30th annual Cerebral Palsy Westman stationary bike race in the UCT Pavilion at the Keystone Centre (#1-1175 18th St.) from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. First riders start at 10 a.m. To sign up: bikerace@cerebralpalsy.mc.ca. Each 25-minute ride enriches the lives of Manitobans living with CP.

• April 20 — Mini Pop Kids 2024, a concert by kids, for kids and adults too, takes place at the Western Manitoba Centennial Auditorium (205 20th St.) at 3 p.m. Tickets are available at the WMCA box office or by calling 204-728-9510.

• April 20-21 — The 22nd annual Keystone Alpaca Classic will be held at the Westoba Credit Union Agricultural Centre of Excellence. Alpacas from across the Prairies come to compete for supreme male and female alpaca.

• April 23 — The 22nd annual Preschool Wellness Fair is being held at the Keystone Centre on the Upper Concourse from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event offers free professional screening for pre-school aged children (3 to 5) in speech and language, hearing and general development. This year we are adding optical screening to our list. Public Health will be present to offer optional vaccinations and each child will be given a book courtesy of Sunset Rotary. There will be a children’s play area as well as a healthy snack for each child. Registrations are accepted until 5 p.m. Screening ends at 6 p.m.

• April 26 — Brandon Conservatory Chorale presents their Spring Sing Concert at First Presbyterian Church (339 12th St.) at 7 p.m. This concert features Marla Fontaine, youth choir director; Deanna Ginn, bel canto director; Kara Dixon and Davis Placatka and collaborative pianists. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Admission is $10; 12 and under are free.

• April 27 — Brandon’s Largest Garage Sale (Spring edition) takes place at the Keystone Centre from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is $3 for adults; children 12 and under are free.

• April 28 — The Brandon Community Orchestra presents its spring concert, “Old World & New World,” at the Western Manitoba Centennial Auditorium (205 20th St.) at 3 p.m. This concert will feature music from Europe and the Americas, including movements from Dvorak’s “New World Symphony.” Tickets are $15 for adults; $10 for seniors and students; children 12 and under are free. Tickets available at the WMCA box office 204-728-9510 and at the door.

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