Velvet Dip marks 60 years of serving Brandon

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This article was published 15/06/2025 (310 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The Velvet Dip celebrated its 60th anniversary with a vibrant community celebration on Saturday, drawing hundreds of customers to its iconic Victoria Avenue location for a day filled with sweet treats, shared memories and heartfelt appreciation for six decades of local support.

Owned by Sam and Jackie Kamann-Oke, who purchased the seasonal soft-serve ice cream business from Jackie’s parents in 2005, Velvet Dip remains a proud family operation. The Kamann family has owned the business for over 40 of its 60 years, with Jackie herself having been involved for more than three decades.

The celebration brought in over 300 people throughout the day, a testament to the business’s enduring popularity in Brandon and beyond.

Visitors were treated to more than just ice cream, and community partnerships were at the heart of the festivities, Jackie told the Sun.

Funds for Furry Friends and Samaritan House Ministries set up on-site, with fundraising barbecues, adoptable pets, food drives and giveaways all part of the occasion.

“We wanted this to be a day that reflects our gratitude to the community,” she said. “We’ve been supported so faithfully, so it’s only right we give back.”

As part of the celebration, guests who donated food or money received vouchers for 60-cent ice cream cones, an homage to the milestone year.

Among the day’s highlights was the launch of a new treat specially created for the anniversary.

“The True North Big 60, a towering, decadent dessert made with Canadian-sourced ingredients like Nanaimo bars and red velvet cake,” Sam told the Sun. “It was a big hit with customers and a symbol of Velvet Dip’s commitment to creativity and local pride.”

The Okes, both long-time health-care professionals and now also active in real estate and diagnostics, purchased Velvet Dip as a retirement project, though it has grown far beyond that. Since taking over in 2005, they’ve expanded to a second location in Clear Lake, growing their staff from about 10 to 30 employees, mostly local youth from middle school to university.

“We take pride in our team,” she said. “We’ve always treated our staff with the respect and trust they deserve. And the result is a workplace that people want to come back to, year after year.”

That positive culture is evident in the stories of employees like Sydney Sass, who joined the team two summers ago. “It’s such a great place to work. Everyone is so nice. It doesn’t even feel like work most days,” she shared.

Jorja Hoad, who started as a high school student and now manages the original location while also playing on Brandon University’s soccer team, agreed with Sass.

“There’s such a welcoming and encouraging atmosphere here,” she said. “It’s been an incredible journey, and I’m excited for what the next decade holds.”

Over the years, the business has evolved. Velvet Dip’s original building once served up diner-style food with a walk-in setup, including hot dogs, onion rings and foot-longs. When Jackie’s father purchased it in 1981, he transitioned toward ice cream cakes and novelties, eventually replacing the kitchen with a blast freezer. Today, the team continues to hand-make all their ice cream cakes and novelties on-site, a point of pride for the owners.

Beyond its sweet offerings, the owners see Velvet Dip as a connector — a place where generations of Brandonites have gathered and made memories.

“It’s always been more than just a business,” said Jackie. “It’s part of people’s summers, their childhoods, their families.”

As for the future, expansion or even franchising isn’t off the table. The couple has received offers and opportunities, but for now, they’re focused on maintaining the quality, community and customer care that have made Velvet Dip a household name for 60 years.

And with nieces and nephews expressing interest in continuing the family legacy, the next chapter of Velvet Dip may remain an Oke story.

“We’ve raised a lot of young people here. And honestly, that’s what makes it all so special,” she added.

» aodutola@brandonsun.com

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