As Covid vaccines roll out and active case numbers slowly diminish, Brandon First is looking forward to helping safely restart our events hosting industry. We have added an Upcoming Events section to our website menu to keep you informed on what’s happening in our city as things start to reopen. We know you’re as excited as we are to start attending events again; it is important we still keep in mind all social distancing, gathering number restrictions, public health ordinances and event safety guidelines as we begin to do so. The more we pull together the sooner we can fill the stands and gather together like we used to. In April, our staff will be virtually attending the 2021 Sport Tourism Canada Sports Events Congress where we will meet with up to 10 national sport organizations to discuss future bidding opportunities for events in Brandon in 2022 and beyond. It is our plan to help restart Brandon’s economy by recruiting sport events that will generate overnight hotel stays and generate economic impact for our local hotels, venues and other businesses. This is an event we have typically attended in person multiple times before with great success, and we are excited to continue building on past experiences to bring national sport events back to Brandon in a big way. And watch for Jenn and Sara on May 20th as they present as sponsors of the Chamber of Commerce Spring Speaker Series State of the City with Mayor Rick Chrest. If you haven’t reserved your spot yet you can visit the Chamber Website to register.
May 8, 2021 August 4 -8, 2021 Note: Please adhere to all public health ordinances and the event’s covid safety guidelines while attending events in Brandon
Apple and Pine Spring Market | Clara on the Keystone Centre Grounds
Apple and Pine are hosting an upcoming Artisan Market on the Keystone Grounds on Saturday, May 8th from 10am-4pm. This market is planned to be the first event to take place in Clara, the clear top outdoor tent venue currently under construction in the Patmore Forest on the eastern section of the Keystone Centre Grounds. For tickets, as this will be a covid safe, time-slotted event, please visit appleandpinemarket.com
Softball Canada U14 Girls Canadian Fastpitch Championships | Ashley Neufeld Softball Complex
The Softball Canada U14 Girls Canadian Championship will be held at the Ashley Neufeld Softball Complex this August at the Ashley Neufeld Softball Complex. This will be the first time since 2000 that Brandon has hosted a Softball Canada Championships with the 2021 event expected to include 24 teams from across the nation. For more information visit softball.ca. The “Light the Way” campaign aims to raise funds for lights for the Ashley Neufeld Softball Complex, ensuring our ability to host top quality provincial, regional and national level softball events for years to come. If you’re interested in becoming a sponsor of this program, please contact Bruce Luebke by email or by phone at 204-730-2142
Postponed 2021 Events:
It is unfortunate to note that the World Clydesdale Show has been rescheduled for 2023 and International Street and Ball Hockey’s World Ball Hockey Championships have been rescheduled to 2022. Both events were to take place this summer at the Keystone Centre.
We are, however, looking forward to attending these great events when they are able to safely come to our city!
Board Chair Honoured by Manitoba 150
We are so proud to share that our board chair, Chris Heide, was announced as one of the recipients of the Manitoba Honour 150!
Chris has been an active member on the Brandon First board since 2013 and this is his second time serving as our organizations Chair. In addition to the time he gives so generously to Brandon First, Chris has served in many other volunteer roles throughout our community including but certainly not limited to, the Wheat City Lions Club, Operation Red Nose and countless events and committees. We at Brandon First can’t think of a more deserving honoree.
Click here to see Chris’s full nomination bio. “HONOUR 150 presented by Canada Life, recognizes 150 people from across the province who stand out for their role in making Manitoba such an amazing province. Nominated by people in their own communities, these 150 individuals represent the diversity of our province.”
New members of Executive
We encourage you to join us in welcoming Katrina Sigurdson of Fusion Credit Union and Jeff Schumacher of the Keystone Centre to our Executive Committee for the Brandon First Board of Directors. Katrina and Jeff will be serving in the roles of Secretary and Treasurer respectively. These positions are two year terms and eligibility is open to any board member in good standing.
If you are a stakeholder and are interested in joining our Board of Directors to help bring the best events to Brandon, contact board chair Chris Heide or Development Coordinator Jenn Watson for more information.
Congratulations Katrina and Jeff and welcome to the Executive!
This year Brandon First is reaching out to our existing members individually to discuss membership benefits and 2021 invoicing. Thank you for your patience if you haven’t heard from us yet; it is our stakeholders’ ongoing support that helps us bring the best events to Brandon and we will be reaching out to you soon.
If your business is not yet a Brandon First stakeholder and you would like more information you can call our office at 204-729-2156 or click here for details on membership.
Do you have an event in mind you’d like to see come to Brandon in 2022, 2023 or 2024?
Let us know! info@brandonfirst.com or 204-729-2156
