au naturel
check out these cool and
varied outdoor spaces in the city
and just beyond
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Culture Club
karen chrest is a brandon mover and shaker. the former
host of ckX tV’s The Noon Show also has a theatre
background and is married to the mayor.
What’s the theatre
scene like here?
It’s really vibrant and
I’m so proud to a part of
the community. I have
performed in dozens of
productions, ranging
from small one-act
shows to large-scale
musicals and dramas. My
recent projects include
August: Osage County
and a production of
Always: Patsy Cline,
which we later
brought to the
stage of Winnipeg’s
Mtc Warehouse
theatre.
Brandon punches
above its weight
when it comes to
music. How can
visitors take part?
the music scene here
is amazing: We have
a renowned music
program at brandon
University; the brandon
chamber players offer a
concert series; and the
brandon Jazz Festival
attracts talented musi-
cians every year. there’s
free Music in the park
and our summer Lights
Music Festival. With live
music in large concert
venues, you can also
hear everything from
Jann arden to the
Wiggles.
Any insider tips?
brandon is far more
cosmopolitan and
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ethnically diverse than
people might think.
thanks to the influx of
new canadians settling
here, restaurants have
sprung up—from
ethiopian to Indian to
Latin american. For
an unrivaled culinary
experience, check out
any event hosted by
the Manitoba Institute
of culinary arts at
assiniboine community
college. our restored
heritage buildings are
also local treasures;
they’re filled with
boutiques, bakeries and
trendy lofts.
The Riverbank Discovery Centre marks
the starting point for an extensive
urban trail system, much of which runs
through wetlands and prairie grasses.
You’ll also find a playground, outdoor
fitness stations and a new 3,000-seat
amphitheatre. 545 Conservation Dr.
8
With the Assiniboine Food Forest in
Brandon’s east end, naturalist Dave
Barnes works to regenerate a bio-diverse
eco-system through permaculture
principles. Share in his work by taking
one of Barnes’ guided walk through the
food forest trail, where you’ll encounter
rehabbed riverbeds and forests.
201 17th St. E.
9
6
Manitoba Institute of Culinary Arts (5); Summer
Lights Music Festival (6)
For skateboarders, Kristopher Campbell
Memorial Skate Plaza is a must-vist.
The innovative and accessible skate park
has earned worldwide recognition for
its layout, which follows the floor plan of
the old Prince Edward Hotel that once
stood on the site. 908 Princess Ave.
CAA MANITOBA
SprINg 2019
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