Let’s do something — Dec. 7, 2023

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 07/12/2023 (1015 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

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TODAY

• 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.

• 7 p.m. — The Brockie Donovan 26th annual Tree of Memories Community Candlelight Memorial Service, an evening for members of the community to join together to remember our loved ones who are no longer with us to celebrate the holidays. Community members are invited to place an ornament bearing the name of their loved one on the Tree of Memories. The service will take place at McDiarmid Drive Alliance Church (635 McDiarmid Dr.) at 7 p.m. If you would like an ornament to place on the tree, call 204-727-0694, and we can prepare your ornament and confirm your attendance. Everyone is welcome.

FRIDAY

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

• 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. — Senior Central Dances are starting for the season every Friday (until Dec. 15) at the Central Community Centre (529 Fourth St.) with coffee and lunch to follow. Prairie Fire will provide the music. Cost is $15 per person. Come and join us!

• 7 p.m. — The Brandon Wheat Kings host the Moose Jaw Warriors at Westoba Place. Tickets available at the Keystone Centre box office.

• 7 p.m. — The Brandon University Brass Ensemble will perform a Christmas concert at the Lorne Watson Recital Hall. Edward Bach, conductor. No admission charge.

• 7:30 p.m. — The Evans Theatre at Brandon University (270 18th St.) will be showing “Royal Hotel.” All seats are $6, cash only. For more information, visit evanstheatre.ca

SATURDAY

• 10 a.m. to 3 pm. — Gold Leaf events is hosting a Christmas Market in Minnedosa at the Community Conference Centre (63 Main St. North). Shop from more than 30 makers and sellers. There’s a $2 admission, and 12 and under get in free. There will be a raffle, Market Dollar giveaways and more.

• 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. — A perogy lunch and sale will be held at St. Jude’s Church (Main St. in Erickson). Lunch consists of perogies, sausage, coleslaw and dessert. Adults $12; children 6 to 12 years $5; under six are free. Five dozen frozen perogies on sale for $30 a bag.

• 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. — Come and be a part of the very first Santa at the Garden at the International Peace Garden. Kids will have the chance to get creative and bring home a decorated cookie from our Cookie Decorating with Gerry station. There will be lots of crafts to keep little ones busy. Gift shop is full of holiday treasures and independent vendors will be on hand. Will also be outdoor activities for everyone to delight in.

• 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. — Brandon Hills Model Railway Club will be holding an open house in the Commonwealth Air Training Plan Museum, Building D until 4 p.m. Free admission. Various layouts and displays and also a railway yard switching contest. For more information, call 204-761-1244 or 204-724-7603.

• 1 p.m. — Join us at the Sportsplex pool for a Jolly Holiday Swim from 1 to 6 p.m. with holiday music and decorations. Admission is $5 at the front desk.

• 1:30 p.m. — Come join us at Santa Land at the Sportsplex Arena from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. There will be a variety of stations, cookie decorating, hot chocolate bar, Christmas crafts and a holiday storytime with the Western Manitoba Regional Library. There will also be a photo booth area as well. Santa visits are from 1:30 to 3 p.m. only! All activities are free of charge and covered under the $5 admission fee. No pre-registration necessary.

• 3 p.m. — The Mecca Family Holiday Concert will take place at the Western Manitoba Centennial Auditorium. Tickets available at the WMCA box office or by calling 204-728-9510.

• 7 p.m. — The Brandon Wheat Kings host the Kamloops Blazers at Westoba Place. Tickets available at the Keystone Centre box office.

• 7 p.m. — The annual musical Christmas For Everyone will be held at Calvary Temple (620 34th St.). Come and join us for a night of Christmas carols and inspiration. Also takes place again Dec. 10 at 10 a.m.

• 7:30 p.m. — The Evans Theatre at Brandon University (270 18th St.) will be showing “Royal Hotel.” All seats are $6, cash only. For more information, visit evanstheatre.ca

• 7:30 p.m. — Club 77’s 44th annual dinner dance will take place at the Ukrainian Hall (1005 Assiniboine Ave.) with music by Nite Life. Check with Gwen at 204-726-0350 for dinner dance ticket availability. Dance only tickets will be available at the door at 7:30 p.m. Music and dance only admission is $15.

SUNDAY

• 1 p.m. — The City of Brandon is hosting its annual Christmas Open House at city hall featuring the Brandon Community Orchestra with special guests Suzuki Strings. Doors open at 1 p.m.; concert from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Everyone welcome!

• 1 p.m. — Brandon Wildlife Associations Big Buck Awards night takes place in the Manitoba Room at the Keystone Centre. All heads must have a 2023 Province of Manitoba tag to enter the competition. Pre-measure from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Deadline is 3 p.m. Admission is $10 and 12 and under are free. For more information, call 724-2177 or visit brandonwildlifeassociation.ca/bigbuck2023.

• 7:30 p.m. — The Evans Theatre at Brandon University (270 18th St.) will be showing “Royal Hotel.” All seats are $6, cash only. For more information, visit evanstheatre.ca

MONDAY

• 1:15 to 4 p.m. — The East End Sunshine Card Club meets Mondays at the East End Community Centre at the corner of Victoria Avenue East and Park Street. Coffee and snacks. Members and guests are welcome. For more information, call 204-727-3539.

TUESDAY

• 7 p.m. — Brandon University Chamber Music in Concert will take place in the Lorne Watson Recital Hall. Five diverse chamber groups will perform including works by Barber, Schumann, J.S. Bach, Sanit-Saens, Alice Pink Yee Ho, Argento and Brahms. This recital is the culmination of the work these students have done in the Chamber Music course during the 2023 fall term. No admission charge.

WEDNESDAY

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

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

• 7 p.m. — The Brandon Wheat Kings host the Kelowna Rockets at Westoba Place. Tickets available at the Keystone Centre box office.

AT THE CLUBS

• Lady of the Lake (135-B 17th St. North, Brandon) — Join us on Friday for Chris Froome from 6-7:30 p.m. Then from 9 to 11 p.m. Scott Nolan takes the stage. Tickets are $20. Upcoming: Dec. 15, House of Hex Drag Show (sold out).

• The 40 (210 18th St. North, Brandon) — For one night only The 40 presents hometown favourites 18 Rabbit on Friday! Cover $10. Doors open at 9 p.m. On Saturday it is Waylon, Willie and Cash: A Tribute to The Highwayman featuring Mike Sacharko, Ryan Keown and JR Charron and backed up by Chris Nakonechny, Brennan McNabb, Troy McKenzie and Max Dupas. Tickets are $25 plus fees and available at The 40 (cash only) and also at showpass.com. Doors open at 8 p.m. Rush seating, standing room only. No table reservations. All events are 18+ and a valid photo ID is required for entry. Upcoming: Dec. 15 IKONS OF ROCK: 90’s Rock Circus (sold out); Dec. 16 Damn The Torpedoes: Tom Petty Tribute.

• Houstons Country Roadhouse (3130 Victoria Ave.) — All White Saturday Night on Saturday. Featuring an inflatable snowglobe photo booth. Wear white. Doors open at 9 p.m. Help celebrate DJ Kaotik’s birthday!

• Great Western Roadhouse (1125 18th St. at Canad Inns) — Upcoming: Dec. 15, Knowled, official DJ of the Backstreet Boys On a World Tour will be playing at the Roadhouse!

• Chez Angela Bakery and Café (Unit C, 29 10th St., Brandon) — Free music Fridays from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Come check us out! This Friday features Close But No Guitar.

• Sand Hills Casino (777 Sand Hill Dr., Carberry) — Crossfyre brings some classic rock and country music to the stage on Friday and Saturday in the Oasis Bar and Grill. Live and always free.

• The Dock on Princess (1133 Princess Ave.) — We have one more Murder Mystery before Christmas! Reserve your table for Dec. 11 and see if you can solve the cold case of who murdered Jane Doe. Give us a call at 204-726-1234 to reserve your spot.

• Eastside Eatery (1451 Richmond Ave.) — Upcoming: Dec. 16, The Jingle Bell with Nuthin’ But Trouble

• Club 1202 (1202 Rosser Ave.) — The Wheat City Jug Band performs at the Rock Wall in Club 1202 on Saturday from 7 to 9 p.m. If you are looking for a fun night with great music and friends this is the place to be! Doors open at 6:30 p.m. $5 cover which includes one drink. Open to all ages, 12 and under are free.

MUSEUMS AND GALLERIES

• Commonwealth Air Training Plan Museum (Brandon Municipal Airport, Highway 10, 1.6 kilometres north of Brandon) — 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. The museum will reopen on April 1, 2024, weather permitting. The museum’s RCAF Second World War Memorial is open to the public from sunrise to sundown. This is 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.

• 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 for adults, $5 for seniors and youth (six to 18 years old), family (up to two adults and three children) $12, and children under five are admitted free. For more information, visit dalyhousemuseum.ca or call 204-727-1722.

• Royal Canadian Artillery Museum (Building N-118 Patricia Rd., CFB Shilo) — In September 2023, we opened our Second World War vehicle display. Military vehicles provided firepower, logistical support, mobility and protection for the Canadian Army, enhancing their effectiveness during the Second World War. The exhibit includes eight military vehicles used by Canadians 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 (six to 18 years old), free for children under six. Phone 204-765-3000 (ext. 3570) or email RCAMuseum@forces.gc.ca.

• Art Gallery of Southwestern Manitoba (Unit 2, 710 Rosser Ave., Brandon) — “A contemporary art gallery, school and shop that celebrates artistic excellence and diversity within our region and beyond.” The AGSM is Manitoba’s oldest centre for visual art and one of Canada’s first. It boasts two art galleries, studios for youth and adult classes, a gift shop that supports more than 90 Manitoban artists and artisans. The 19th annual Members’ Show will be in the Main Gallery from Nov. 30 to Dec. 16. Surien Fourie’s “Soul Bearing” is in the Community Gallery until Jan. 13, 2024. 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• ArtsForward (293 Mountain Ave., Neepawa) — ArtsForward is the central arts venue in Neepawa, in visual, literary, performing and material arts. Hours are: 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.

UPCOMING EVENTS

• Dec. 15 — Singles Night – Jingle and Mingle at The Backyard on Aberdeen (1624 13th St. Unit B) at 7 p.m. Looking for someone special or just to meet new people? Live music by Jaadar, snack bar, cash bar and games. Tickets are $25. RSVP to singlesnights-buoa.rsvpify.com.

• Dec. 16 — The Brandon Wheat Kings host the Moose Jaw Warriors at Westoba Place at 7 p.m. Tickets available at the Keystone Centre box office.

• Dec. 16 — The second annual Winter Solstice Event, hosted by Sylvia Aeichele and Teresa Grudinski, will take place at the North End Community Centre (1313 Stickney Ave.) from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. This is a Holistic Intuitive Healing event. Donations accepted for Samaritan House.

• Dec. 16 — Brandon Conservatory Chorale presents a Christmas Concert at First Presbyterian Church (339 12th St.) at 3 p.m. Doors open at 2:30 p.m. Features Marla Fontaine, Youth Choir Director and Deanna Ginn, Bel Canto Director. Admission is $10 and 12 and under are free.

• Dec. 17 — Stars On Ice returns to the Westoba Place in the Keystone Centre with their special holiday performance at 5 p.m. Elvis Stojko brings a star-studded cast of Canadian and international skaters, including Kaitlyn Weaver and Andrew Poje, Keegan Messing, Alex Knierim and Brandon Frazier, Satoko Miyahara, Kirsten Moore-Towers and Michael Marinaro, Elladj Balde and more. Tickets are available at tickets-centre.com.

• Dec. 17 — Clear Lake Chamber Music Festival is thrilled to announce the grand finale of 2023 with two spectacular Holiday Lights concerts in Brandon and Winnipeg. The enchanting performances will take place at the Lorne Watson Recital Hall, Brandon University School of Music at 7 p.m. The Winnipeg concert takes place Dec. 23 at Broadway United Church at 7 p.m. Artistic director Daniel Tselyakov will captivate the audience with a virtuosic rendition of Pletnev’s arrangement of The Nutcracker and selections from Liszt’s Christmas Tree Suite. Additionally, jazz and gospel singer Monika Wall will collaborate with Daniel for beloved Christmas classics. Advance tickets are $25 for adults ($30 at the door); seniors/students $20 ($25 at the door). You can purchase tickets from the School of Music or by calling 204-727-9631 or 204-571-6547 or email Burba@BrandonU.ca or music@BrandonU.ca.

• Dec. 17 — The 42nd annual Brandon Christmas Bird Count will take place today. Participants will count birds within a 15-mile diameter circle surrounding the city of Brandon. To participate you can join a group as a Field Counter within an assigned area or be a Feeder Watcher and count the birds that are attracted to your yard and feeders. For more information and to fill out a form to join us, email us at westman.naturalists@gmail.com .

• Dec. 22 — Come and enjoy a traditional turkey dinner with dessert by Aidas catering and a game of trivia by Kate at 6 p.m. at The Backyard on Aberdeen (1624 13th St. Unit B) Tickets are $40 and available at trivianight-byoa.rsvpify.com.

• Dec. 22 — Blue Christmas – a Service of Hope and Remembrance will take place at Trinity United Church (1515 6th St.) at 7 p.m. For many people, the Christmas season does not bring with it joy and happiness that is often associated with this time of year. Individuals may be facing the holiday after the death of a loved one; after a separation or divorce; facing illness with a loved one or self. This service will have more of a quiet, somber feel and the scriptures, music and mediation will be focused on the comfort God offers during dark times. Everyone is welcome.

• Dec. 23 — Come join us for an unforgettable Merry-achi Christmas dinner party at the Royal Canadian Legion (560 13th St. East) at 6:30 p.m. The night kicks off with a dinner served by Sabor Latino followed by Mariachi Latino Band with some lively tunes, adding a touch of Mexican flair to the Christmas spirit and DJ music. Dinner from 7 to 8 p.m. Please be on time. Music, dance floor and bar open from 7 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. Bar only accepts cash or debit. General admission is $65; VIP seats $80. Tickets available online through Eventbrite or at Sabor Latino Restaurant. Guests must be 18 and over. Dress to impress!

• Dec. 25 — The Westman and Area Traditional Christmas Dinner will be held in the MNP Room at the Keystone Centre from noon to 6 p.m. No one should be alone at Christmas, so come down for a hearty meal with the fellowship of the community on Christmas Day. If you wish to volunteer, you can email christmasdinner@scgwave.ca or call 204-728-7987.

• Dec. 27 — The Brandon Wheat Kings host the Regina Pats at Westoba Place at 7 p.m. Tickets available at the Keystone Centre box office.

• Dec. 29 — The Brandon Wheat Kings host the Saskatoon Blades at Westoba Place at 7 p.m. Tickets available at the Keystone Centre box office.

• Jan. 13 — Wheat City Nuit Blanche, a multi-disciplinary performance and art event featuring Brandon University Music students, faculty and ensembles will take place at the Art Gallery of Southwestern Manitoba from 5 to 10 p.m.

• Jan. 15 — To kick off Manitoba Ag Days, come join us for Produced on the Prairies — A Craft Beer Tasting Event at the Dome Building on the Keystone Centre grounds at 7 p.m. The event will feature the best of Manitoba’s up and coming craft brewing scene. Sample a lineup of expertly crafted brews, meet the entrepreneurs and business owners behind these brands. Tickets are $40 and available online at Eventbrite.ca

• Jan. 19-20 — Westman Drama Ministries presents Disney’s PIXAR Finding Nemo Jr. at 635 McDiarmid Drive. Come explore the big blue world as Westman Drama Ministries presents their first music in Brandon. This is a perfect show for the whole family. Jan 19 at 7 p.m. and Jan 20 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Adults $22; children ages zero to 12 $19. VIP admission is $27. Tickets available at: finding-nemo-jr-westman,Eventbrite.com.

• Jan. 23 — Canada’s Juno award-winning group The Sheepdogs bring their Backroad Boogie tour to the Western Manitoba Centennial Auditorium at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available at the WMCA box office or by calling 204-728-9510.

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